### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun madqârâh (מַדְקָרָה, `{{H4094}}`) is derived from the verbal root dâqar (דָּקַר, `{{H1856}}`), which carries the core meaning of "to pierce," "to thrust through," or "to stab." As a noun, madqârâh therefore denotes the *result* of such an action: a "wound" or a "piercing." Its semantic range specifically points to an injury involving penetration or a thrust, distinguishing it from more general terms for a bruise or a simple blow. It implies a physical breach or lesion caused by a sharp object or forceful impact.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word madqârâh (מַדְקָרָה, `{{H4094}}`) appears only once in the Masoretic Text of the Hebrew Bible, making its singular context highly significant.
* **[[Proverbs 23:29]]**: "Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes?"
* In this passage, madqârâh is translated as "wounds." The verse is part of a larger section of Proverbs warning against the dangers and destructive consequences of excessive drinking and lack of self-control. The "wounds without cause" (פְּצָעִים חִנָּם - *pəṣāʿîm ḥinnām*) are presented as one of the many miserable outcomes for those who linger over wine and are enslaved by alcohol. These are not wounds incurred in honorable battle or for a just cause, but rather injuries that are self-inflicted or sustained through foolish, reckless behavior brought on by intoxication. They are "without cause" in the sense that they are irrational, avoidable, and serve no beneficial purpose. This highlights the profound self-destructive nature of unrestrained indulgence and a life devoid of wisdom.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root Verb dâqar (דָּקַר, `{{H1856}}`):** The direct verbal root from which madqârâh is derived. This verb is used in various contexts to describe piercing, such as piercing a person with a sword ([[1 Samuel 31:4]]), piercing a sacrificial animal ([[Leviticus 4:7]]), or the profound prophetic image of piercing the Messiah ([[Zechariah 12:10]]).
* **Other Words for "Wound" or "Injury":**
* maḵâ (מַכָּה, `{{H4347}}`): A more general term for a blow, stroke, or wound, often referring to a physical beating or plague.
* peṣaʿ (פֶּצַע, `{{H6482}}`): A wound or bruise, often appearing alongside ḥabbûrâ (חַבּוּרָה, `{{H2250}}`, "stripe, bruise") as in [[Isaiah 1:6]]. While peṣaʿ can also denote a wound, madqârâh emphasizes the act of piercing or thrusting that creates it.
* negaʿ (נֶגַע, `{{H5061}}`): A stroke, plague, or mark, frequently used in the context of skin diseases or divine affliction.
* **Concepts:**
* **Consequences of Folly and Sin:** The primary conceptual link for madqârâh is the direct, often painful, outcome of unwise choices and sinful behavior, particularly in the context of self-indulgence.
* **Physical Suffering:** The word points to tangible bodily harm.
* **Self-Inflicted Harm:** The "without cause" aspect in [[Proverbs 23:29]] underscores the idea of harm brought upon oneself through a lack of discernment and self-control.
### Theological Significance
Though madqârâh is a rare word, its singular appearance in [[Proverbs 23:29]] carries significant theological weight within the wisdom tradition. It serves as a stark, visceral illustration of the physical and often self-inflicted suffering that inevitably accompanies a life lived outside the bounds of divine wisdom and self-discipline.
From a theological perspective, the "wounds without cause" are not merely accidental injuries but are presented as direct, natural consequences of a departure from God's ordained path of prudence and temperance. They underscore the biblical principle that sin and folly have real, painful repercussions that extend even to the physical body. This highlights God's design for human flourishing, which is intrinsically linked to wisdom and obedience. The wounds are a testament to the inherent order of creation, where choices bear fruit, whether good or ill.
While madqârâh itself does not directly refer to redemptive suffering, its root dâqar is profoundly significant in prophetic literature, particularly in [[Zechariah 12:10]], where it speaks of "looking on Him whom they have pierced." This broader connection to the act of piercing, especially in relation to the suffering Messiah, imbues the concept of "piercing" with immense theological depth concerning atonement and sacrifice, even if madqârâh specifically focuses on the negative consequences of human folly. Thus, the word, though rare, contributes to the biblical understanding of suffering as both a consequence of sin and, in a redemptive context, a means of salvation.
### Summary
The Hebrew word madqârâh (מַדְקָרָה, `{{H4094}}`), derived from the verb dâqar (דָּקָר, `{{H1856}}`) meaning "to pierce," signifies a "wound" or "piercing" injury. Its sole occurrence in the Hebrew Bible is in [[Proverbs 23:29]], where it describes the "wounds without cause" experienced by the drunkard. This singular usage powerfully illustrates the immediate, tangible, and often self-inflicted consequences of a life characterized by folly and a lack of self-control. Theologically, madqârâh serves as a potent reminder of the physical suffering that results from departing from divine wisdom, emphasizing that sinful choices lead to real and painful repercussions. It underscores the biblical principle that God's design for human flourishing is found in adherence to His wise counsel, and that disregard for it brings about self-destructive outcomes.
TRV