### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H4623 (מַעְצָר, *maʻtsâr*) is a noun derived from the verbal root `{{H6113}}` (עָצָר, *ʻâtsâr*). The root `{{H6113}}` carries the primary sense of "to shut up," "to restrain," "to hold back," "to withhold," or "to stop." From this foundational meaning, מַעְצָר (maʻtsâr) develops a nuanced semantic range, specifically denoting "control" or "rule." The base definition highlights its subjective nature, implying the *act* or *state* of exercising such control. It suggests a power that restrains or holds in check, thereby establishing authority. Unlike a general term for leadership, מַעְצָר (maʻtsâr) emphasizes the active exertion of power to govern or maintain order, often through restriction or regulation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Remarkably, H4623 (מַעְצָר, *maʻtsâr*) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, making its single occurrence highly significant for understanding its precise meaning.
* **[[1 Samuel 9:17]]**: "And when Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people."
In this pivotal moment, God reveals Saul to Samuel as the future king of Israel. The phrase "this same shall reign over my people" in the King James Version translates the Hebrew "הוּא יַעְצֹר בְּעַמִּי" (hūʼ yaʻtsōr bəʻammî). While the verb here is a form of the root `{{H6113}}` (עָצָר) rather than the noun מַעְצָר (maʻtsâr) itself, the Strong's entry for H4623 specifically links it to this root and its meaning of "control" or "rule" in the context of governing. The Septuagint translates this with a form of ἀρχή (archē), meaning "rule" or "beginning," reinforcing the sense of governing authority. The context is undeniably about the establishment of Saul's kingship and his divinely appointed authority to govern and exercise control over the nation of Israel. This "control" implies not merely leadership, but the power to restrain, direct, and manage the affairs of the people, a function inherent in monarchical rule.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding H4623 (מַעְצָר, *maʻtsâr*) is enhanced by examining its root and related terms:
* **`{{H6113}}` (עָצָר, *ʻâtsâr*)**: The verbal root is fundamental. It is used in various contexts to denote stopping (e.g., rain, [[1 Kings 8:35]]), restraining (e.g., a king, [[2 Chronicles 28:23]]), or withholding (e.g., a blessing, [[Deuteronomy 11:17]]). The noun מַעְצָר (maʻtsâr) thus encapsulates the *power* or *act* of such restraint or control in a governing sense.
* **`{{H4427}}` (מֶלֶךְ, *melekh*) / `{{H4428}}` (מָלַךְ, *malakh*)**: King / to reign. These are the most common terms for kingship and ruling. While מַעְצָר (maʻtsâr) speaks to the *nature* of the control, מָלַךְ (malakh) describes the *act* of reigning.
* **`{{H4910}}` (מָשַׁל, *mashal*)**: To rule, have dominion. This verb often denotes authoritative rule, sometimes with a sense of overcoming or having power over others.
* **`{{H7980}}` (שָׁלַט, *shalat*)**: To rule, have dominion, be master. This term emphasizes the exercise of power and authority, often in a forceful or dominant manner.
* **Concepts**: Sovereignty, authority, governance, leadership, and divine appointment are all intertwined with the meaning of מַעְצָר (maʻtsâr) in its sole biblical context.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of H4623 (מַעְצָר, *maʻtsâr*) in [[1 Samuel 9:17]] carries profound theological weight, particularly concerning the nature of kingship in Israel and divine sovereignty.
1. **Divine Appointment of Authority**: The fact that God Himself declares Saul will exercise מַעְצָר (maʻtsâr) over His people underscores that legitimate human authority is ultimately derived from God. Kingship in Israel was not merely a human institution but a divinely ordained office, intended to function under God's ultimate rule.
2. **The Nature of Kingship**: The choice of a word rooted in "restraint" or "control" for a king's function is insightful. A king's role was not merely to lead or to be a figurehead, but to actively govern, which included restraining evil, administering justice, and maintaining order within the nation. This "control" was meant to align the people with God's covenant and laws.
3. **God's Ultimate Sovereignty**: While Saul is appointed to exercise מַעְצָר (maʻtsâr) over Israel, the narrative of 1 Samuel consistently reminds the reader that God retains ultimate מַעְצָר (maʻtsâr) over both the king and the nation. Saul's subsequent failures demonstrate the limits of human control and the necessity of submission to divine authority. God's `{{H6113}}` extends to all aspects of creation and history, including the rise and fall of human rulers.
### Summary
H4623 (מַעְצָר, *maʻtsâr*) is a rare but significant Hebrew noun, derived from the root `{{H6113}}` (עָצָר, "to restrain" or "to stop"). It denotes "control" or "rule," particularly in the sense of exercising governing authority through the power of restraint or regulation. Its sole biblical occurrence in [[1 Samuel 9:17]] is highly contextual, referring to God's declaration that Saul would "reign" or "exercise control" over His people as the first king of Israel. Theologically, this term highlights the divine origin of legitimate human authority and the functional nature of kingship as a form of divinely appointed governance, intended to maintain order and justice. Ultimately, it serves as a reminder that all human מַעְצָר (maʻtsâr) is subordinate to God's supreme and absolute sovereignty.
TRV