### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mâchaq**, represented by `{{H4277}}`, is a primitive root defined as **to crush; smite off**. This term is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** in a single verse in the entire Bible. Its singular use highlights a moment of intense and final violence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H4277}}` is found in the Song of Deborah and Barak, which recounts the victory over Sisera. In the narrative, Jael takes decisive action against the enemy commander, where the scripture states she "smote off{H4277} his head" [[Judges 5:26]]. The word is used to describe the climactic, fatal blow that ends Sisera's life, securing Israel's triumph.
### Related Words & Concepts
The verse where `{{H4277}}` appears contains a cluster of words describing violent action, which provide a fuller picture of the event:
* `{{H1986}}` **hâlam** (to strike down): This word is used in the same verse when Jael "with the hammer she smote{H1986} Sisera" [[Judges 5:26]]. It describes the act of striking with a tool, such as to hammer or beat down.
* `{{H4272}}` **mâchats** (to dash asunder): Also found in the sequence of actions, this term means to crush, smash, or pierce through. It describes how Jael "had pierced{H4272}" Sisera, indicating a forceful penetration.
* `{{H2498}}` **châlaph** (to strike through): The final action in the verse is that she had "stricken through{H2498} his temples" [[Judges 5:26]]. The definition includes the idea to pierce or pass through, completing the description of the fatal injury.
### Theological Significance
Due to its single occurrence, the significance of `{{H4277}}` is tied directly to the narrative of Jael and Sisera.
* **Finality of Judgment:** The act to "smite off" a head is an irreversible and absolute action. In this context, it symbolizes the complete and utter defeat of an enemy.
* **Graphic Portrayal of Victory:** The use of `{{H4277}}` contributes to a vivid and brutal depiction of warfare and retribution, emphasizing the severity of the conflict and the decisiveness of the victory.
* **A Tool of Deliverance:** The word describes the physical act that was instrumental in the deliverance of Israel. It is part of a sequence of actions celebrated in a song of praise for a decisive victory.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4277}}` is a highly specific and potent term for a crushing, destructive blow. While used only once, its context in [[Judges 5:26]] gives it significant weight, portraying the brutal finality of judgment against an enemy of Israel. It functions alongside other terms of violence to paint a graphic picture of Jael's actions, forever linking **mâchaq** to this singular, decisive moment of deliverance.
TRV