from נָסַע in the sense of projecting; a missile (spear or arrow); also a quarry (whence stones are, as it were, ejected); before it was brought, dart.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **maççâʻ**, represented by `{{H4551}}`, is a term with dual meanings related to projection. It appears only 2 times in 2 unique verses. Its definition encompasses both a quarry, from which stones are ejected, and a missile like a spear, arrow, or dart.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The two uses of `{{H4551}}` showcase its distinct applications. In [[1 Kings 6:7]], it describes the source of the stones used to build the temple. The house was built of stone made ready "before it was brought" `{{H4551}}`, indicating the stones were fully prepared at the quarry so that no tool of iron was heard at the sacred site. In contrast, [[Job 41:26]] lists `{{H4551}}` as a "dart" among other weapons, including the sword `{{H2719}}` and spear `{{H2595}}`, that are powerless and "cannot hold" against the creature described.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which `{{H4551}}` is found:
* `{{H68}}` **'eben** (a stone): This is the material that was prepared at the quarry `{{H4551}}` before being used to build the house of God [[1 Kings 6:7]].
* `{{H2719}}` **chereb** (sword): This word for a cutting instrument appears alongside the "dart" `{{H4551}}` in the list of ineffective weapons in [[Job 41:26]].
* `{{H2595}}` **chănîyth** (spear): Defined as a lance for thrusting, it is mentioned with `{{H4551}}` to illustrate the types of arms that are unable to affect the powerful being in Job's account [[Job 41:26]].
### Theological Significance
The conceptual significance of `{{H4551}}` derives from its two contrasting uses.
* **Orderly Sacred Construction:** In the context of building the temple, `{{H4551}}` points to a place of preparation. The fact that the stones were made ready at the quarry ensured that the house of the LORD was built in reverence and peace, without the sound of laboring tools [[1 Kings 6:7]].
* **The Limits of Human Power:** When used as a "dart," `{{H4551}}` functions as a symbol of human weaponry. Its ineffectiveness in [[Job 41:26]] serves to highlight the limitations of man's strength and technology when confronted with immense power.
* **A Common Root of "Projection":** The word's definition as something projected or ejected links its two meanings. It can refer to stones ejected from a quarry for building or a missile projected as a weapon.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4551}}` is a rare but illustrative Hebrew term. Though appearing only twice, it powerfully conveys two different ideas. It signifies the quarry, a place of careful preparation for the sacred and peaceful construction of God's house [[1 Kings 6:7]], and it represents a dart, a man-made weapon that proves utterly futile [[Job 41:26]]. The word demonstrates how a single term can encompass concepts of both creative building and armed conflict.
TRV