### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun makkôleth (`{{H4361}}`) is derived from the verbal root אָכַל (`{{H398}}`), which fundamentally means "to eat," "to consume," or "to devour." As a nominal form, makkôleth denotes the *object* or *result* of this action, specifically referring to "nourishment" or "food." Its semantic range is tightly focused on that which sustains life through consumption. It signifies provisions or sustenance in a very concrete and practical sense, emphasizing the material aspect of what is eaten.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term makkôleth (`{{H4361}}`) appears infrequently in the Hebrew Bible, found in only two passages, both within the historical books:
* **[[Nehemiah 9:25]]**: In this verse, part of a lengthy prayer recounting God's faithfulness to Israel, the Levites confess, "They captured fortified cities and a rich land; they took possession of houses filled with all good things, hewn cisterns, vineyards, olive groves, and fruit trees in abundance. So they ate and were filled and became fat and delighted themselves in Your great goodness." Here, makkôleth is translated as "fruit trees in abundance" or "abundant provisions." It is listed among the vast material blessings and resources that God bountifully bestowed upon His people when they entered the Promised Land. The context highlights divine provision and the tangible prosperity resulting from God's covenant faithfulness.
* **[[2 Chronicles 11:23]]**: This verse describes King Rehoboam's strategic administration: "He dealt wisely and distributed some of his sons throughout all the districts of Judah and Benjamin, to all the fortified cities; and he gave them abundant provisions and sought many wives for them." In this instance, makkôleth refers to the "abundant provisions" or "food supply" that Rehoboam provided for his sons and their households in the fortified cities. The context here is one of political and military strategy, where ample sustenance was crucial for maintaining strength, stability, and control within the kingdom.
In both occurrences, makkôleth consistently refers to ample, material sustenance, highlighting either divine generosity or wise human administration in providing for physical needs.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for makkôleth (`{{H4361}}`) is its root verb אָכַל (`{{H398}}`), "to eat." Understanding the act of eating provides the direct context for the noun "food." Other related Hebrew words that convey similar concepts of food or provision include:
* לֶחֶם (`{{H3389}}`): "bread," often used generically for all food or sustenance.
* אֹכֶל (`{{H400}}`): a more general and frequently used term for "food" or "eating."
* צֵידָה (`{{H6720}}`): "provision" or "food supply," often specifically for a journey or expedition.
* טֶרֶף (`{{H2964}}`): "prey" or "food," often in the context of wild animals or what is hunted.
The concept of makkôleth is also intertwined with broader biblical themes such as divine provision, material blessings, prosperity, and the fulfillment of physical needs.
### Theological Significance
Though makkôleth (`{{H4361}}`) is a rare term, its occurrences carry significant theological weight. In [[Nehemiah 9:25]], it explicitly underscores God's role as the benevolent Provider. The abundance of "nourishment" is presented as a direct manifestation of God's "great goodness," demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant promises by supplying the physical needs of His people in the Promised Land. This highlights that God's blessings are not solely spiritual but encompass tangible, material well-being, enabling life and flourishing.
In [[2 Chronicles 11:23]], while the provision is attributed to Rehoboam, it operates within a worldview where all resources ultimately originate from God. The act of providing "abundant provisions" for stability and strength reflects a principle of good governance that aligns with divine order. The presence of makkôleth in these contexts reinforces the biblical understanding that physical sustenance is a fundamental aspect of human existence and a key component of both divine blessing and responsible leadership. It reminds the reader that God cares for the physical well-being of His creation, providing the very "food" necessary for life.
### Summary
Makkôleth (`{{H4361}}`) is a Hebrew noun derived from the verb "to eat" (`{{H398}}`), signifying "nourishment" or "food." Its rare appearances in [[Nehemiah 9:25]] and [[2 Chronicles 11:23]] consistently refer to abundant material provisions. In Nehemiah, it vividly illustrates God's generous provision and covenant faithfulness to Israel in the Promised Land, highlighting the tangible nature of His blessings. In 2 Chronicles, it denotes the strategic and necessary sustenance provided by King Rehoboam for the stability of his kingdom. Theologically, makkôleth serves as a concrete descriptor of the physical sustenance essential for life and prosperity, powerfully pointing to God as the ultimate source of all provisions and a caring Provider for His people.
TRV