from חָצַב; properly, a hewing; concretely, a quarry; hewed(-n).
Transliteration:machtsêb
Pronunciation:makh-tsabe'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun מַחְצֵב (machtṣêb, `{{H4274}}`) is derived from the verbal root חָצַב (ḥāṣaḇ, `{{H2672}}`), which means "to hew," "to cut out," or "to quarry." As a noun, מַחְצֵב carries a nuanced semantic range, encompassing both the action and the result or place associated with this root. Primarily, it refers to:
1. **The act of hewing:** The process of cutting or shaping stone.
2. **A quarry:** The specific location from which stone is extracted.
3. **Hewn material:** The stone or material that has been cut or shaped.
The *mem*-prefixed noun form often denotes a place, an instrument, or an abstract noun of action. In the case of מַחְצֵב, all these facets are present in its biblical usage, reflecting the dynamic process of stone extraction and preparation in the ancient world.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term מַחְצֵב (machtṣêb, `{{H4274}}`) appears infrequently in the Hebrew Bible, but its occurrences are highly significant:
* **[[Isaiah 51:1]]**: "Look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the quarry (מַחְצֶבֶת) from which you were dug."
Here, the feminine form מַחְצֶבֶת is used, but the core meaning remains consistent. This verse employs a powerful metaphor in the context of God's call to Israel to remember their origins. The "rock" and "quarry" represent Abraham and Sarah, highlighting the humble beginnings from which God, by His sovereign power, created a great nation. The imagery emphasizes that Israel's existence and identity are not self-derived but are entirely dependent on God's initiative and transformative work, much like a finished stone depends on the quarry and the hewer.
* **[[2 Kings 12:12]]** (or [[2 Kings 12:13]] in some translations, referring to the same Hebrew verse): "...and to the stonecutters and to the hewers of stone (לְחֹצְבֵי אֶבֶן וּלְחֹצְבֵי מַחְצֵב), and for buying timber and hewn stone to repair the damage to the house of the Lord."
In this passage, *machtsêb* appears in parallel with "hewers of stone" (חֹצְבֵי אֶבֶן). The phrase "hewers of *machtsêb*" likely refers to those who work in the quarry, extracting the raw material, or those who prepare the hewn stones for construction. The context is the repair of the Temple, underscoring the practical aspects of sourcing and preparing building materials.
* **[[1 Chronicles 22:2]]**: "And David commanded to gather the sojourners who were in the land of Israel, and he set stonecutters to hew dressed stones (אַבְנֵי מַחְצֵב) for building the house of God."
Here, *machtsêb* is used in construct with "stones" (אַבְנֵי), forming "stones of hewing" or "hewn stones." This clearly refers to the finished product—stones that have been cut, shaped, and prepared for construction. This verse highlights the meticulous preparation and vast resources required for the Temple's construction, emphasizing David's foresight and dedication to God's house.
Across these occurrences, מַחְצֵב transitions from a metaphorical source of national identity to the literal place of extraction and the prepared material for sacred architecture, demonstrating its versatility and specific technical application.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of מַחְצֵב (machtṣêb, `{{H4274}}`) is deeply intertwined with several related Hebrew words and concepts:
* **חָצַב (ḥāṣaḇ, `{{H2672}}`)**: The root verb, meaning "to hew," "to cut out," or "to quarry." This verb is fundamental to understanding the noun's core meaning and the action it describes.
* **אֶבֶן (ʾeben, `{{H68}}`)**: "Stone." This is the primary material that is hewn or quarried, appearing in direct association with *machtsêb* in [[1 Chronicles 22:2]].
* **סֶלַע (selaʿ, `{{H5553}}`)** and **צוּר (ṣûr, `{{H6697}}`)**: Both terms mean "rock" or "cliff," often referring to natural rock formations that serve as sources for quarrying, as seen in the metaphorical usage in [[Isaiah 51:1]].
* **בָּנָה (bānāh, `{{H1129}}`)**: "To build." The concept of building, particularly the Temple, is a key context for the literal use of *machtsêb*, signifying the craftsmanship and materials involved in construction.
* **מַעֲשֵׂה (maʿăśēh, `{{H4639}}`)**: "Work," "deed," "product." This general term for human labor and its output connects to the idea of hewing as a skilled craft.
The conceptual field surrounding *machtsêb* thus includes quarrying, stonecutting, construction, craftsmanship, and, in a broader sense, the origins and foundations of people and structures.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of מַחְצֵב (machtṣêb, `{{H4274}}`) emerges most powerfully from its metaphorical use in Isaiah and its literal application in the narratives of Temple construction.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Election:** The most profound theological insight comes from [[Isaiah 51:1]], where God instructs Israel to "look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the quarry from which you were dug." This metaphor underscores God's absolute sovereignty in choosing and forming His people. Israel did not emerge from a position of strength or prominence but from humble, even barren, origins (Abraham and Sarah). Just as a stone's existence and shape are entirely dependent on the quarryman, Israel's identity and destiny are wholly dependent on God's creative and redemptive work. This passage serves as a reminder that their covenantal relationship is a divine initiative, not a human achievement, calling them to trust in the God who first called them into being.
2. **Human Labor and Dedication to God's Work:** In the historical accounts of the Temple's construction and repair ([[2 Kings 12:12]], [[1 Chronicles 22:2]]), *machtsêb* highlights the immense human effort, skill, and resources involved in building a dwelling place for God. The meticulous preparation of "hewn stones" signifies the dedication and reverence with which sacred tasks were undertaken. While God's presence is not confined to a building, the physical structure of the Temple, built with such care, served as a tangible symbol of His presence among His people and a focal point for worship. This illustrates the principle that human labor, when consecrated to God's purposes, becomes part of His divine plan.
3. **Foundation and Origin:** Whether literal or metaphorical, *machtsêb* points to origins and foundations. For Israel, it is their spiritual genesis in Abraham. For the Temple, it is the very material upon which the sacred structure is built. This concept reinforces the importance of remembering one's roots and the foundational truths upon which faith and community are established.
### Summary
מַחְצֵב (machtṣêb, `{{H4274}}`) is a Hebrew noun derived from the root "to hew" (חָצַב, `{{H2672}}`). Its semantic range includes the act of hewing, the quarry itself, and the hewn or dressed stone. Though rare in the biblical text, its occurrences bear significant weight. In [[Isaiah 51:1]], it serves as a powerful metaphor reminding Israel of their humble origins and God's sovereign election, likening them to a nation "hewn from the rock." In the historical narratives concerning the Temple ([[2 Kings 12:12]], [[1 Chronicles 22:2]]), *machtsêb* refers literally to the skilled labor of quarrying and preparing stones for sacred construction, underscoring the human dedication and craftsmanship involved in serving God. Thus, *machtsêb* bridges the physical reality of ancient stone work with profound theological truths concerning divine initiative, human contribution to God's work, and the foundational identity of His chosen people.
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