### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun מִקָּח (miqqâch, `{{H4727}}`) is derived from the common verbal root לָקַח (lâqach, `{{H3947}}`), which primarily means "to take, seize, receive, acquire." The prefix מִ (mi-) often forms nouns denoting an action, a state, or the result of an action. Consequently, miqqâch carries the core meanings of "reception" or "taking," particularly in the context of acquisition or transaction. It signifies the act of obtaining something, whether through purchase, acquisition, or simply receiving. While the root lâqach can encompass a broad range of "taking" (e.g., taking a wife, taking a city, taking words), miqqâch as a noun tends to narrow the focus to the act of material or commercial acquisition.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The noun מִקָּח (miqqâch, `{{H4727}}`) is notably rare in the Hebrew Bible, appearing primarily in a singular, yet highly significant, context. Its most prominent occurrence is found in:
* [[Nehemiah 10:31]] (Hebrew 10:32): "And if the peoples of the land bring wares or any grain on the Sabbath day to sell, we will not buy from them on the Sabbath or on a holy day; and we will forego the seventh year's produce and the exaction of every debt."
In this verse, miqqâch is used in the phrase "we will not buy from them" (וְלֹא־נִקַּח מֵהֶם). The context is a solemn covenant made by the returned exiles under Nehemiah, pledging their commitment to uphold the Mosaic Law. Specifically, they vow to observe the Sabbath and the sabbatical year. The term miqqâch here unequivocally refers to the act of purchasing or acquiring goods in a commercial transaction. The prohibition against miqqâch on the Sabbath underscores the sanctity of the day, setting it apart from ordinary economic activity and worldly pursuits. This communal vow reflects a deep commitment to prioritize divine commands over material gain.
While some lexical resources might suggest other occurrences, careful examination often reveals the use of closely related terms like מִקָּחָה (maqqachah, `{{H4728}}`) or מַרְבִּית (marbith, `{{H4760}}`), which bear similar semantic fields but are distinct words. Thus, the primary and most illustrative context for miqqâch remains the covenant in Nehemiah, emphasizing its connection to Sabbath observance and commercial restraint.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of מִקָּח (miqqâch, `{{H4727}}`) is primarily rooted in acts of acquisition, reception, and commercial transaction.
* **Verbal Root:** The most direct relation is to its root verb, לָקַח (lâqach, `{{H3947}}`), "to take, seize, receive, acquire." This verb has a broad semantic range, encompassing everything from taking a wife ([[Genesis 4:19]]) to taking vengeance ([[Genesis 4:24]]) or receiving instruction ([[Proverbs 1:3]]). Miqqâch narrows this general "taking" to the specific context of commercial exchange.
* **Nouns from the same root:**
* מַקָּחָה (maqqachah, `{{H4728}}`): A very closely related noun, also meaning "purchase" or "acquisition." The distinction, if any, is subtle, perhaps a slight nuance in emphasis or grammatical form.
* מַלְקֹחַ (malqoach, `{{H4455}}`): "prey, spoil," referring to that which has been taken, often in battle.
* **Words related to buying/selling:**
* קָנָה (qanah, `{{H7069}}`): "to acquire, buy, possess." This verb is commonly used for purchasing land, slaves, or goods.
* מֶכֶר (meker, `{{H4376}}`): "sale, price."
* מִמְכָּר (mimkar, `{{H4465}}`): "something sold, merchandise, sale."
* סָחַר (sachar, `{{H5503}}`): "to travel about, trade, traffic."
* מַשָּׂא (massa, `{{H4853}}`): "load, burden," but also "merchandise" in commercial contexts.
* **Concepts:** Sabbath observance, covenant fidelity, economic law, holiness, distinction between sacred and profane.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of מִקָּח (miqqâch, `{{H4727}}`) is intimately tied to its singular prominent usage in [[Nehemiah 10:31]]. This verse places the act of "taking" or "buying" within the sphere of covenantal obedience and the sanctity of the Sabbath.
1. **Sanctity of the Sabbath:** The prohibition against miqqâch on the Sabbath underscores the profound holiness of this day. It is not merely a day of rest from labor, but a day set apart from all ordinary worldly pursuits, including commerce and the pursuit of material gain. By refraining from miqqâch, the people affirmed that the Sabbath belonged to God and was to be devoted to Him, rather than to personal profit or acquisition. This act of abstinence was an expression of worship and reverence.
2. **Covenant Fidelity and Obedience:** The vow in Nehemiah 10 is a renewed commitment by the community to live according to God's law after their return from exile. Their pledge to avoid miqqâch on the Sabbath was a concrete demonstration of their earnest desire to walk in obedience to the covenant. It represented a collective act of repentance and dedication, signifying their willingness to prioritize divine commands over immediate economic advantage.
3. **Trust in Divine Provision:** By agreeing to forgo commercial activity on the Sabbath and during the sabbatical year (which also involved economic restraint), the people implicitly expressed their trust in God's ability to provide for their needs. This act countered a human tendency to rely solely on one's own labor and accumulation, fostering a dependence on God as the ultimate provider. It was a tangible expression of faith that God's blessing would sustain them even in moments of economic pause.
4. **Distinction Between Sacred and Profane:** The command concerning miqqâch on the Sabbath helped to maintain a clear distinction between the sacred and the profane, between God's time and human time. It taught the community that there are boundaries that define holy living, setting God's people apart from the nations around them who engaged in commerce without such divine restrictions.
### Summary
The Hebrew noun מִקָּח (miqqâch, `{{H4727}}`) is a rare but significant term derived from לָקַח (lâqach, `{{H3947}}`), meaning "reception" or "taking," specifically in the context of commercial acquisition. Its most notable occurrence is in [[Nehemiah 10:31]], where it refers to the act of "buying" or "taking" wares. In this crucial covenantal passage, the people of Israel vow to refrain from miqqâch on the Sabbath, emphasizing the sacredness of the day and its distinction from ordinary commercial activity. Theologically, miqqâch highlights the sanctity of the Sabbath, underscoring the community's covenant fidelity and their trust in God's provision. It serves as a powerful reminder of the call to prioritize spiritual devotion and obedience to divine law over the pursuit of worldly gain, thereby maintaining a clear boundary between the sacred and the profane in their daily lives.
TRV