apparently a denominative from טִיט; a broom (as removing dirt (compare English 'to dust', i.e. remove dust)); besom.
Transliteration:maṭʼăṭêʼ
Pronunciation:mat-at-ay'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma maṭʼăṭêʼ (מַטְאֲטֵא), transliterated as H4292, denotes a "broom" or "besom." Its etymological root is understood to be a denominative from ṭîṭ (טִיט), `{{H2916}}`, which signifies "mire," "mud," or "clay." This derivation is highly instructive, as it directly connects the instrument to the substance it is designed to remove. A broom, by its very nature, is an implement for sweeping away dirt, dust, and refuse. Thus, the core meaning of maṭʼăṭêʼ is an instrument of thorough removal, particularly of unwanted or unclean material. The semantic range is quite narrow, focusing solely on this specific tool and its function.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term maṭʼăṭêʼ (מַטְאֲטֵא) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, found in the book of Isaiah. Its singular occurrence is in [[Isaiah 14:23]]: "I will sweep it with the broom of destruction, says the LORD of hosts, and I will make it a possession for the hedgehog, and pools of water; and I will sweep it with the broom of destruction, says the LORD of hosts."
This verse is part of a prophetic oracle concerning the downfall of Babylon, a powerful empire that had oppressed Israel. The imagery employed is stark and vivid. The "broom of destruction" (מַטְאֲטֵא הַשְׁמֵד, *maṭʼăṭêʼ haššəmed*) is an anthropomorphic metaphor for God's decisive and absolute judgment. The act of sweeping implies a thorough and complete removal, leaving nothing behind. Just as a broom clears away all dust and debris, so too will God utterly obliterate Babylon, transforming its once-grand cities into desolate wetlands fit only for wild creatures like hedgehogs. The repetition of the phrase emphasizes the certainty and finality of this divine act.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is ṭîṭ (טִיט), `{{H2916}}`, the base from which maṭʼăṭêʼ is derived, signifying the "mire" or "dirt" that the broom is designed to clear. Conceptually, maṭʼăṭêʼ is linked to verbs of sweeping, cleansing, and most prominently, destruction and desolation. While no direct verbal cognate for "to sweep with a broom" exists, the action is clearly implied.
Other related concepts include:
* **Judgment and Destruction:** The term is used in the context of divine judgment, specifically the complete destruction of an entity. This relates to other words signifying ruin, like šāmad (שָׁמַד), `{{H8045}}`, "to destroy, annihilate," which is precisely the word used in the phrase "broom of *destruction*."
* **Thoroughness and Finality:** The imagery of sweeping conveys a sense of leaving no remnant, no trace. This aligns with concepts of utter desolation and irreversible ruin.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The "broom of destruction" is an instrument in the hand of the "LORD of hosts" (YHWH Sebaoth), emphasizing God's absolute control over nations and history.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of maṭʼăṭêʼ in [[Isaiah 14:23]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a powerful symbol of God's sovereign power in judgment.
1. **Divine Justice:** The "broom of destruction" illustrates God's righteous indignation against human pride, oppression, and rebellion. Babylon, a symbol of earthly power that exalted itself against God, is met with an equally powerful divine response.
2. **Completeness of Judgment:** The image of sweeping signifies not merely a defeat or a setback, but a total and irreversible obliteration. God's judgment is not partial; it is exhaustive, leaving no remnant of the condemned entity. This speaks to the thoroughness of divine wrath when it is fully unleashed.
3. **God's Control Over History:** The "LORD of hosts" is depicted as actively wielding this instrument of destruction, demonstrating His ultimate authority over nations and their destinies. Empires rise and fall at His command, and even the most formidable human powers are but dust before His "broom."
4. **Desolation as a Consequence of Sin:** The outcome of the sweeping is utter desolation, a return to a primordial, uninhabited state. This serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of persistent sin and defiance against the Creator.
### Summary
The Hebrew word maṭʼăṭêʼ (מַטְאֲטֵא), `{{H4292}}`, denotes a "broom" or "besom," an implement for clearing away dirt and refuse. Its single, yet highly impactful, occurrence in [[Isaiah 14:23]] metaphorically describes God's complete and decisive judgment against Babylon. As the "broom of destruction," it symbolizes the thoroughness, finality, and sovereignty of God's divine justice, leaving no remnant of that which opposes Him. This powerful image underscores God's absolute control over history and the ultimate consequences of human rebellion against His holy will.
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