or (feminine) מַקְּלָה; from an unused root meaning apparently to germinate; a shoot, i.e. stick (with leaves on, or for walking, striking, guiding, divining); rod, (hand-)staff.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **maqqêl**, represented by `{{H4731}}`, is a word for a **shoot, stick, rod, or staff**. It appears **18 times** across **16 unique verses** in the Bible. The term can refer to a simple shoot with leaves, an item for walking, a tool for striking or guiding, or an object used for divining.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H4731}}` is used in several key contexts. It is depicted as a humble personal possession, as when Jacob crosses the Jordan with only his **staff** [[Genesis 32:10]]. It is also a tool of a shepherd, seen when David takes his **staff** in his hand to face the Philistine [[1 Samuel 17:40]], and an instrument for striking, as when Balaam **smote** the ass with a **staff** [[Numbers 22:27]]. In prophecy, it carries immense symbolic weight. Jeremiah sees a **rod** of an almond tree as a word from the Lord [[Jeremiah 1:11]], while in Zechariah, two **staves** named Beauty and Bands represent God's covenants with His people [[Zechariah 11:7]]. Conversely, it can also represent idolatry, as the people in Hosea ask counsel from their **staff** [[Hosea 4:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concepts of rods, striking, and breaking:
* `{{H4294}}` **maṭṭeh** (a branch; figuratively, a tribe; also a rod): This word is often used for a rod of authority or a tribe. It appears alongside `{{H4731}}` in [[Jeremiah 48:17]], which laments how the "strong **staff** `{{H4294}}` is broken, and the beautiful **rod** `{{H4731}}`!"
* `{{H5221}}` **nâkâh** (to strike): This root describes the action often performed with a staff. Balaam **smote** `{{H5221}}` his donkey with a **staff** `{{H4731}}` when his anger was kindled [[Numbers 22:27]].
* `{{H1438}}` **gâdaʻ** (to fell a tree; generally, to destroy anything; cut asunder): This verb is used to describe the symbolic destruction of the staff named Beauty, signifying the breaking of God's covenant [[Zechariah 11:10]].
* `{{H6565}}` **pârar** (to break up, violate, frustrate): This term is used figuratively when Zechariah's staves are destroyed, showing his intent "that I might **break** `{{H6565}}` my covenant" and later "that I might **break** `{{H6565}}` the brotherhood" ([[Zechariah 11:10]], [[Zechariah 11:14]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4731}}` is demonstrated through its symbolic applications.
* **Symbol of Humility and Journey:** The staff represents a person's starting point and reliance on simple tools. Jacob begins his journey with nothing but a **staff** before becoming two bands [[Genesis 32:10]]. David confronts a heavily armed giant with a shepherd's **staff** [[1 Samuel 17:40]].
* **Instrument of Divine Prophecy:** The **rod** serves as a vehicle for God's message. Jeremiah's vision of an almond **rod** is a direct communication from the Lord [[Jeremiah 1:11]]. The two **staves** in Zechariah, Beauty and Bands, become central figures in a prophetic act representing the making and breaking of covenants [[Zechariah 11:7]].
* **Object of Misguided Worship:** In a stark contrast, the staff becomes a symbol of apostasy when the people of Israel are condemned for seeking guidance from their **staff**, going "a whoring from under their God" [[Hosea 4:12]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4731}}` is far more than a simple wooden stick. It is a multifaceted object representing a person's journey, a tool for a shepherd, and even a weapon of war [[Ezekiel 39:9]]. Most significantly, it functions as a powerful prophetic symbol, capable of representing both the covenant of God and the folly of human idolatry. The use of `{{H4731}}` illustrates how scripture invests an ordinary, everyday object with profound spiritual and narrative meaning.
TRV