from an unused root meaning to hew; an axe; ax, tongs.
Transliteration:maʻătsâd
Pronunciation:mah-ats-awd'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma maʻătsâd (מַעֲצָד, `{{H4621}}`) is derived from an unused root that conveys the action of "to hew" or "to cut." Its primary and most direct meaning is "axe" or "ax," referring to a tool specifically designed for cutting wood, felling trees, or shaping timber. The definition also includes "tongs," which might suggest a broader semantic range encompassing any tool used for gripping and severing, or perhaps a specific type of axe with a pincer-like quality, though "axe" remains the dominant and most evident meaning from its sole biblical appearance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word maʻătsâd (מַעֲצָד, `{{H4621}}`) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, in the book of Deuteronomy:
* **[[Deuteronomy 19:5]]**: "as when a man goes into the forest with his neighbor to cut wood, and his hand swings the axe (מַעֲצָד) to cut down a tree, and the head slips from the handle and strikes his neighbor so that he dies—he may flee to one of these cities and live."
In this singular occurrence, the maʻătsâd is explicitly depicted as an instrument used in the common agricultural or construction task of felling trees. The context is a legal scenario within the Mosaic Law, detailing the provision for cities of refuge. The passage addresses a case of accidental death, distinguishing it from premeditated murder. The "slipping of the head from the handle" highlights the physical construction of the axe and the potential for unforeseen and tragic accidents during its use. This verse underscores the practical, everyday utility of such tools in ancient Israelite life, while simultaneously establishing a divine legal framework to address the complexities of human error and its consequences.
### Related Words & Concepts
The maʻătsâd is one of several terms used for cutting tools in the Hebrew Bible, often distinguished by their specific design or primary function:
* **גרזן (garzen, `{{H1631}}`)**: This is another common Hebrew word for "axe," frequently appearing in contexts of felling trees or as a weapon (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 20:19]], [[2 Kings 6:5]]). It often carries a broader connotation than maʻătsâd.
* **קרדֹם (qardom, `{{H6901}}`)**: This term also refers to an "axe" or "hatchet," sometimes used in construction or military contexts (e.g., [[Judges 9:48]], [[1 Samuel 13:20]]).
* **Verbs of Cutting/Hewing**:
* **חצב (chatsav, `{{H2672}}`)**: To hew, cut out (often stone or wood, e.g., [[Isaiah 5:2]]).
* **כרת (karat, `{{H3772}}`)**: To cut off, cut down, or even to make a covenant (by cutting, e.g., [[Genesis 15:18]]).
* **Legal Concepts**:
* **Cities of Refuge (ערי מקלט)**: The concept of cities of refuge (e.g., [[Numbers 35:9-34]], [[Deuteronomy 19:1-13]]) is directly interwoven with the scenario involving the maʻătsâd. These cities provided asylum for those who had accidentally caused a death, preventing blood vengeance and allowing for a fair legal process.
* **Involuntary Manslaughter**: The legal distinction between accidental death and premeditated murder is central to the passage where maʻătsâd appears, showcasing God's meticulous concern for justice and equity.
### Theological Significance
While maʻătsâd itself is a common implement, its singular appearance in [[Deuteronomy 19:5]] imbues it with profound theological significance. It serves as a tangible element within a legal discourse that highlights several core theological principles:
1. **The Sanctity of Human Life**: The detailed legislation concerning accidental death, prompted by the use of an axe, underscores the immense value God places on human life. Even an unintentional act resulting in death requires a specific legal and social response, demonstrating that all life is precious in God's sight.
2. **Divine Justice and Equity**: God's law provides a nuanced system of justice that differentiates between malice aforethought and accidental harm. The provision of cities of refuge, exemplified by the maʻătsâd scenario, showcases God's mercy and equity, ensuring that justice is tempered with compassion for the unintentional offender. It prevents blood feuds and provides a structured process for judgment.
3. **Human Responsibility and the Nature of Tools**: The axe, as a tool, represents human labor, ingenuity, and the interaction with creation. Yet, it also symbolizes the inherent risks and unforeseen consequences of human activity. The passage implicitly teaches that even in necessary and legitimate work, accidents can occur, and humanity is accountable for the outcomes, even if unintentional. This necessitates a divine framework for order and reconciliation.
4. **The Practicality of God's Law**: The very specific and practical example involving an axe demonstrates that God's law is not abstract but deeply concerned with the realities of daily life, providing guidance and protection in commonplace situations.
### Summary
The Hebrew word maʻătsâd (מַעֲצָד, `{{H4621}}`) refers primarily to an "axe," a tool for hewing wood. Its sole biblical appearance in [[Deuteronomy 19:5]] is within the context of the Mosaic Law concerning involuntary manslaughter and the provision of cities of refuge. This specific usage elevates the seemingly mundane object into a crucial component of a theological discussion on divine justice, the sanctity of human life, and the meticulous care embedded within God's covenantal law. The maʻătsâd serves as a concrete illustration of human activity, its potential for unforeseen consequences, and God's compassionate and equitable provision for a just society, even in cases of accidental harm.
TRV