### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mahpeketh**, represented by `{{H4115}}`, refers to a form of confinement, defined as **prison** or **stocks**. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. The word is derived from הָפַךְ and denotes a wrench or the stocks, instruments used for punishment and restraint.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H4115}}` is used exclusively in contexts of punishment against prophets or seers. The prophet Jeremiah was placed in the **stocks** `{{H4115}}` by Pashur in the high gate of Benjamin [[Jeremiah 20:2]]. The next day, Pashur brought Jeremiah out of the **stocks** `{{H4115}}`, only to be met with a prophecy of judgment [[Jeremiah 20:3]]. Similarly, King Asa, in a rage, put a seer in a **prison** `{{H4115}}` house [[2 Chronicles 16:10]]. The word is also used in a directive to an officer in the house of the LORD to put any man who "maketh himself a prophet" into **prison** `{{H4115}}` and stocks [[Jeremiah 29:26]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context of punishment and authority surrounding `{{H4115}}`:
* `{{H6729}}` **tsîynôq** (the pillory; stocks): This word is used in conjunction with `{{H4115}}` to describe the means of confinement, specifying a combination of **prison** and **stocks** for those deemed mad or false prophets [[Jeremiah 29:26]].
* `{{H5414}}` **nâthan** (to give, put, make): This common verb is used to describe the action of placing someone into confinement. Pashur did **put** Jeremiah in the stocks [[Jeremiah 20:2]], and Asa did **put** the seer in a prison house [[2 Chronicles 16:10]].
* `{{H7533}}` **râtsats** (to... crush, discourage, oppress): This word describes the actions of King Asa at the same time he imprisoned the seer, showing he **oppressed** some of the people [[2 Chronicles 16:10]].
* `{{H4036}}` **Mâgôwr miç-Çâbîyb** (affright from around): This symbolic name is given to Pashur by Jeremiah immediately after his release from the **stocks** `{{H4115}}`, linking the act of imprisonment to a divine pronouncement of terror [[Jeremiah 20:3]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{H4115}}` carries significant thematic weight concerning authority and divine communication.
* **Instrument of Persecution:** In every instance, `{{H4115}}` is used by a figure of authority to punish or silence a prophetic voice. This is seen when Pashur smote Jeremiah and put him in the stocks [[Jeremiah 20:2]] and when Asa imprisoned the seer [[2 Chronicles 16:10]].
* **Sign of Corrupt Authority:** The use of the **prison** or **stocks** is associated with the unrighteous anger of those in power. King Asa was "wroth" and "in a rage" [[2 Chronicles 16:10]], and the directive in Jeremiah was for officers to imprison any who claimed to be a prophet [[Jeremiah 29:26]].
* **Trigger for Divine Judgment:** The confinement of Jeremiah in the **stocks** `{{H4115}}` directly leads to a declaration of judgment against his persecutor, Pashur, who is renamed **Magormissabib** `{{H4036}}`, or "affright from around" [[Jeremiah 20:3]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4115}}` is more than a term for a holding cell. It functions as a potent symbol of the conflict between earthly power and divine prophecy. While appearing infrequently, its use in the accounts of Jeremiah and the seer under King Asa illustrates a recurring theme of persecution against God's messengers. The term underscores how acts of unjust oppression by human authorities often precede divine judgment.
TRV