or (feminine) מַקְהֵלָה; from קָהַל; an assembly; congregation.
Transliteration:maqhêl
Pronunciation:mak-hale'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H4721 (מַקְהֵל, maqhêl) originates from the root `{{H6950}}` (קָהַל, qāhal), which means "to assemble," "to gather," or "to convoke." Fundamentally, maqhêl denotes an "assembly" or "congregation," referring to a gathering of people. While closely related to `{{H6951}}` (קָהָל, qāhāl), the more common noun for "assembly" or "congregation" (e.g., the "assembly of Israel"), maqhêl carries a specific nuance in its singular biblical occurrence. It appears to emphasize the context or nature of such a gathering, particularly one focused on instruction or the dissemination of wisdom. The Strong's entry notes a feminine form, מַקְהֵלָה (maqhêlāh), though this form is not attested in the biblical text.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H4721 (מַקְהֵל, maqhêl) is exceptionally rare in the Hebrew Bible, appearing only once in the Masoretic Text.
* **[[Ecclesiastes 12:11]]**: "The words of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the words of masters of assemblies (בַּעֲלֵי מַקְהֵל, ba'ale maqhêl), given by one Shepherd."
* In this sole occurrence, maqhêl appears in the plural construct form, מַקְהֵל (maqhêl), referring to "assemblies." The phrase בַּעֲלֵי מַקְהֵל translates to "masters of assemblies." These "masters" are understood to be wise teachers, sages, or authoritative figures who convene and lead gatherings for the purpose of instruction, counsel, or the dissemination of wisdom.
* The context of Ecclesiastes 12, which concludes the book, emphasizes the enduring and impactful nature of true wisdom, contrasting it with fleeting knowledge. The words of these "masters of assemblies" are likened to "goads" (inciting thought and action) and "nails firmly fixed" (providing stability and permanence), suggesting their authoritative and lasting influence within these teaching gatherings. This singular usage highlights the setting where wisdom is both imparted and received, underscoring the importance of communal learning and authoritative teaching.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root `{{H6950}}` (קָהַל, qāhal):** This is the fundamental verbal root from which maqhêl derives. The verb qāhal means "to assemble," "to gather," or "to convoke."
* **`{{H6951}}` (קָהָל, qāhāl):** As a direct cognate, this is the most prominent related term. qāhāl is far more common in the Hebrew Bible and typically refers to the "assembly" or "congregation" of Israel, often with significant religious, national, or cultic connotations (e.g., the "assembly of the Lord" in [[Deuteronomy 4:10]] or the gathering for worship in [[Nehemiah 8:2]]). While qāhāl can encompass any gathering, maqhêl in Ecclesiastes seems to denote a more specific type of assembly, particularly one focused on wisdom instruction.
* **`{{H622}}` (אָסֻפָּה, 'ăsuppâ):** This word also appears in [[Ecclesiastes 12:11]] and is related to the idea of gathering or collecting. It can refer to "collections" of sayings or literary compilations. While maqhêl refers to the human assembly, asuppah might refer to the collected wisdom or the gatherings *of* wisdom itself, creating a complementary pair in the verse.
* **`{{H5712}}` (עֵדָה, 'edah):** Another common Hebrew term for "congregation" or "assembly," particularly prevalent in the Pentateuch, often referring to the community of Israel gathered for legal, social, or cultic purposes. While maqhêl is specific to the context of wisdom instruction, edah has broader communal and legal connotations.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of maqhêl in [[Ecclesiastes 12:11]] carries profound theological weight, particularly regarding the nature and transmission of wisdom:
* **The Authority of Wisdom:** The "masters of assemblies" are presented as authoritative figures whose words possess enduring power, likened to "goads" that stimulate and "nails firmly fixed" that provide stability. This underscores the divine origin and transformative nature of true wisdom, which is explicitly stated to be "given by one Shepherd" (God). The setting of the assembly lends gravitas to the wisdom imparted.
* **Communal Learning and Instruction:** The existence of "assemblies" for wisdom implies a communal context for learning and spiritual formation. Wisdom was not solely a private or individual pursuit but was taught, discussed, and internalized within a gathered community. This highlights the importance of collective instruction and shared pursuit of understanding in the ancient Israelite intellectual and spiritual landscape.
* **The Role of the Teacher:** The "masters of assemblies" are key mediators of wisdom. Their role is to effectively convey profound truths, shaping the minds and hearts of their listeners. This prefigures the enduring importance of teaching, discipleship, and the authoritative transmission of truth throughout biblical tradition, from the prophets to the New Testament apostles.
* **Distinct Sphere of Religious Life:** While related to the broader concept of qāhāl (the cultic or national assembly), maqhêl in Ecclesiastes seems to emphasize an assembly for *instruction* rather than primarily for cultic worship or national gathering. This suggests a distinct, yet complementary, sphere of religious life focused on intellectual, moral, and spiritual formation through teaching.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H4721 (מַקְהֵל, maqhêl), derived from `{{H6950}}` (qāhal), signifies an "assembly" or "congregation." Its unique biblical appearance in [[Ecclesiastes 12:11]] as בַּעֲלֵי מַקְהֵל ("masters of assemblies") is highly significant. It refers to authoritative teachers or sages who convene gatherings specifically for the purpose of imparting wisdom. This singular usage underscores the ancient practice of communal wisdom instruction, emphasizing the enduring power and divine origin of the truths delivered by these "masters." Unlike the more general `{{H6951}}` (qāhāl) which often denotes the entire congregation of Israel, maqhêl in Ecclesiastes points to specific settings where profound truths were taught and received, highlighting the importance of authoritative teaching and communal learning in the transmission of divine wisdom.
TRV