from an unused root meaning to step; properly, a step; by implication, a steep or inaccessible place; stair, steep place.
Transliteration:madrêgâh
Pronunciation:mad-ray-gaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun מַדְרֵגָה (madrêgâh), Strong's H4095, derives from an unused root signifying the act of "stepping." Its primary and most literal meaning is "step" or "stair," denoting an elevated surface designed for ascent or descent. By extension, and more significantly in its biblical usage, it carries the implication of a "steep place" or an "inaccessible place." This semantic expansion highlights the challenging, elevated, or even formidable nature of such a geographical feature. It conveys a sense of difficulty in traversing or approaching, suggesting an obstruction or a natural barrier.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word מַדְרֵגָה (madrêgâh) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in the prophetic book of Ezekiel:
* [[Ezekiel 38:20]]: "the fish of the sea and the birds of the heavens and the beasts of the field and all creeping things that creep on the ground, and all the people who are on the face of the earth, shall quake at my presence. And the mountains shall be thrown down, and the steep places (מַדְרֵגָה) shall fall, and every wall shall tumble to the ground."
In this singular occurrence, מַדְרֵגָה (madrêgâh) is used in a context of cataclysmic divine judgment against Gog. The "steep places" are depicted as natural geographical features that, alongside mountains and walls, will be utterly demolished and leveled by the awesome power of God. The falling of these "steep places" signifies a complete upheaval of the natural order and a dismantling of all perceived barriers or defenses. It underscores the overwhelming and inescapable nature of the Lord's judgment, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over creation. The imagery evokes a landscape rendered flat and featureless, incapable of offering refuge or resistance.
### Related Words & Concepts
While מַדְרֵגָה (madrêgâh) is unique in its single biblical occurrence, its core semantic range connects it to several related Hebrew terms:
* **Words related to "step" or "path":**
* `{{H1869}}` (derek): "way," "path," "journey." This is a much broader term for a course of movement.
* `{{H6471}}` (pa'am): "foot," "step," "time." Refers more to the physical foot or the act of stepping.
* **Words related to "ascent" or "elevation":**
* `{{H4609}}` (ma'aleh): "ascent," "going up," often referring to a physical climb or a place of ascent (e.g., "the ascent of Ziz"). This term shares the concept of elevation but without the specific nuance of a designed "step" or an inherently "inaccessible" quality.
* **Words related to "rock," "cliff," or "stronghold":**
* `{{H6697}}` (tsur): "rock," "cliff," often signifying strength, refuge, or a natural stronghold.
* `{{H5553}}` (sela'): "rock," "crag," similar to tsur, often denoting a rugged or inaccessible rocky formation.
* `{{H4053}}` (migdal): "tower," "fortress," a man-made elevated structure for defense.
The distinctiveness of מַדְרֵגָה (madrêgâh) lies in its specific focus on a natural "step" or "steep place" that serves as an impediment or a challenging elevation, particularly in the context of being overcome by divine force.
### Theological Significance
The solitary appearance of מַדְרֵגָה (madrêgâh) in [[Ezekiel 38:20]] carries profound theological weight. Situated within a vivid prophecy of God's judgment against Gog, the crumbling of "steep places" (מַדְרֵגָה) symbolizes the absolute and irresistible nature of divine power. These natural barriers, which might otherwise offer strategic advantage or protection, are rendered utterly impotent before the Lord.
Theologically, this verse proclaims God's ultimate sovereignty over all creation, including the very topography of the earth. No natural defense, no elevated stronghold, and no seemingly impregnable geographical feature can withstand His will. The leveling of the "steep places" underscores the futility of any resistance against the Almighty. It serves as a powerful reminder that in the day of the Lord's judgment, all obstacles, whether physical or metaphorical, will be removed, and His purposes will be perfectly executed. This imagery evokes a deep sense of awe and reverence for God's omnipotence and His unchallenged authority over the cosmos.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מַדְרֵגָה (madrêgâh), Strong's H4095, primarily means "step" or "stair," but in its sole biblical occurrence, it denotes a "steep" or "inaccessible place." Found exclusively in [[Ezekiel 38:20]], it describes natural geographical features that will "fall" and be leveled during God's cataclysmic judgment against Gog. The theological significance of this term lies in its powerful illustration of God's absolute sovereignty and irresistible power. The destruction of these seemingly formidable "steep places" symbolizes the complete dismantling of all natural and human defenses, underscoring the futility of any resistance against the Lord's divine will and the awe-inspiring nature of His judgment.
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