or מַקְצֹעַ; or (feminine) מַקְצֹעָה; from קָצַע in the denominative sense of bending; an angle or recess; corner, turning.
Transliteration:maqtsôwaʻ
Pronunciation:mak-tso'-ah
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מַקְצוֹעַ (maqtsôwaʻ, `{{H4740}}`) or its feminine form מַקְצֹעָה (maqtsôʻah) denotes an "angle," "corner," or "recess." It is derived from the root קָצַע (qatsaʻ), which carries the sense of "to cut off," "to scrape," or, more pertinently in this denominative usage, "to bend" or "to form an angle." Thus, H4740 specifically refers to a formed corner or an internal angle, often implying a precise juncture or a distinct turning point within a structure or space. Its semantic range is tightly bound to architectural and spatial descriptions, emphasizing the exactness of a bend or an intersection.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H4740 appears exclusively in contexts describing physical structures, primarily in the books of Exodus, Ezekiel, and Nehemiah.
In Exodus, H4740 is used to describe the "corners" of the tabernacle frames:
* [[Exodus 26:24]]: "They shall be coupled together beneath, and they shall be coupled together above the head of it unto one ring: thus shall it be for them both; they shall be for the two corners."
* [[Exodus 36:29]]: This verse repeats the same description for the tabernacle's construction. These occurrences highlight the precise craftsmanship and structural integrity required for the sacred dwelling, where every "corner" was essential for proper assembly and stability.
In the book of Ezekiel, H4740 is used extensively in the visionary descriptions of the new temple, emphasizing its meticulous design and divine blueprint:
* [[Ezekiel 41:22]]: Refers to the "corners" of the wooden altar, underscoring its precise, divinely ordained form.
* [[Ezekiel 43:20]]: Again, the "four corners" of the altar, reinforcing the exactness of its dimensions.
* [[Ezekiel 45:19]]: Describes the "corners" of the temple's altar, where purification rituals take place.
* [[Ezekiel 46:21]]: Mentions the "corners of the court," indicating specific areas within the temple complex.
* [[Ezekiel 46:22]]: Refers to the "four corners of the court," further detailing the precise layout of the temple's outer areas. The repeated use in Ezekiel underscores the divine demand for order, exactness, and adherence to specific design in sacred spaces.
In Nehemiah, H4740 describes the "corners" or "turnings" of the rebuilt wall of Jerusalem:
* [[Nehemiah 3:19]], [[Nehemiah 3:20]], [[Nehemiah 3:24]], [[Nehemiah 3:25]]: These verses detail various sections of the wall and the specific "corners" or "turnings" that marked the boundaries and structural changes in the fortification. Here, H4740 denotes geographical or architectural points of transition and definition, crucial for the city's defense and restoration.
Across these contexts, H4740 consistently points to a defined, often structural, angle or recess, crucial for the integrity, order, or delineation of a physical space.
### Related Words & Concepts
The term H4740 (maqtsôwaʻ) is one of several Hebrew words that can be translated as "corner" or "edge," each with nuanced distinctions:
* **Root קָצַע (qatsaʻ):** As the verbal root, it signifies the action that produces the corner, emphasizing the formation of the angle.
* **פֵּאָה (pe'ah, `{{H6285}}`):** This word often refers to a "side," "edge," or "extremity," particularly of a field or garment. It has a broader sense of a boundary or a general region, less specific to a sharp angle than H4740.
* **פִּנָּה (pinnah, `{{H6438}}`):** A very common word for "corner," especially a structural corner of a building, and frequently used metaphorically for a "cornerstone" or a "chief." While pinnah can refer to an external corner or a prominent point, maqtsôwaʻ often implies an internal angle or a recess, particularly in the context of joints or intricate architectural details.
* **קָצֶה (qatseh, `{{H7097}}`):** Means "end," "edge," or "extremity," typically referring to the furthest point or boundary of something, without necessarily implying an angular formation.
The distinctiveness of H4740 lies in its specific application to precisely formed angles and recesses, particularly within complex structures like the Tabernacle and the Temple, highlighting the meticulous nature of their construction and design.
### Theological Significance
The consistent use of H4740 in the descriptions of sacred structures carries profound theological significance:
1. **Divine Precision and Order:** The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle and Ezekiel's Temple, which repeatedly specify the "corners," underscore God's absolute demand for precision and order in all matters related to His worship and presence. There is no room for approximation or human improvisation; every "corner" reflects a divine blueprint, emphasizing God's character as a God of perfect design and unblemished holiness.
2. **Structural Integrity and Foundation:** In the Tabernacle, the "corners" were vital for the stability and proper joining of its components. Theologically, this can symbolize the importance of fundamental, often unseen, elements that contribute to the strength and coherence of spiritual structures, whether in individual faith or corporate worship. Even the seemingly small, angular points are crucial for the whole to stand firm.
3. **Holiness and Defined Space:** The application of H4740 to the corners of altars and courts in Ezekiel's vision, and the walls in Nehemiah, delineates sacred or protected spaces. This signifies the clear boundaries God establishes between the holy and the common, and the defined space where His presence dwells or His people are secured. It speaks to the importance of maintaining spiritual distinctions and the integrity of God's covenant community.
4. **Completeness of Divine Design:** The meticulous attention to every "corner" in the divine architectural plans suggests a comprehensive and exhaustive design, where no detail is overlooked. This illustrates God's thoroughness in His redemptive purposes and His sovereign control over every aspect of His creation and interaction with humanity.
### Summary
מַקְצוֹעַ (maqtsôwaʻ, `{{H4740}}`) is a precise Hebrew term signifying an "angle," "corner," or "recess," derived from a root implying the formation of a bend. Its biblical occurrences are concentrated in architectural contexts: the Tabernacle, Ezekiel's visionary Temple, and the rebuilt walls of Jerusalem. In these instances, H4740 consistently denotes a specific, often internal, angle crucial for structural integrity, precise design, and the delineation of space. Theologically, the word underscores God's demand for divine precision and order in sacred spaces, highlighting the importance of structural integrity in spiritual constructs, the significance of defined boundaries for holiness, and the completeness of God's meticulous design where every detail, even the "corners," is divinely purposed and perfect.
TRV