### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מַכְמָר (makmâr), Strong's `{{H4364}}`, refers primarily to a "net." Its etymology is particularly insightful, deriving from the root כָּמַר (kāmar), which carries connotations of "to be hot," "to glow," or "to be black" from heat. This connection to "blackening by heat" is interpreted in the Strong's definition as suggesting the net's appearance: "dark from concealment." This nuance highlights a key characteristic of the net as an instrument of capture—it is designed to be inconspicuous, hidden, or to blend into its surroundings, thereby ensuring the unsuspecting entrapment of prey. Thus, beyond a mere tool for fishing or hunting, *makmâr* implies an element of cunning, surprise, and the inevitable capture that follows.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The lemma מַכְמָר (makmâr) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Isaiah:
* [[Isaiah 19:8]]: "And the fishermen shall mourn, and all they that cast angle into the brooks shall lament, and they that spread nets (מַכְמָרִים) upon the waters shall languish."
* In this context, *makmâr* is used in its literal sense, referring to fishing nets. The passage is part of a prophecy concerning the judgment of Egypt. The drying up of the Nile River, the lifeblood of Egypt, will lead to the collapse of its fishing industry. The "spreaders of nets" (מַכְמָרִים, plural of *makmâr*) will "languish," signifying economic ruin and widespread despair. Here, the net, a symbol of livelihood and prosperity, becomes a poignant image of loss and the impotence of human endeavor in the face of divine judgment. The failure of the nets underscores the complete disruption of Egypt's foundational economy and the ultimate sovereignty of God over nations.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of a "net" or "snare" is prevalent in the Hebrew Bible, often carrying significant metaphorical weight.
* **Root Connection:** The root כָּמַר (kāmar), which gives rise to *makmâr*, is also associated with a sense of "glowing" or "being hot," potentially hinting at the intense effort or the hidden danger associated with the net.
* **Derived Terms:** A closely related term is מִכְמֹרֶת (mikmōret), Strong's `{{H4365}}`, which is explicitly derived from `{{H4364}}` and also means "net." This word appears in:
* [[Habakkuk 1:15-16]]: Here, the wicked are depicted as catching people in their "net" (חֶרֶם, `{{H2764}}`) and "dragnet" (מִכְמֹרֶת, `{{H4365}}`), and then sacrilegiously sacrificing and burning incense to their nets. This vividly portrays the idolatry of self-reliance and the worship of human tools and strength rather than God.
* [[Psalm 141:10]]: "Let the wicked fall into their own nets (מִכְמֹרֹתָיו), whilst that I withal escape." This verse uses *mikmōret* metaphorically for the treacherous snares or plots set by the wicked, from which the righteous pray for deliverance.
* **Synonymous Terms for "Net" or "Snare":**
* חֶרֶם (ḥerem, `{{H2764}}`): Often translated as "net" or "dragnet," as seen alongside `{{H4365}}` in Habakkuk. This word also carries the primary meaning of "devoted thing" or "ban," potentially adding a layer of destructive or inescapable power to the net.
* רֶשֶׁת (reshet, `{{H7568}}`): A very common word for "net" or "snare," frequently used metaphorically for the traps of the wicked (e.g., [[Psalm 9:15]], [[Psalm 10:9]]).
* פַּח (pach, `{{H6341}}`): Denotes a "snare" or "trap," often specifically for birds.
* מְצוּדָה (mᵉtsudah, `{{H4685}}`): Can mean "net" or "snare," but also "fortress" or "stronghold," suggesting a place of capture or confinement.
The specific nuance of *makmâr* and its direct derivative *mikmōret* appears to emphasize the net's concealed, deceptive nature, making it a fitting metaphor for hidden dangers and insidious plots.
### Theological Significance
The word *makmâr*, though rare in direct occurrence, contributes to a broader biblical theology of divine sovereignty, human reliance, and the nature of entrapment.
1. **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty:** In [[Isaiah 19:8]], the failure of the nets is not merely an economic disaster but a direct consequence of God's judgment upon Egypt. It illustrates that human endeavors, even those essential for survival, are ultimately subject to divine will. God can render human tools and efforts useless, demonstrating His absolute control over the prosperity and decline of nations.
2. **Idolatry of Human Means:** While *makmâr* itself is used literally in Isaiah, its close relative `{{H4365}}` in [[Habakkuk 1:15-16]] provides a profound theological insight. The act of "sacrificing to their net" symbolizes the human tendency to worship and rely on their own strength, cunning, or material possessions (their "nets") rather than acknowledging God as the true source of provision and success. This highlights the dangers of self-sufficiency and the perversion of legitimate tools into objects of idolatry.
3. **Spiritual Entrapment and Deliverance:** The "dark from concealment" aspect of the net suggests the insidious nature of sin, temptation, or the schemes of the wicked. Just as a hidden net ensnares its unsuspecting victim, so too can sin or malicious plots subtly trap individuals. The Psalms, using related terms, frequently depict the wicked setting "nets" or "snares" for the righteous (e.g., [[Psalm 141:10]]). The theological response is often a prayer for divine deliverance, recognizing that God alone can break these spiritual nets and set the captive free.
4. **Vulnerability and Trust:** The imagery of the net underscores human vulnerability. Whether facing natural disaster (Isaiah), the oppression of the wicked (Psalm), or the temptation to idolatry (Habakkuk), humanity is prone to being caught. This vulnerability calls for a posture of trust in God, who is able to protect and deliver from all snares.
### Summary
מַכְמָר (makmâr, `{{H4364}}`) is a Hebrew term for a "net," specifically characterized by its "darkness from concealment," suggesting its hidden and deceptive nature. Its singular occurrence in [[Isaiah 19:8]] depicts the literal failure of fishing nets as a sign of divine judgment against Egypt, symbolizing the collapse of its economy and the futility of human efforts without God's blessing. Though rare, *makmâr* contributes to a rich biblical tapestry of "net" imagery, particularly through its derived form `{{H4365}}` (מִכְמֹרֶת). Theologically, these terms illuminate God's sovereignty over human endeavors, expose the idolatry inherent in relying on human means rather than divine provision, and metaphorically portray the insidious nature of spiritual entrapment and the necessity of God's deliverance from such snares. The net, therefore, serves as a powerful symbol of both human vulnerability and divine power.
TRV