a primitive root; to press, i.e. to pierce, emasculate, handle; bruised, stuck, be pressed.
Transliteration:mâʻak
Pronunciation:maw-ak'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H4600}}` (מָעַךְ, mâʻak) is a primitive verbal root whose core meaning revolves around the concept of "pressing." This fundamental action extends into a semantic range encompassing various forms and intensities of pressure. The definition provided indicates several key nuances:
* **To press:** This is the foundational meaning, implying the application of force upon an object.
* **To pierce:** This suggests a forceful application of pressure resulting in penetration or a breaking of the surface.
* **To emasculate:** This is a highly specific and significant application of "pressing," referring to the crushing or damaging of the testicles, leading to a loss of reproductive function. This particular meaning carries strong implications in biblical law.
* **To handle:** This implies a more general manipulation or application of pressure with the hands, perhaps less forceful than "piercing" or "emasculating."
* **Bruised:** This describes the state or result of being pressed, indicating damage to tissue without necessarily breaking the skin.
* **Stuck:** This might imply being pressed into a position from which one cannot move, or being adhered by pressure.
* **Be pressed:** This is the passive form, indicating the recipient of the action of pressing.
The range thus moves from general physical interaction to highly specific, often damaging, outcomes of pressure.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The most prominent and theologically significant occurrence of `{{H4600}}` (מָעַךְ, mâʻak) is found in the book of Leviticus.
* **[[Leviticus 21:20]]:** This verse lists one of the physical blemishes that would disqualify a descendant of Aaron from serving as a priest. The phrase "or bruised testicles" (מָעוּךְ אָשֶׁךְ, *ma'ukh ashekh*) uses the passive participle of `{{H4600}}`. Here, the word refers to a severe physical defect, specifically the crushing or bruising of the testicles, resulting in emasculation. The context of Leviticus 21 is the strict requirements for priests, who were to be physically unblemished and whole, symbolizing the perfection and holiness required to minister before a holy God. This defect, along with others listed, rendered a priest ritually unfit to approach the altar or offer sacrifices, though he could still eat the holy food. The emphasis is on physical integrity as a prerequisite for sacred service.
* While the root itself is relatively rare in the Hebrew Bible, its derived forms, particularly the participle in [[Leviticus 21:20]], carry immense weight due to their legal and theological implications concerning purity and fitness for divine service.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of `{{H4600}}` (מָעַךְ, mâʻak) intersects with several related Hebrew words and theological concepts:
* **Words for crushing/breaking:**
* `{{H1792}}` (דָּכָא, dakha'): "to crush," "to break in pieces," often used for spiritual crushing or physical destruction.
* `{{H7533}}` (רָצַץ, ratas): "to crush," "to break," often implying violence or oppression.
* **Words for physical blemish/defect:**
* Various terms in Leviticus 21 and 22 describe physical imperfections (e.g., `{{H2170}}` *gibbēn* "hunchbacked", `{{H1888}}` *daq* "emaciated") that disqualify priests or sacrificial animals. `{{H4600}}` fits squarely within this category.
* **Concepts of Wholeness and Perfection:**
* `{{H8549}}` (תָּמִים, tamim): "complete," "whole," "blameless," "perfect." This is the ideal state for sacrificial animals and, implicitly, for priests. The defect described by `{{H4600}}` is the antithesis of *tamim*.
* The broader concept of physical integrity and ritual purity (`{{H2893}}`, *ṭāhôr* "clean") is central to the Levitical code. Physical defects were often seen as symbolic of spiritual imperfection or a departure from the Creator's original design.
* **Eunuchs:** Individuals who were emasculated, whether by injury or castration, were explicitly barred from entering "the assembly of the Lord" in [[Deuteronomy 23:1]]. While `{{H4600}}` describes the *state* of the injury, the resulting *condition* aligns with that of a eunuch (`{{H5631}}`, סָרִיס, saris). This reinforces the concept that certain physical impairments had significant implications for participation in the community of faith in the Old Covenant.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4600}}` (מָעַךְ, mâʻak), particularly in its application in [[Leviticus 21:20]], is profound and multifaceted:
* **Holiness and Wholeness in Priesthood:** The prohibition against a priest with "bruised testicles" serving God underscores the divine demand for physical wholeness and integrity in those who minister in the tabernacle/temple. This physical perfection symbolized the spiritual perfection and wholeness required to approach a holy God. The absence of blemish in the priest was a visual and tangible representation of the unblemished character of God and the purity required in His service.
* **Symbolism of Purity and Life:** The reproductive organs are intrinsically linked to life and procreation. A defect in this area, such as that described by `{{H4600}}`, could be seen as a blemish on the very essence of life and fruitfulness. While not explicitly stated as "unclean," such a defect prevented full participation in sacred duties, pointing to a deeper theological truth about the necessity of unblemished life and service before God.
* **God's Absolute Standards:** The strictness of these Levitical regulations highlights God's absolute standards for His worship and His representatives. It is not about God being arbitrary or discriminatory, but about conveying the profound holiness and perfection required to stand in His presence. The physical requirements served as a pedagogical tool to teach Israel about the spiritual purity and dedication God desired.
* **Anticipation of the Perfect High Priest:** In the New Covenant, the emphasis shifts from physical perfection to spiritual perfection achieved through Christ. Physical blemishes no longer disqualify one from spiritual service (e.g., the blind, lame, and sick were healed and welcomed by Jesus). However, the underlying principle of wholeness and integrity in the *spiritual* sense remains paramount. Christ Himself is the perfect High Priest, fulfilling all the Levitical requirements in His own person, being utterly without blemish or sin (`{{G505}}`, *anōmos* "without law/sin"; `{{G299}}`, *amōmos* "without spot or blemish"). He is the ultimate realization of the unblemished priest.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H4600}}` (מָעַךְ, mâʻak) is a primitive root primarily meaning "to press," with a significant semantic range that includes "to pierce," "to handle," "to bruise," and most notably, "to emasculate." Its most critical biblical appearance is in [[Leviticus 21:20]], where it describes "bruised testicles" as a physical blemish disqualifying a priest from active service in the tabernacle. This specific usage underscores the Old Testament's emphasis on physical wholeness (`{{H8549}}`) and ritual purity for those ministering before a holy God (`{{H6942}}`). Theologically, `{{H4600}}` highlights God's demand for perfection in His representatives, symbolizing the spiritual integrity and unblemished character required to approach the divine. In the New Covenant, while physical defects no longer disqualify, the spiritual principle of wholeness and purity is fully realized in the person and work of Jesus Christ, our perfect and unblemished High Priest.
TRV