### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mᵉkittâh**, represented by `{{H4386}}`, is derived from the root word for "to bruise or violently strike" `{{H3807}}`. It signifies a **fracture** or **bursting**. This term is extremely specific, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{H4386}}` is found in [[Isaiah 30:14]], where it vividly illustrates a picture of complete and irreversible destruction. The verse describes the breaking of a potter's vessel, which is shattered so completely that in its **bursting**, not even a fragment, or sherd, can be found. The destruction is so total that no piece is large enough to serve a simple purpose, such as carrying fire from a hearth or scooping water from a pit. This context emphasizes the totality and finality of the judgment being described.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of shattering and ruin is expanded by several words related to the context of `{{H4386}}`:
* `{{H3807}}` **kâthath** (to bruise or violently strike): As the root word for **mᵉkittâh**, it establishes the violent action that leads to the bursting. It is used in the same verse to describe the vessel being "broken in pieces" [[Isaiah 30:14]].
* `{{H7667}}` **sheber** (a fracture, figuratively, ruin): This word is used in parallel to describe the "breaking" of the vessel in [[Isaiah 30:14]]. It more broadly refers to destruction, affliction, or a breach, as in the "breach of his people" [[Isaiah 30:26]].
* `{{H2789}}` **cheres** (a piece of pottery; sherd): This word is critical to understanding the intensity of the bursting. The result of the `{{H4386}}` is that not even a **sherd** can be found, highlighting the vessel's utter uselessness after being broken [[Isaiah 30:14]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4386}}` is concentrated in its single, powerful image of judgment.
* **Utter Destruction:** The primary theme is one of absolute ruin. The judgment is not partial; the potter's vessel is so thoroughly broken that nothing of value or use remains. This is reinforced by the phrase "he shall not spare" `{{H2550}}` within the same verse [[Isaiah 30:14]].
* **Loss of Function:** A sherd of pottery could be repurposed to carry fire `{{H784}}` or water `{{H4325}}`. The state of **bursting** described by `{{H4386}}` signifies a complete loss of purpose and identity, where the object is rendered entirely useless.
* **Irreparable Ruin:** Unlike a simple crack or breach that might be mended, the "bursting" implies a state beyond repair. The vessel is not just broken but disintegrated, representing a final and irreversible state of destruction.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4386}}` is a highly specific term whose meaning is entirely defined by its sole appearance in scripture. It communicates far more than a simple break; it signifies a catastrophic **bursting** into useless fragments. Through the powerful metaphor of a shattered potter's vessel in [[Isaiah 30:14]], it serves as a stark illustration of complete, final, and irreversible judgment, where the subject is destroyed so entirely that no trace of its former purpose remains.
TRV