from מָעַל; treachery, i.e. sin; falsehood, grievously, sore, transgression, trespass, [idiom] very.
Transliteration:maʻal
Pronunciation:mah'-al
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun מַעַל (maʻal), Strong's H4604, derives directly from the verb מָעַל (maʻal, `{{H4603}}`), meaning "to act unfaithfully," "to commit a trespass," or "to behave treacherously." As a noun, מַעַל signifies the act of unfaithfulness, treachery, or trespass itself. Its semantic range encompasses notions of falsehood, grievous offense, and transgression. At its core, מַעַל denotes a breach of trust, a violation of a sacred obligation, or an act of disloyalty, particularly within a covenantal relationship, most notably with God. While it can sometimes be used idiomatically to intensify a statement (e.g., "very grievously"), its primary theological weight is rooted in the concept of unfaithfulness and betrayal.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term מַעַל (maʻal) appears frequently in the Old Testament, predominantly in legal, historical, and prophetic texts, highlighting its significance in the covenant relationship between God and Israel.
In the Pentateuch, especially Leviticus and Numbers, מַעַל often refers to a trespass against the LORD or against holy things, requiring specific atonement. For instance, [[Leviticus 5:15]] describes a "trespass (מַעַל) against the LORD's holy things," requiring restitution and a trespass offering. Similarly, [[Numbers 5:6]] speaks of "committing a trespass (מַעַל) against the LORD," emphasizing an offense that directly violates divine instruction or trust.
The historical books illustrate the far-reaching consequences of מַעַל. A prime example is Achan's "trespass (מַעַל)" in [[Joshua 7:1]], where his unfaithfulness regarding the devoted things brought judgment upon the entire community of Israel, demonstrating the corporate dimension of this sin. In [[1 Chronicles 10:13]], King Saul's death is attributed to his "unfaithfulness (מַעַל) to the LORD," underscoring that a deeper betrayal of divine command led to his downfall. Later, in the post-exilic period, Ezra laments the "great trespass (מַעַל)" of the people in marrying foreign women, a clear violation of their covenant identity ([[Ezra 10:6]], [[Ezra 10:10]]).
Prophetic books and wisdom literature also employ מַעַל to describe Israel's consistent rebellion. [[Ezekiel 14:13]] speaks of a land that "sins against me by acting faithlessly (מַעַל מַעַל)," using the noun in conjunction with the verb to intensify the description of profound disloyalty. In [[Daniel 9:7]], Daniel, in his prayer of confession, acknowledges Israel's "trespass (מַעַל)" against God, recognizing the collective unfaithfulness that led to their exile. These contexts consistently portray מַעַל not merely as a mistake, but as a deliberate and serious breach of loyalty and trust.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of מַעַל (maʻal, `{{H4604}}`) is enriched by its relationship to other Hebrew terms for sin and related theological concepts:
* **מָעַל (maʻal, `{{H4603}}`)**: The verbal root from which the noun derives, meaning "to act unfaithfully." The noun is the direct embodiment of this action.
* **חַטָּאת (chatta't, `{{H2403}}`)**: A general term for "sin" or "missing the mark." While every מַעַל is a חַטָּאת, not every חַטָּאת is a מַעַל. The latter specifically denotes a breach of trust or sacred obligation.
* **פֶּשַׁע (pesha', `{{H6588}}`)**: Often translated as "transgression" or "rebellion." This term emphasizes a deliberate revolt against authority. While similar in gravity, מַעַל highlights the element of betrayal or unfaithfulness within a relationship, whereas פֶּשַׁע emphasizes the act of breaking away.
* **עָוֹן (avon, `{{H5771}}`)**: "Iniquity" or "guilt." This term often focuses on the perversity of the act and the resulting guilt and punishment.
* **בֶּגֶד (beged, `{{H898}}`)**: "Treachery" or "deceit." This noun is closely aligned with מַעַל in emphasizing betrayal, often in a more interpersonal context, though it can also apply to God.
The concept of **Covenant** is fundamental to understanding מַעַל. A trespass or act of unfaithfulness is often a violation of the terms of a covenant, whether between God and humanity (e.g., the Mosaic Covenant) or between individuals. The sanctity of **Holiness** is also a crucial related concept, as many instances of מַעַל involve a defilement or misuse of what is consecrated to God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of מַעַל (maʻal) is profound, illuminating key aspects of God's character, human responsibility, and the nature of sin:
1. **Breach of Covenant and Trust**: Foremost, מַעַל underscores the seriousness of violating the covenant relationship with God. It is not merely a breaking of rules but a betrayal of a sacred trust, an act of disloyalty against the divine Benefactor. This highlights God's expectation of faithfulness from His people, reflecting His own covenant faithfulness.
2. **Corporate Responsibility**: As seen in the case of Achan, מַעַל often has corporate ramifications. The unfaithfulness of one individual or a segment of the community can bring divine judgment or adverse consequences upon the entire group. This emphasizes the interconnectedness of the covenant community and the shared responsibility for maintaining its integrity before God.
3. **Holiness and Consecration**: Many instances of מַעַל involve a trespass against "holy things" or a violation of sacred space/time. This highlights God's absolute holiness and the serious nature of defiling what is consecrated to Him, whether intentionally or unintentionally.
4. **Need for Atonement**: The Mosaic Law's provision for specific trespass offerings (Leviticus 5) for מַעַל demonstrates the gravity of this sin and the divine provision for reconciliation. These rituals underscore that such a breach of trust required specific means of atonement to restore the relationship with God and community.
5. **Human Propensity for Unfaithfulness**: The recurring instances of מַעַל throughout Israel's history, from the wilderness generation to the exilic period, serve as a stark reminder of humanity's inherent tendency toward unfaithfulness and rebellion against God, despite His continuous grace and covenant promises.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מַעַל (maʻal, `{{H4604}}`) designates an act of treachery, unfaithfulness, or trespass, deriving its meaning from the verb "to act unfaithfully" (`{{H4603}}`). It signifies a profound breach of trust, particularly within the context of a covenant relationship with God or in relation to sacred things. Biblical occurrences reveal its application to both individual and corporate sin, often resulting in severe consequences for the unfaithful party and sometimes for the entire community. Theologically, מַעַל highlights the sanctity of God's covenant, the gravity of disloyalty, the corporate impact of sin, and the divine provision for atonement through prescribed rituals. It serves as a poignant reminder of humanity's persistent struggle with unfaithfulness and God's unwavering call to loyalty and integrity within His covenant.
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