### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מְחִלָּה (mᵉchillâh, `{{H4247}}`) is derived from the root חָלַל (ḥālal, `{{H2490}}`), which carries the primary meaning of "to pierce, bore, wound, or profane." This etymological connection is crucial to understanding מְחִלָּה. A cavern or cave, by its very nature, is a hollowed-out space, often formed by the process of erosion (as if "bored" or "pierced" into the earth) or by deliberate excavation. Therefore, מְחִלָּה refers specifically to a "cavern" or "cave," emphasizing its character as a hollowed-out, recessed space within the earth or rock. Its semantic range is narrow, focusing exclusively on this geological formation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word מְחִלָּה (mᵉchillâh, `{{H4247}}`) is remarkably rare in the Hebrew Bible, appearing only once in the entire Masoretic Text. This singular occurrence is found in the prophetic book of Isaiah:
* **[[Isaiah 2:19]]**: "And they shall go into the caves of the rocks, and into the holes of the earth, from before the terror of the Lord, and from the glory of his majesty, when he arises to terribly shake the earth."
In this powerful eschatological passage, מְחִלָּה is used in parallel with חוֹר (ḥôr, `{{H2356}}`), meaning "hole" or "crevice," to describe the desperate hiding places sought by humanity on the "day of the Lord." The context is one of divine judgment and overwhelming terror, where human pride and idolatry are exposed and brought low. The "caves of the rocks" (מְחִלּוֹת הַצֻּרִים) are presented not as places of comfort or permanent dwelling, but as futile attempts to escape the inescapable presence and majesty of God. This verse paints a vivid picture of humanity's utter helplessness when confronted with the awesome power of the Creator.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary root from which מְחִלָּה (mᵉchillâh, `{{H4247}}`) is derived is חָלַל (ḥālal, `{{H2490}}`), signifying the action of piercing or hollowing out. This connection reinforces the physical nature of a cave as a "bored" or "excavated" space.
Other related Hebrew terms denoting similar geological features include:
* מְעָרָה (mᵉʿārâ, `{{H4631}}`): This is the most common Hebrew word for "cave," frequently appearing in narratives as a dwelling place (e.g., Lot in [[Genesis 19:30]]), a burial site (e.g., the Cave of Machpelah in [[Genesis 23:9]]), or a place of refuge (e.g., David in [[1 Samuel 22:1]]). While מְחִלָּה also signifies a cave, its specific usage in Isaiah 2 emphasizes the aspect of being "pierced" or "hollowed out" and is strongly associated with flight and hiding.
* חוֹר (ḥôr, `{{H2356}}`): Meaning "hole" or "crevice," this word appears as a direct parallel to מְחִלָּה in [[Isaiah 2:19]], reinforcing the idea of small, constricted hiding places.
* נְקִיק (nᵉqîq, `{{H5363}}`): Denotes a "crevice" or "cleft" in a rock, often a place of shelter or hiding.
Conceptually, מְחִלָּה is linked to themes of refuge, concealment, and escape, particularly from divine wrath, contrasting sharply with the divine attributes of light, glory, and omnipresence.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of מְחִלָּה (mᵉchillâh, `{{H4247}}`) in [[Isaiah 2:19]] imbues it with profound theological significance. It serves as a potent symbol within the broader prophetic message of the "day of the Lord."
1. **Futility of Human Escape from Divine Judgment:** The most prominent theological implication is the utter inadequacy of human attempts to hide from God's presence and judgment. When the Lord "arises to terribly shake the earth," the proud and the idolatrous will seek refuge in the earth's deepest recesses, including these "caves of the rocks." Yet, these hiding places are portrayed as ultimately useless against the overwhelming "terror of the Lord" and the "glory of his majesty." This highlights the inescapable nature of divine reckoning.
2. **Contrast of Divine Glory and Human Lowliness:** The dark, confining nature of a מְחִלָּה stands in stark contrast to the radiant "glory of his majesty." This juxtaposition emphasizes the vast chasm between the exalted nature of God and the humbled state of humanity on the day of judgment. It underscores the prophetic theme that all human pride and self-sufficiency will be abased before the Lord's supreme sovereignty.
3. **Symbol of Desperation and Fear:** The act of fleeing into a מְחִלָּה signifies extreme fear and desperation. It illustrates the panic that will seize humanity when confronted with the unvarnished holiness and power of God, revealing the fragility of human existence apart from divine grace.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מְחִלָּה (mᵉchillâh, `{{H4247}}`), derived from the root חָלַל (to pierce or bore), refers to a "cavern" or "cave." Its unique occurrence in [[Isaiah 2:19]] lends it significant theological weight. In this pivotal eschatological passage, מְחִלָּה describes the desperate, yet futile, attempts of humanity to hide in the earth's recesses from the overwhelming "terror of the Lord" and the "glory of his majesty" on the "day of the Lord." Thus, מְחִלָּה serves as a powerful symbol of the inescapable nature of divine judgment, the ultimate futility of human efforts to evade God's presence, and the profound humbling of all human pride before the awesome sovereignty of the Almighty.
TRV