from לָקַח; transitively (in dual) the jaws (as taking food); intransitively, spoil (and captives) (as taken); booty, jaws, prey.
Transliteration:malqôwach
Pronunciation:mal-ko'-akh
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun H4455 (מַלְקוֹחַ - malqôwach) derives from the verbal root `{{H3947}}` (לָקַח - laqach), meaning "to take, seize, grasp, receive." This etymological connection is crucial for understanding the semantic range of malqôwach, which encompasses two primary, yet related, senses:
1. **The Jaws (Anatomical):** In its concrete application, malqôwach refers to the "jaws," specifically as instruments of taking, seizing, or devouring food. The base definition notes its frequent use in the dual form, emphasizing the pair of jaws. This sense highlights the physical capacity for acquisition, often with implications of power or danger.
2. **Spoil, Booty, Prey (Abstract):** More commonly, malqôwach denotes that which has been "taken" or "seized" in a military or predatory context. This includes "spoil" or "booty" captured from an enemy in war, or "prey" taken by a hunter or predator. This sense underscores the outcome of a forceful taking, often implying vulnerability on the part of the taken and dominance on the part of the taker.
The common thread linking these two meanings is the concept of "taking" or "seizing," whether by physical means (jaws) or by force (warfare, predation).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
H4455 appears approximately 20 times in the Old Testament, illustrating both facets of its meaning:
* **As "Jaws":**
* In [[Job 41:2]] (KJV Job 41:12), malqôwach describes the "jaws" of Leviathan, a creature of immense power and terror. The verse poses a rhetorical question about the impossibility of controlling such a formidable being: "Who can open the doors of his face? His teeth are terrible all around." Here, the jaws symbolize unassailable strength and the capacity for destruction.
* [[Proverbs 30:14]] speaks of "a generation whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men." This vivid imagery uses the "jaw teeth" (malqôwach) metaphorically to depict the predatory and oppressive nature of the wicked, who exploit and consume the vulnerable.
* **As "Spoil," "Booty," or "Prey":** This is the more prevalent usage, particularly in narratives of warfare and divine judgment.
* In the account of the Midianite war in [[Numbers 31:12]], malqôwach is used alongside "captives" and "spoil" to describe the vast plunder brought back by the Israelites. This emphasizes the material gains of victory, sanctioned by God. The term reappears multiple times in the division of this "spoil" (e.g., [[Numbers 31:26]], [[Numbers 31:32]]).
* [[Joshua 11:14]] describes the Israelites taking the "spoil" (malqôwach) of the cities and cattle as they conquered Canaan, while utterly destroying the inhabitants. This highlights the concept of divine judgment enacted through Israel's military campaigns, where the "spoil" serves as the material outcome.
* The disobedience of King Saul in [[1 Samuel 15:19]] and [[1 Samuel 15:21]] is directly linked to his seizing of the "spoil" (malqôwach) from the Amalekites, despite God's command for complete destruction. This illustrates how the "spoil" can become a test of obedience and a cause for divine displeasure.
* In prophetic literature, malqôwach often describes the vulnerability of nations or individuals to being "prey." [[Isaiah 49:24]] asks, "Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered?" but [[Isaiah 49:25]] assures that the Lord will deliver His people from those who make them "prey," demonstrating God's power to reverse the fortunes of those who are seized.
* A particularly poignant usage occurs in [[Jeremiah 21:9]] and [[Jeremiah 38:2]], where the prophet advises those in besieged Jerusalem to surrender to the Chaldeans, stating that "his life shall be unto him for a prey." Here, "prey" signifies a life barely salvaged, a mere survival snatched from the jaws of death, emphasizing the preciousness of life itself when all else is lost.
* [[Ezekiel 29:19]] refers to Egypt becoming "spoil" (malqôwach) for Nebuchadnezzar, as God's judgment against Pharaoh. This underscores the idea of nations being subject to divine decree, becoming "prey" for other powers as a consequence of their sin.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of H4455 is rich and interconnected with several key concepts and terms:
* **Root Verb `{{H3947}}` (לָקַח - laqach):** This is the foundational word, meaning "to take, seize, grasp." Understanding laqach is essential, as malqôwach is the result or instrument of this "taking."
* **Other Words for Spoil/Booty:**
* `{{H7998}}` (שָׁלָל - shalal): A very common word for "spoil" or "plunder," often used interchangeably or alongside malqôwach.
* `{{H962}}` (בַּז - baz): Another frequent term for "plunder" or "booty."
* `{{H7997}}` (שָׁלַל - shalal): The verb "to plunder, to take spoil."
* **Concepts of Predation and Warfare:** The word evokes images of a predator taking its prey or a victorious army seizing the spoils of war. This connects to themes of power dynamics, conquest, and survival.
* **Divine Judgment and Deliverance:** Malqôwach is often situated within narratives of God's judgment against wicked nations (who become "spoil") or His deliverance of His people from those who would make them "prey."
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H4455 is multifaceted, touching upon God's sovereignty, justice, and redemptive power:
1. **Divine Sovereignty in Judgment:** The frequent use of malqôwach as "spoil" or "prey" in contexts of war highlights God's active involvement in human affairs. He raises up nations to execute judgment, allowing them to take "spoil" as part of His plan (e.g., Egypt becoming spoil for Babylon in [[Ezekiel 29:19]]). Conversely, He judges those who take spoil unjustly or against His command (e.g., Saul in [[1 Samuel 15:19]]). This demonstrates that even in the chaos of conflict, God remains sovereign, orchestrating outcomes.
2. **The Consequence of Sin:** For those who become malqôwach (prey/spoil), it often signifies the dire consequences of disobedience, idolatry, or wickedness. Nations are given over to plunder as a form of divine chastisement.
3. **God as Deliverer and Protector:** A powerful theological counterpoint is God's promise to deliver His people from becoming "prey." In [[Isaiah 49:25]], the Lord declares, "Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered." This assures believers that no power is too great for God to overcome, and He will contend with those who seek to devour His chosen ones.
4. **The Value of Life in Crisis:** The imagery of "life as a prey" in Jeremiah (e.g., [[Jeremiah 38:2]]) conveys a profound theological truth about the preciousness of mere survival in times of extreme judgment. It underscores that even a life barely snatched from destruction is a gift, a testament to God's preserving hand amidst desolation.
5. **Symbolism of Destructive Power:** The "jaws" aspect of malqôwach (e.g., Leviathan in [[Job 41:2]]) serves as a powerful metaphor for overwhelming, destructive forces in the world, which only God can ultimately control or subdue.
### Summary
H4455 (מַלְקוֹחַ - malqôwach) is a potent Hebrew term rooted in the concept of "taking" or "seizing" (`{{H3947}}` - laqach). Its semantic range encompasses both the literal "jaws" (as instruments of seizing) and, more frequently, the abstract "spoil," "booty," or "prey" (that which has been taken). Biblically, malqôwach vividly portrays the power of destructive forces, the material outcomes of war and predation, and the consequences of divine judgment. Theologically, it illuminates God's absolute sovereignty over nations and individuals, His justice in allowing or orchestrating plunder, and His redemptive power in delivering His people from those who would make them "prey." The concept of "life as a prey" further emphasizes the profound value of survival and God's sustaining grace in the midst of overwhelming adversity.
TRV