perhaps from the equivalent of דְּהַב; goldmaking, i.e. exactness; golden city.
Transliteration:madhêbâh
Pronunciation:mad-hay-baw'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מַדְהֵבָה (madhêbâh, `{{H4062}}`) presents a unique challenge to lexicographers due to its singular occurrence in the Hebrew Bible. The base definition suggests a connection to the Aramaic root דְּהַב (dĕhab), meaning "gold," which is found in biblical Aramaic (e.g., [[Daniel 2:32]]). This etymological link gives rise to the primary proposed meanings: "goldmaking," "golden city," or something related to gold. The alternative interpretation, "exactness," likely stems from a proposed connection to a root implying precision or a demanding nature, possibly related to the concept of exacting tribute. The ambiguity highlights a scholarly debate, with some prioritizing the "golden" aspect and others leaning towards a meaning related to oppression or tribute collection. The rarity of the word necessitates a careful examination of its sole context for a nuanced understanding of its semantic potential.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word מַדְהֵבָה (madhêbâh, `{{H4062}}`) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, in [[Isaiah 14:4]]. This verse is part of a prophetic taunt song against the king of Babylon, following his downfall. The full phrase reads: "How the oppressor has ceased, the golden city (or 'exactress') has ceased!" (אֵיךְ שָׁבַת נֹגֵשׂ שָׁבְתָה מַדְהֵבָה).
The Masoretic Text (MT) tradition and many modern translations (e.g., KJV, ESV, NASB) render מַדְהֵבָה as "golden city" (KJV: "golden city"; ESV: "exactress of gold"; NASB: "golden city"), which aligns with the proposed Aramaic root for gold (דְּהַב). This interpretation vividly portrays Babylon as a city renowned for its wealth, splendor, and perhaps its idolatrous use of gold (cf. [[Daniel 5:2-4]]). The cessation of the "golden city" would then signify the complete collapse of Babylon's material glory and its oppressive power.
However, the Septuagint (LXX) translates מַדְהֵבָה as ἐπισπουδαστής (epispoudastēs), meaning "exactor" or "oppressor," which aligns with the "exactness" or "tribute" aspect of the definition. This rendering emphasizes the oppressive nature of Babylon, particularly its role in exacting heavy tribute or forced labor from subjugated nations. In this view, the phrase "the exactress has ceased" would directly parallel "the oppressor has ceased," reinforcing the theme of divine judgment against Babylon's tyrannical rule. Both interpretations fit the broader context of Isaiah 14, which celebrates the end of Babylon's cruel dominion over Israel and other nations. The parallelism with "oppressor" (נֹגֵשׂ, nogesh, `{{H5065}}`) in the first half of the verse lends some weight to the "exactress" interpretation, suggesting a synonymous or complementary idea of oppression.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the Aramaic דְּהַב (dĕhab), meaning "gold," from which מַדְהֵבָה is likely derived. This term appears frequently in the Aramaic portions of Daniel and Ezra, consistently referring to the precious metal (e.g., [[Daniel 2:32]], [[Ezra 7:16]]). The more common Hebrew word for gold is זָהָב (zahab, `{{H2091}}`), which is used extensively throughout the Old Testament to denote wealth, purity, divine glory (e.g., in the tabernacle furnishings), and also idolatry (e.g., the golden calf).
The concept of "gold" in the biblical narrative often symbolizes earthly power, splendor, and material security, which are frequently contrasted with the enduring power and sovereignty of God. When associated with empires like Babylon, gold can also represent the transient nature of human achievement and the pride that precedes a fall.
If the "exactness" or "tribute" meaning is favored, מַדְהֵבָה relates to concepts of oppression, taxation, and forced labor. This connects it to other terms describing the harsh rule of foreign powers, such as נֹגֵשׂ (nogesh, `{{H5065}}`, "taskmaster" or "oppressor"), which appears in the same verse. The idea of exacting tribute is a common theme in prophetic literature when describing the burdens placed upon conquered nations.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of מַדְהֵבָה, regardless of its precise rendering, is deeply embedded within the message of divine judgment and ultimate sovereignty in Isaiah 14. If translated as "golden city," it underscores the transience and futility of human glory and material wealth when amassed through pride and oppression and set against the will of God. Babylon, the epitome of worldly power and splendor, is brought to nothing, demonstrating that no earthly kingdom, however magnificent, can withstand the righteous judgment of the Almighty. This serves as a powerful reminder that true and lasting glory belongs only to God.
If interpreted as "exactress" or "oppressor," the word emphasizes God's justice in avenging the suffering of His people. The cessation of the "exactress" signifies the end of a tyrannical regime that burdened nations and exalted itself against God. This highlights God's role as the deliverer of the oppressed and the one who humbles the proud. The fall of Babylon, whether characterized by its lost gold or its ceased oppression, is a testament to Yahweh's power to overturn human empires and establish His righteous rule. In either case, the word points to the divine reversal of fortune, where the mighty are cast down and the humble are lifted up, ensuring that all creation ultimately acknowledges God's supreme authority.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מַדְהֵבָה (madhêbâh, `{{H4062}}`) is a unique and challenging term, appearing only once in [[Isaiah 14:4]] within a prophetic taunt against the king of Babylon. Its primary proposed meanings, "golden city" or "exactress/oppressor," stem from different interpretations of its etymological roots and contextual nuances. While the "golden city" interpretation emphasizes Babylon's material splendor and its inevitable downfall, the "exactress" view highlights its oppressive nature and the cessation of its tyrannical rule. Both readings contribute to the overarching theological message of Isaiah 14: God's absolute sovereignty over nations, His righteous judgment against human pride and oppression, and His ultimate deliverance of His people. The word, though rare, powerfully encapsulates the transient nature of earthly power and the enduring justice of God.
TRV