from מָעַךְ; oppressed; Maok, a Philistine; Maoch.
Transliteration:Mâʻôwk
Pronunciation:maw-oke'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H4582}}` (Mâʻôwk), transliterated as Maoch, is a proper noun derived from the root `{{H4600}}` (Mâʻak), which means "to press," "to squeeze," or "to oppress." As a personal name, Mâʻôwk inherently carries the semantic weight of its root. Therefore, the name itself can be understood to mean "oppressed" or "one who is pressed down." Unlike common nouns, proper nouns do not possess a broad semantic range, but their etymological roots often provide insight into the cultural or personal significance attributed to the individual at the time of naming. In this case, the name points to a state of being subjected to pressure or hardship, or perhaps, paradoxically, one who exerts such pressure.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H4582}}` (Mâʻôwk) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, serving as a genealogical identifier:
* [[1 Samuel 27:2]]: "And David arose and went over, he and the six hundred men who were with him, to Achish the son of Maoch, king of Gath."
In this sole occurrence, Maoch is identified as the father of Achish, the Philistine king of Gath, to whom David flees during his period of exile from Saul. The context is purely historical and descriptive, establishing the lineage of a significant Philistine ruler. The name's meaning, "oppressed," is noteworthy given that Achish was a powerful king who offered refuge to David, an "oppressed" man himself, yet also represented a nation that frequently oppressed Israel. The use of the patronymic "son of Maoch" serves to precisely identify Achish within the historical narrative, underscoring the historicity of the account of David's sojourn among the Philistines.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for `{{H4582}}` is its root, `{{H4600}}` (Mâʻak). This verb is used in various contexts to denote physical pressing, crushing, or squeezing, often with negative connotations:
* In legal contexts, `{{H4600}}` can refer to physical mutilation, such as a crushed testicle ([[Leviticus 21:20]]).
* It can describe the physical act of crushing, as in crushing olives for oil.
Beyond its direct root, `{{H4582}}` relates to a broader biblical vocabulary concerning oppression and suffering. Other Hebrew terms for "oppress" include `{{H3905}}` (lachats), often implying distress or affliction, and `{{H1792}}` (dakka'), referring to being crushed or broken. While Maoch is a proper noun and not a verb of action, its etymological link to "oppression" places it within this semantic field, even if its immediate function is merely identification. The naming convention among ancient peoples often reflected hopes, circumstances, or even a premonition, and the name "Oppressed" for the father of a Philistine king may carry subtle, ironic undertones in the grand narrative of God's people.
### Theological Significance
As a proper noun, `{{H4582}}` (Mâʻôwk) does not carry explicit theological doctrines. However, its singular appearance within the biblical narrative contributes to the broader theological tapestry in several implicit ways:
* **Historicity and Divine Providence:** The precise identification of Achish through his father Maoch underscores the historical groundedness of the biblical account. It points to a real historical context in which God's plan for David and Israel unfolded, even amidst the complexities of international relations and personal exile. God's sovereignty extends even to the names and lineages of foreign kings who interact with His chosen people.
* **The Irony of Names:** The meaning "oppressed" for the father of a Philistine king, a nation often characterized as an oppressor of Israel, presents a subtle irony. It might serve as a quiet reminder of the transient nature of earthly power and the ultimate fate of those who stand against God's purposes. Even the powerful are, in some sense, "oppressed" by sin or the limitations of their human condition, or they will ultimately face divine judgment.
* **Context for David's Exile:** Maoch's son Achish provides refuge for David. This seemingly contradictory act (a Philistine king aiding the future king of Israel) highlights the complex and often surprising ways in which God works through various individuals and nations to achieve His purposes, demonstrating His ability to use even adversaries for His own ends.
### Summary
`{{H4582}}` (Mâʻôwk) is a unique Hebrew proper noun, occurring only once in the biblical text as the name of Achish's father, the Philistine king of Gath ([[1 Samuel 27:2]]). Derived from the root `{{H4600}}` (Mâʻak), meaning "to press" or "to oppress," the name Maoch signifies "oppressed" or "one who is pressed down." While its primary function in the text is genealogical identification, its etymological meaning subtly enriches the narrative. It contributes to the historicity of the biblical account, offers a potential layer of ironic theological reflection on the nature of power and oppression, and underscores the intricate web of divine providence guiding the path of David and Israel, even through interactions with their adversaries.
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