מָחַץ

mâchats /maw-khats'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root
Meaningto dash asunder; by implication, to crush, smash or violently plunge; figuratively, to subdue or destroy
KJV usagedip, pierce (through), smite (through), strike through, wound.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word mâchats, represented by H4272, is a primitive root used to describe a violent and decisive action. It is defined as to dash asunder, crush, smash, or violently plunge, and is figuratively used to mean subdue or destroy. Other renderings include to dip, pierce (through), smite (through), strike through, and wound. It appears 14 times across 14 unique verses in the Bible, often in contexts of divine judgment or warfare.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, H4272 is consistently used to convey a severe and shattering blow, often delivered by God against His enemies. In Deuteronomy, God Himself declares His absolute sovereignty with the words, "I wound, and I heal" Deuteronomy 32:39. This theme of divine power is echoed in the Psalms, where the Lord is depicted as one who will "strike through kings in the day of his wrath" Psalms 110:5 and "wound the heads over many countries" Psalms 110:6. The term is also used to describe a literal, physical act of violence, as when Jael pierced and struck through the temples of Sisera Judges 5:26.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help to frame the meaning of H4272 by highlighting similar, contrasting, or resulting actions:

  • H1986 hâlam (to strike down; by implication, to hammer, stamp, conquer, disband): This word describes a similar act of striking and is used in conjunction with H4272 in the account of Jael smiting Sisera Judges 5:26.
  • H7495 râphâʼ (to mend (by stitching), i.e. (figuratively) to cure; heal): This term functions as a direct contrast, often paired with H4272 to illustrate God's complete authority over both injury and restoration (Job 5:18, Deuteronomy 32:39).
  • H3615 kâlâh (to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitived (to complete, prepare, consume)): This word describes the ultimate outcome of being wounded by H4272, signifying complete consumption and destruction 2 Samuel 22:39.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H4272 is significant, primarily illustrating God's power and justice.

  • Divine Sovereignty: The word is used to establish God's ultimate authority. He declares that He alone has the power to wound and to heal, and that none can deliver from His hand, positioning these acts as proof of His unique divinity Deuteronomy 32:39.
  • Judgment on Enemies: H4272 is a key term in passages describing divine retribution. God wounds the head of His enemies Psalms 68:21, and prophetic promises describe a future ruler from Israel who will smite the corners of Moab Numbers 24:17.
  • Salvation through Destruction: The act of wounding the wicked is portrayed as a means of deliverance for God's people. This is stated explicitly in Habakkuk, where God woundedst the head of the house of the wicked as part of His work of salvation Habakkuk 3:13.

Summary

In summary, H4272 is more than a simple term for injury. It conveys a sense of being utterly crushed, pierced, or destroyed. Its usage in Scripture underscores the themes of God's absolute power, His righteous judgment against evil, and His ability to deliver His people by decisively subduing their adversaries. The word serves as a stark reminder of the finality and force of divine action.

Grammatical Forms

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 14 occurrences, inflected in 10 grammatical forms.

  • Qal Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 3×
  • Qal Perfect 3rd Singular Masculine 3×
  • Qal Consecutive Imperfect 1st Singular common gender 1×
  • Qal Consecutive Perfect 3rd Singular Feminine 1×
  • Qal Consecutive Perfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Qal Imperative 2nd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Qal Imperfect 1st Singular common gender 1×
  • Qal Imperfect 2nd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Qal Perfect 1st Singular common gender 1×
  • Qal Perfect 2nd Singular Masculine 1×
Singular
One.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
Feminine
Feminine grammatical gender.
common gender
Either gender — the form does not distinguish.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Qal
The simple, basic stem — plain action in the active voice.
Consecutive Imperfect
Imperfect with vav — carries narrative forward ("and he…").
Consecutive Perfect
Perfect with vav — continues a sequence into the future.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 14 verses across 7 books. Most frequent in Psalms (5 verses).

2
Numbers
2
Deuteronomy
1
Judges
1
2 Samuel
2
Job
5
Psalms
1
Habakkuk

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