passive adjective of מָעַט; thinned (as to the edge), i.e. sharp; wrapped up.
Transliteration:mâʻôṭ
Pronunciation:maw-ote'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The lemma מָעֹט (mâʻôṭ, `{{H4593}}`) is identified as a passive adjective derived from the verbal root מָעַט (ma'at, `{{H4591}}`), which primarily conveys the sense of "to be few, little, diminish, lessen." Consequently, מָעֹט encapsulates the core meaning of being "diminished" or "thinned." In its most common application, this "thinning" refers to an edge, resulting in a state of being "sharp" or "keen." This denotes an object made incisive and effective through a reduction of its bulk. A secondary, less directly attested meaning, "wrapped up," might metaphorically suggest something being reduced or contained, though biblical usage strongly favors the sense of sharpness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term מָעֹט (mâʻôṭ, `{{H4593}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Ezekiel.
* In [[Ezekiel 21:15]], the passage reads: "so that your heart may melt and all hands be feeble. I have given the flashing sword for slaughter, a sword made for flashing and sharpened for slaughter."
* Here, מָעֹט unequivocally describes the state of the divine sword, emphasizing its readiness and efficacy for its destructive purpose. The sword is not merely present; it is "sharpened," made acutely prepared for "slaughter." This highlights the precision, lethality, and intentionality of God's impending judgment against Jerusalem and the surrounding nations. The singular, powerful context underscores the term's specific and forceful meaning related to the destructive capability of a divinely prepared instrument.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the verbal root מָעַט (ma'at, `{{H4591}}`), from which מָעֹט is directly derived. The root's core meaning of "to be few, little, diminish" directly informs the adjectival form, where the "thinning" of an edge to create sharpness is a direct application of "diminishing" its material. While not etymologically linked, other Hebrew terms related to weaponry or preparation for battle provide semantic parallels. For instance, "sword" (חֶרֶב, *ḥerev*, `{{H2719}}`) is the object described, and the concept of "to whet" or "to sharpen" (לָטַשׁ, *lataš*, `{{H3913}}`) describes the action that results in the state of מָעֹט. The broader theological context of divine judgment and the instruments through which God executes His will (e.g., the "sword of the Lord") also conceptually relates מָעֹט to themes of divine wrath, justice, and the execution of God's decrees.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of מָעֹט in [[Ezekiel 21:15]] carries profound theological weight within the context of divine judgment. The "sharpened sword" is not merely a human weapon; it is unequivocally an instrument of the Lord's own design and preparation. The description of the sword as "sharpened" (מָעֹט) implies a deliberate and meticulous readiness. God's judgment is portrayed as neither haphazard nor impulsive, but rather as precisely prepared and effectively executed. The sharpness of the sword symbolizes the inescapable and decisive nature of God's justice; there is no dullness or inefficiency in His decree. When God's judgment is unleashed, it is potent, effective, and accomplishes its intended purpose fully. This term, though rare, contributes to the biblical portrayal of God as utterly sovereign, even over the instruments of discipline and destruction. It underscores His power to bring about His will, serving as a stark warning of the certainty and severity of impending divine retribution.
### Summary
The Hebrew adjective מָעֹט (mâʻôṭ, `{{H4593}}`), derived from the root meaning "to diminish," signifies a state of being "thinned" or, more specifically in its biblical context, "sharpened." Its sole occurrence in [[Ezekiel 21:15]] describes the "sharpened" sword of the Lord, a vivid and potent metaphor for divine judgment. This unique usage underscores the intentionality, precision, and devastating effectiveness of God's impending retribution. The term conveys that God's judgments are not arbitrary but are meticulously prepared and perfectly suited to accomplish His sovereign will, serving as a powerful and reverent reminder of the certainty and severity of His justice.
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