a primitive root; to dash asunder; by implication, to crush, smash or violently plunge; figuratively, to subdue or destroy; dip, pierce (through), smite (through), strike through, wound.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root מָחַץ (mâchats, `{{H4272}}`) is a primitive verb whose core meaning revolves around a forceful, violent impact leading to disintegration or severe damage. Its primary sense is "to dash asunder," implying a shattering or breaking into pieces. From this foundational meaning, the semantic range expands to include:
* **Physical Destruction:** To "crush," "smash," "pierce (through)," "smite (through)," "strike through," or "wound." This denotes a highly destructive blow, often with lethal or incapacitating consequences.
* **Violent Penetration/Immersion:** The nuance of "violently plunge" or "dip" suggests a forceful entry or deep penetration, though this aspect is less prominent in its biblical usage compared to the destructive sense.
* **Figurative Subjugation/Annihilation:** Beyond literal physical acts, מָחַץ can metaphorically signify the complete "subduing" or "destroying" of an enemy or opposition, representing total defeat and ruin.
The verb consistently conveys an overwhelming application of force by the agent, resulting in the breaking, piercing, or utter defeat of the object.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of מָחַץ in the Hebrew Bible consistently illustrate its meaning of powerful, often decisive, and destructive action.
* **Divine Judgment and Warfare:** A prominent usage depicts God's sovereign power over His enemies. In [[Psalm 68:21]], God is declared to "shatter" (יִמְחַץ) the heads of those who walk in their guilt, a vivid image of His ultimate judgment and decisive victory. Similarly, [[Psalm 110:5-6]] prophesies the Messiah's triumph, stating that the Lord will "shatter" (מָחַץ) kings in the day of His wrath and "shatter" (מָחַץ) heads over the wide earth, emphasizing His absolute dominion and the finality of His judgment against all opposition.
* **Physical Wounding and Death:** The word is employed to describe the infliction of severe, often fatal, wounds. [[Judges 5:26]] recounts Jael's brutal act of "smashing" (מָחֲצָה) Sisera's head, an act of decisive assassination. [[Job 26:12]] attributes to God the act of "smashing" (מָחַץ) Rahab, a mythological sea monster often symbolizing primeval chaos or oppressive powers, demonstrating divine control over all forces.
* **Figurative Incapacitation:** Beyond literal destruction, מָחַץ can signify the complete incapacitation or breaking of an enemy's power. In [[Deuteronomy 33:11]], Moses' blessing for Levi includes a prayer for God to "shatter" (מָחַץ) the loins of those who rise against him, implying a total removal of their strength and ability to act.
* **Hyperbolic Destruction:** In [[Numbers 24:8]], Balaam's prophecy describes Israel "shattering" (יְמַחֵץ) the bones of its enemies, a hyperbole for utter and complete destruction, leaving nothing intact.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of מָחַץ overlaps with several other Hebrew terms related to striking, breaking, and destroying, yet it maintains its specific nuance of forceful, often decisive, impact.
* **`{{H5221}}` (נָכָה - nakah):** "To strike, smite." This is a broader term for striking, which can be injurious or non-injurious. מָחַץ typically implies a more severe, destructive, or fatal blow than נָכָה.
* **`{{H7533}}` (רָצַץ - ratsats):** "To crush, break in pieces, oppress." This word shares the "crushing" aspect with מָחַץ, often used for physical breaking or oppressive actions. מָחַץ may suggest a more singular, forceful, and complete act of shattering.
* **`{{H6476}}` (פָּצַע - patsa'):** "To wound, bruise." This term focuses on the injury itself, whereas מָחַץ emphasizes the *act* of inflicting the wound with great force.
* **`{{H8074}}` (שָׁמַד - shamad):** "To destroy, annihilate." While מָחַץ describes the violent action leading to destruction, שָׁמַד often describes the outcome of complete ruin or extermination. מָחַץ can be the means by which שָׁמַד is achieved.
* **`{{H1792}}` (דָּכָא - daka'):** "To crush, be crushed, broken." This word often refers to being broken or contrite, sometimes physically, but also emotionally or spiritually. מָחַץ is more about the active, external force causing the crushing.
These related terms highlight the specific emphasis of מָחַץ as a powerful, often decisive, and destructive impact, frequently associated with divine judgment or overwhelming military force.
### Theological Significance
The theological implications of מָחַץ are profound, particularly in its application to God's character and His redemptive-historical actions.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment:** The frequent use of מָחַץ to describe God's actions against His enemies ([[Psalm 68:21]]) powerfully illustrates His absolute sovereignty and righteous judgment. It signifies that no power, human or spiritual, can ultimately stand against Him. His "shattering" is not mere defeat but a complete and irreversible dismantling of opposition, ensuring His ultimate triumph.
* **Messianic Victory and Dominion:** In key prophetic texts such as [[Psalm 110]], מָחַץ is directly linked to the Messiah's victorious reign. This points to the definitive conquest of evil and the establishment of God's kingdom through the Messiah. The imagery is one of overwhelming power that utterly subdues all adversaries, fulfilling God's redemptive plan.
* **Justice and Vengeance:** The word conveys a sense of divine justice being meted out. When the wicked are "shattered," it is a direct consequence of their rebellion and a demonstration of God's intolerance for persistent sin and opposition to His divine will. This is not arbitrary violence but a just and holy response.
* **Protection of His People:** By shattering the enemies of Israel or His righteous ones, God demonstrates His unwavering protective care. His power to מָחַץ ensures the safety and ultimate vindication of those who trust in Him, assuring them that their adversaries will not prevail.
The intense force implied by מָחַץ underscores the gravity of defying God and the certainty of His ultimate victory over all forms of evil and rebellion.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb מָחַץ (mâchats, `{{H4272}}`) is a primitive root denoting a forceful, destructive impact. Its core meaning, "to dash asunder," extends to "crush," "smash," "pierce," "smite through," and figuratively, "subdue" or "destroy." In biblical usage, מָחַץ consistently describes an overwhelming and decisive act of violence, often leading to complete disintegration or defeat. Contextual analysis reveals its primary application in divine judgment and military conquest, where God or His chosen instruments "shatter" the heads or power of adversaries ([[Psalm 68:21]], [[Psalm 110:5-6]]). It also describes severe physical wounding, such as Jael's act against Sisera ([[Judges 5:26]]). While related to other words for striking and breaking like `{{H5221}}` (nakah) or `{{H7533}}` (ratsats), מָחַץ often implies a more complete and irreversible destruction. Theologically, מָחַץ powerfully communicates God's absolute sovereignty, His righteous judgment against evil, and the certainty of Messianic victory, assuring His people of ultimate deliverance through His overwhelming power.
TRV