from טוּל in the sense of hammering out; an iron bar (as forged); bar.
Transliteration:mᵉṭîyl
Pronunciation:met-eel'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The lemma מְטִיל (mᵉṭîyl, `{{H4300}}`) is derived from the root טוּל (ṭûl), which in this specific context implies the action of "hammering out" or forging. Its core meaning is "an iron bar" or simply "bar." The etymological connection to "hammering out" suggests a product of deliberate craftsmanship, involving the shaping of raw metal, specifically iron, through intense heat and force. This implies a solid, robust, and elongated piece of metal, designed for strength, structural integrity, or perhaps as an implement. The emphasis is on its forged nature, indicating durability and resilience.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word מְטִיל (mᵉṭîyl) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Job:
* [[Job 40:18]]: "His bones are tubes of bronze, his limbs are like bars of iron." (עֲצָמָיו אֲפִיקֵי נְחוּשָׁה גְּרָמָיו כִּמְטִיל בַּרְזֶל)
In this singular occurrence, מְטִיל בַּרְזֶל (mᵉṭîyl barzel) directly translates to "bars of iron." The context is God's majestic description of Behemoth, a creature of immense power and size, presented as a demonstration of divine creative might. The comparison of Behemoth's bones to "tubes of bronze" and "bars of iron" serves to emphasize the creature's extraordinary strength, rigidity, and formidable structure. This imagery highlights the creature's invulnerability and the divine craftsmanship that fashioned such a powerful being, underscoring God's sovereignty and unparalleled might in creation. The iron bar, in this instance, is a powerful metaphor for unbreakable strength and solidity.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root טוּל (ṭûl):** While מְטִיל (mᵉṭîyl) derives from this root with the specific nuance of "hammering out," other forms of טוּל (e.g., `{{H2904}}`) generally mean "to cast," "to throw," or "to hurl." This suggests a specialized application of the root in the realm of metallurgy.
* **Iron (בַּרְזֶל - barzel, `{{H1270}}`):** The material itself is highly significant in biblical literature. Iron is consistently associated with strength, hardness, unyielding resolve, and sometimes oppression (e.g., "iron yoke" in [[Deuteronomy 28:48]], "rod of iron" in [[Psalm 2:9]]). The explicit mention of "iron" alongside מְטִיל intensifies the imagery of strength and durability.
* **Bronze (נְחוּשָׁה - nᵉḥûšāh, `{{H5178}}`):** In [[Job 40:18]], "bars of iron" are paralleled with "tubes of bronze." Both metals symbolize strength and resilience, though iron often conveys an even greater degree of hardness and immutability in biblical metaphors.
* **Strength and Power:** The concept conveyed by מְטִיל intrinsically relates to notions of physical power (כֹּחַ - kōaḥ, `{{H3581}}`) and might (עֹז - ʿōz, `{{H5797}}`), emphasizing the robust nature of the object described.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of מְטִיל in [[Job 40:18]] carries profound theological weight. It is part of God's direct address to Job, where the Creator unveils His awesome power and wisdom through the description of His creation. The imagery of Behemoth's bones being like "bars of iron" serves as a vivid testament to the *divine architecture* of creation. It speaks to God's unparalleled ability to design and fashion beings of immense strength, resilience, and intricate complexity, far beyond human comprehension or capacity. This description serves to humble Job, reminding him of the vast chasm between human understanding and divine wisdom, and the unchallengeable nature of God's authority and creative power. The unyielding, forged nature of the "iron bar" metaphorically reflects the immutable and robust character of God's decrees and the enduring strength of His works. It underscores the theme of God's sovereign control over all creation and the intricate, powerful design inherent in His handiwork.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מְטִיל (mᵉṭîyl, `{{H4300}}`) denotes an "iron bar," specifically one that has been "hammered out" or forged, signifying immense strength and durability. Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Job 40:18]] is highly significant, where it forms part of God's majestic description of Behemoth. Comparing the creature's limbs to "bars of iron" powerfully illustrates its formidable physical constitution, serving as a profound testament to God's ultimate power, wisdom, and meticulous design in creation. The term thus symbolizes unyielding strength and the robust nature of divine craftsmanship, underscoring the sovereignty of God and humbling humanity before His incomparable might.
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