### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **machăleh**, represented by `{{H4245}}`, refers to **sickness, disease, or infirmity**. It appears 6 times across 6 unique verses, and is used to describe physical ailments, often in the context of divine action or human frailty.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H4245}}` is frequently tied to the covenant relationship between God and Israel. God promises that if Israel will diligently hearken to His voice and keep His statutes, He will not put the **diseases** of the Egyptians upon them [[Exodus 15:26]]. Similarly, if they serve the LORD their God, He promises to take **sickness** away from their midst [[Exodus 23:25]]. The term is also included in lists of potential national calamities, alongside famine, pestilence, and plagues, for which Solomon prays for divine forgiveness and intervention ([[1 Kings 8:37]]; [[2 Chronicles 6:28]]). It can also describe a specific, severe physical affliction, such as the great **disease** of the bowels mentioned in [[2 Chronicles 21:15]], or a general **infirmity** that a person's spirit must sustain [[Proverbs 18:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to clarify the context and meaning of `{{H4245}}`:
* `{{H2483}}` **chŏlîy** (malady, anxiety, calamity): A close synonym for sickness that is used in parallel with `{{H4245}}`. It appears in contexts of both physical **disease** and emotional **grief** ([[2 Chronicles 21:15]]; [[Isaiah 53:3]]).
* `{{H1698}}` **deber** (pestilence): Often listed alongside `{{H4245}}` as a form of divine judgment or widespread calamity that can strike a nation ([[1 Kings 8:37]]; [[2 Chronicles 6:28]]).
* `{{H7495}}` **râphâʼ** (to cure, heal, physician): As the direct contrast to sickness, this word identifies God as the ultimate source of healing. The LORD identifies Himself as the one who "healeth" His people from the diseases He can also inflict [[Exodus 15:26]].
* `{{H5061}}` **negaʻ** (plague, sore, stricken): This term for a blow or infliction is used in lists with `{{H4245}}` to describe the various afflictions that may befall a people ([[1 Kings 8:37]]; [[2 Chronicles 6:28]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4245}}` is significant, highlighting key principles of God's relationship with humanity.
* **Covenantal Consequences:** Sickness is presented not as a random occurrence, but as a potential consequence of disobedience. The promise to avoid the **diseases** of the Egyptians is conditional upon Israel's obedience to God's commandments [[Exodus 15:26]].
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The texts demonstrate God's ultimate authority over health and affliction. He is the one who can "put" `{{H7760}}` diseases upon a people, but also the one who can "take" `{{H5493}}` sickness away and "heal" `{{H7495}}` them ([[Exodus 15:26]]; [[Exodus 23:25]]).
* **Human Frailty and Resilience:** The use of `{{H4245}}` in Proverbs acknowledges physical **infirmity** as a part of the human experience that can be sustained by a strong spirit, while also showing the devastation of a **wounded** `{{H5218}}` spirit that cannot be borne [[Proverbs 18:14]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4245}}` moves beyond a simple definition of sickness. It functions within a theological framework where physical well-being is directly connected to spiritual faithfulness. It underscores God's sovereignty over all aspects of life, including health and disease, and serves as a reminder of both human vulnerability and the restorative power available through a right relationship with the LORD.
TRV