### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mahălâk**, represented by `{{H4109}}`, refers to a **walk**, a **journey**, or a distance. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. Its meaning is rooted in the act of walking and is used to define a literal passage or a specific distance traveled.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H4109}}` is used to provide concrete, physical dimensions to important events. It describes the immense size of Nineveh as a "city of three days' **journey**" [[Jonah 3:3]], emphasizing the scale of Jonah's mission. The word is also used to measure the prophet's initial progress into the city, "a day's **journey**" [[Jonah 3:4]]. In a different context, it refers to the duration of Nehemiah's trip when asked by the king, "For how long shall thy **journey** be?" [[Nehemiah 2:6]]. Finally, it details an architectural feature in Ezekiel's vision, describing "a **walk** of ten cubits breadth" [[Ezekiel 42:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of movement and pathways:
* `{{H3212}}` **yâlak** (to walk): As a primitive root related to the origin of `{{H4109}}`, this word denotes the fundamental action of walking or going. It is used both literally, as when Jonathan **went** to David [[1 Samuel 23:16]], and figuratively, as in the command to **walk** humbly with God [[Micah 6:8]].
* `{{H1870}}` **derek** (way): This word often signifies a road or path but extends figuratively to a course of life or action. It appears alongside `{{H4109}}` in Ezekiel's vision to describe a physical "**way**" [[Ezekiel 42:4]], and is used metaphorically to describe a person's spiritual path, such as forsaking a wicked **way** [[Isaiah 55:7]].
* `{{H935}}` **bôwʼ** (to go or come): This term for movement is used for entering or arriving. It appears in the account of Jonah, where he began to **enter** the city for his journey [[Jonah 3:4]], and is used in divine promises, such as when God grants a request [[1 Chronicles 4:10]] or when a vision will surely **come** [[Habakkuk 2:3]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H4109}}` lies in its ability to ground divine plans and prophetic missions in tangible, measurable reality.
* **Quantifying Divine Missions:** The word is used to establish the scale of God's work. By defining Nineveh as a "three days' **journey**" [[Jonah 3:3]], the text underscores the magnitude of the city's sin and the vastness of the repentance that followed God's message.
* **Context for Human Action:** A **journey** `{{H4109}}` often serves as the framework for a pivotal moment in God's plan. Both Jonah's reluctant **journey** to Nineveh [[Jonah 3:4]] and Nehemiah's requested **journey** to rebuild [[Nehemiah 2:6]] are physical movements that initiate significant spiritual and national developments.
* **Architectural and Prophetic Detail:** In Ezekiel's vision, the "**walk**" `{{H4109}}` is a specific measurement within a divinely revealed structure [[Ezekiel 42:4]], illustrating how God's plans, even when visionary, are detailed and orderly.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4109}}` is a specific and literal term used to define distance, travel time, and physical pathways. While not a heavily symbolic word on its own, its importance comes from the contexts in which it appears. It provides scale to epic narratives, frames the actions of key figures like Jonah and Nehemiah, and adds precise detail to prophetic visions. It demonstrates how the Bible uses concrete measurements of a **walk** or **journey** to illustrate the scope and reality of God's interaction with the world.
TRV