### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Maktêsh**, represented by `{{H4389}}`, identifies a specific place in Jerusalem known as the Maktesh, which means a **dell**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible, indicating its very specific and localized significance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H4389}}` is in a prophecy of judgment found in [[Zephaniah 1:11]]. In this verse, the inhabitants of **Maktesh** are commanded to **howl** because the **merchant** people within it are **cut down** and those who carry silver are **cut off**. This context directly links **Maktesh** to a place of commerce and wealth that is facing imminent destruction.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its only context clarify the nature of this judgment:
* `{{H3213}}` **yâlal** (to howl): This word commands an audible cry of distress, often in response to impending divine judgment, as when the day of the LORD is at hand [[Isaiah 13:6]] or when inhabitants of a land are facing an overflowing flood [[Jeremiah 47:2]].
* `{{H3667}}` **Kᵉnaʻan** (merchant): While often referring to the land of Canaan [[Genesis 17:8]], this word is used here to mean **merchant** or trafficker. This specific usage is also seen in [[Hosea 12:7]], where a **merchant** uses "balances of deceit".
* `{{H1820}}` **dâmâh** (be cut down): This verb signifies a state of being **undone** or brought to ruin and **silence**. It is used to describe a people being **destroyed** [[Hosea 4:6]] and a city laid waste and "brought to silence" [[Isaiah 15:1]].
* `{{H3772}}` **kârath** (cut off): Meaning to cut asunder or destroy, this term underscores the finality of the judgment. While often used for making a covenant [[Genesis 15:18]], here it denotes complete removal, as when parts of the land are prophesied to be **cut off** and die [[Zechariah 13:8]].
### Theological Significance
The singular use of `{{H4389}}` carries specific theological weight concerning divine judgment.
* **Judgment on Corrupt Commerce:** The judgment on **Maktesh** is explicitly directed at its identity as a commercial center. The downfall of the **merchant** people `{{H3667}}` and those with silver suggests a divine response to economic activity, especially when it is connected with deceit [[Hosea 12:7]].
* **The Inevitability of Destruction:** The verbs surrounding **Maktesh**—to **howl** `{{H3213}}`, be **cut down** `{{H1820}}`, and be **cut off** `{{H3772}}`—paint a picture of complete and irreversible desolation. This is not a warning of potential trouble but a declaration of certain ruin for those targeted by judgment [[Zephaniah 1:11]].
* **Geographic Specificity of Judgment:** By naming a specific location, **Maktesh**, the prophecy demonstrates that divine judgment is not merely an abstract concept but a concrete event that impacts real people in real places. The call is for the specific "inhabitants of Maktesh" to howl, localizing the consequences of sin.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4389}}` **Maktêsh** is a unique geographical term whose sole biblical appearance serves as a potent symbol of divine judgment. Its context within [[Zephaniah 1:11]] illustrates that wealth and commerce, represented by the **merchant** people, offer no protection from accountability. The word, though mentioned only once, anchors a powerful prophecy in a specific place, demonstrating that judgment is both personal and absolute.
TRV