from חָקַר; properly, scrutinized, i.e. (by implication) a recess; deep place.
Transliteration:mechqâr
Pronunciation:mekh-kawr'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun מֶחְקָר (`{{H4278}}`, *mechqâr*) is derived from the verbal root חָקַר (`{{H2713}}`, *chaqar*), which means "to search, examine, investigate, explore, or scrutinize." As a nominal form, *mechqâr* denotes the *result* or *place* of such deep scrutiny or investigation. Its base definition, "properly, scrutinized," implies something that is profoundly examined or, by extension, something so deep or intricate that it requires intense investigation to comprehend. This leads to its more concrete meanings: "a recess" or "deep place." The semantic range thus encompasses concepts of depth, hiddenness, profoundness, and that which is unsearchable or difficult to access and understand. It refers to a physical depth or an abstract profundity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term מֶחְקָר (`{{H4278}}`) appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, each instance offering a distinct yet complementary nuance to its core meaning.
1. **[[1 Kings 7:35]]**: This passage describes the intricate construction of the ten bronze stands for the lavers in Solomon's Temple. The verse states, "And on the tops of the stands were their axles, but their handles were of one piece with the stands themselves, and their *mechqâr* was on the side." In this architectural context, *mechqâr* likely refers to a deeply crafted, recessed, or intricately worked part of the stand, possibly a socket, groove, or deeply engraved design. It speaks to the meticulous detail and profound craftsmanship involved in the sacred furnishings of the Temple, suggesting hidden complexities or foundational elements that were integral to the structure's integrity and aesthetic.
2. **[[Job 38:16]]**: This occurrence is found within God's powerful address to Job from the whirlwind, challenging Job's limited understanding of creation. God asks, "Have you entered into the *mechqâr* of the sea? Or have you walked in the recesses of the deep?" Here, *mechqâr* unequivocally refers to the profound, hidden, and unsearchable depths of the ocean. This usage highlights the vastness and mystery of God's creation, which lies beyond human exploration and comprehension. It serves to underscore the limits of human knowledge in contrast to the infinite wisdom and power of the Creator.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary lexical relationship for מֶחְקָר (`{{H4278}}`) is its root verb, חָקַר (`{{H2713}}`). This root is frequently used to describe the act of searching, often with the implication of thoroughness or an attempt to penetrate a mystery. For instance, God "searches" the heart (e.g., [[Psalm 139:1]], [[Jeremiah 17:10]]), and His judgments are "unsearchable" (e.g., [[Romans 11:33]], using a Greek equivalent for the concept).
Other related concepts, though not etymologically linked, share a semantic field of depth, mystery, or hiddenness:
* תְּהוֹם (`{{H8415}}`, *tehom*): "the deep, abyss," often referring to primeval waters or the ocean depths.
* סוֹד (`{{H5475}}`, *sod*): "secret, counsel," often referring to intimate or hidden knowledge.
* תַּעֲלוּמָה (`{{H8587}}`, *ta'alumah*): "hidden things, secrets," specifically things concealed or obscure.
These terms collectively point to aspects of existence or divine reality that are beyond superficial grasp, demanding deeper inquiry or remaining ultimately inscrutable to human understanding.
### Theological Significance
The rare but profound occurrences of מֶחְקָר (`{{H4278}}`) carry significant theological weight, primarily emphasizing the vastness and unsearchability of God's wisdom and creation.
1. **Divine Unsearchability and Sovereignty**: In [[Job 38:16]], the "deep places of the sea" serve as a metaphor for the incomprehensible extent of God's creative power and knowledge. Just as humanity cannot plumb the physical depths of the ocean, so too are the depths of God's wisdom, His ways, and His purposes beyond human comprehension. This usage fosters a profound sense of awe and humility before the Creator, reminding humanity of its finite nature and God's infinite sovereignty. It underscores that true wisdom begins with recognizing the limits of human understanding in the face of divine mystery.
2. **God's Meticulous Design and Excellence**: While [[1 Kings 7:35]] describes human craftsmanship, the context of the Temple, a sacred space designed according to divine instruction, imbues the "deep places" of the stands with theological resonance. The intricate, perhaps hidden, details of the Temple furnishings reflect a divine standard of excellence and precision. It suggests that even the unseen or recessed parts of God's work, whether in creation or sacred design, are fashioned with profound care and purpose, mirroring the hidden depths of God's own perfect design in the universe.
3. **Invitation to Humility and Awe**: Ultimately, *mechqâr* invites believers to a posture of humility and reverence. It reminds us that there are dimensions of God's being, His creation, and His plan that remain "deep places" inaccessible to human intellect alone. This calls for faith, trust, and a willingness to stand in awe before the divine mysteries that transcend our grasp.
### Summary
מֶחְקָר (`{{H4278}}`, *mechqâr*) is a rare but potent Hebrew term derived from the root "to search" (`{{H2713}}`). It denotes a "deep place" or "recess," implying something profoundly scrutinized or inherently unsearchable. Its two biblical occurrences powerfully illustrate its semantic range: in [[1 Kings 7:35]], it refers to intricate, deeply crafted elements in the Temple's architecture, signifying meticulous design. In [[Job 38:16]], it speaks of the unsearchable depths of the sea, serving as a profound metaphor for the incomprehensible vastness of God's creation and wisdom. Theologically, *mechqâr* points to the divine unsearchability, the meticulousness of God's design, and calls humanity to a posture of humility and awe in the face of mysteries that transcend human understanding.
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