or מַפֵּלָה; from נָפַל; something fallen, i.e. a ruin; ruin(-ous).
Transliteration:mappâlâh
Pronunciation:map-paw-law'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun מַפָּלָה (mappâlâh, `{{H4654}}`) or its variant מַפֵּלָה is derived directly from the verb נָפַל (nāphal, `{{H5307}}`), which means "to fall, to lie prostrate, to be cast down." As a nominal form, מַפָּלָה signifies "something fallen," thus extending its semantic range to denote a "ruin," a "heap of ruins," or a "fallen structure." It encapsulates the state of a place or object that has undergone destruction, collapse, or decay, emphasizing the desolate aftermath of such an event. The word inherently carries connotations of desolation, destruction, and a state of disrepair, often implying a prior state of integrity or strength that has been utterly undone.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term מַפָּלָה (mappâlâh, `{{H4654}}`) appears in various prophetic and historical contexts, consistently describing physical devastation, often as a result of divine judgment or warfare.
In [[Isaiah 17:1]], the prophet declares concerning Damascus: "Behold, Damascus will cease to be a city and will become a heap of ruins [מַפָּלָה]." Here, מַפָּלָה vividly portrays the complete destruction and desolation awaiting the proud Syrian capital, emphasizing its reduction to mere rubble.
Similarly, [[Micah 1:6]] describes the fate of Samaria: "Therefore I will make Samaria a heap of ruins [מַפָּלָה] in the open country, a place for planting vineyards." This image underscores the utter obliteration of the city, reducing it to agricultural land, a stark symbol of judgment against Israel's idolatry.
[[Jeremiah 49:2]] applies the term to Rabbah of the Ammonites: "Therefore, behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make Rabbah of the Ammonites a desolate heap of ruins [מַפָּלָה]." The context is again one of divine retribution against a nation hostile to God's people, resulting in complete devastation.
Perhaps one of the most significant occurrences is found in [[Amos 9:11]]: "In that day I will raise up the booth of David that is fallen [מַפָּלָה] and repair its breaches, and raise up its ruins [מַפָּלָה] and rebuild it as in the days of old." Here, "the booth of David that is fallen" refers metaphorically to the collapsed kingdom and dynasty of David, symbolizing Israel's brokenness and desolation. Crucially, this verse introduces a powerful counter-narrative to the typical use of מַפָּלָה, promising divine restoration and rebuilding even from utter ruin. This prophecy is famously quoted in [[Acts 15:16]] by James, referring to the inclusion of Gentiles into God's people, indicating a spiritual restoration and expansion of God's covenant.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary lexical root related to מַפָּלָה (mappâlâh, `{{H4654}}`) is the verb נָפַל (nāphal, `{{H5307}}`), "to fall." This foundational connection highlights the process of collapse and the resulting state of disarray. Other Hebrew terms that share the semantic field of destruction, desolation, and waste include:
* חָרְבָּה (ḥorbāh, `{{H2723}}`): "desolation, waste place, ruin." Often used interchangeably with מַפָּלָה or in conjunction to emphasize utter desolation.
* שְׁמָמָה (šəmāmāh, `{{H8077}}`): "desolation, waste, astonishment." This term often carries the nuance of being a desolate wasteland that evokes horror or astonishment.
* הֶרֶס (heres, `{{H2040}}`): "demolition, destruction." This noun focuses more on the act of tearing down or breaking.
The concept of "ruin" is frequently linked to divine judgment, the consequences of sin, military defeat, and the impermanence of human endeavors apart from God's sustaining power.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of מַפָּלָה (mappâlâh, `{{H4654}}`) is multifaceted. Primarily, it serves as a stark symbol of divine judgment. When cities and nations are reduced to heaps of ruins, it signifies God's righteous wrath against sin, idolatry, and rebellion. It underscores the fragility of human power and the futility of trust in anything other than the Lord. The desolate state represented by מַפָּלָה is a tangible manifestation of God's sovereign control over history and His unwavering commitment to justice.
However, the use of מַפָּלָה in [[Amos 9:11]] introduces a profound redemptive dimension. The "fallen booth of David" represents not a final, irreversible end, but a state from which God promises to bring restoration. This prophetic vision transforms the word from solely a symbol of destruction into a precursor for divine rebuilding and renewal. It speaks to God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, even when His people are in a state of utter ruin. This theological trajectory highlights that even in the midst of desolation, God's ultimate purpose is to restore and establish His kingdom, often in ways that transcend human expectation, as seen in the New Testament application to the inclusion of the Gentiles.
### Summary
מַפָּלָה (mappâlâh, `{{H4654}}`) is a potent Hebrew term signifying "ruin" or "a heap of fallen structures," derived from the verb "to fall." Its primary usage in the Hebrew Bible describes the physical desolation of cities and nations, often serving as a vivid testament to divine judgment against sin and rebellion. It underscores the transient nature of human constructs and the ultimate sovereignty of God. Yet, in a pivotal prophetic utterance in Amos, מַפָּלָה also becomes a powerful symbol of future hope and restoration. From the deepest state of ruin, God promises to rebuild and renew, demonstrating His enduring faithfulness and His capacity to bring life and order even out of utter collapse. Thus, מַפָּלָה encapsulates both the severity of divine judgment and the grandeur of God's redemptive work.
TRV