### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **martsepheth**, represented by `{{H4837}}`, refers to a **pavement**. It is derived from the root רָצַף, meaning to pave. This word is exceedingly rare, appearing only **1 time** in a single verse in the entire Bible, making its sole context highly significant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{H4837}}` is found in a description of King Ahaz's alterations to the temple in Jerusalem. In an act of religious modification, king{H4428} Ahaz dismantled sacred items, taking down{H3381} the great ceremonial sea{H3220} from upon the brasen{H5178} oxen{H1241} that supported it. He then put{H5414} this sea upon a **pavement**{H4837} of stones{H68}, fundamentally changing its foundation and placement within the holy site [[2 Kings 16:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of `{{H4837}}` connects it to several important architectural and ritual terms:
* `{{H4350}}` **mᵉkôwnâh** (base): Defined as a pedestal or a spot. These were the original, specially-made supports for temple furniture. The account specifies that King Ahaz cut off the borders of the **bases**{H4350} as part of his alterations [[2 Kings 16:17]].
* `{{H3220}}` **yâm** (sea): This term can mean a sea or, as in this case, a large artificial basin. In the temple, the **sea**{H3220} was a massive brasen basin for the priests to wash in [[2 Chronicles 4:6]]. It was this "sea" that Ahaz moved from its original stand onto the pavement.
* `{{H68}}` **ʼeben** (a stone): This word for **stone** is what the pavement was made of. Stones are fundamental building materials, but also carry theological weight as symbols of foundation, as when God promises to lay a tried **stone**{H68} in Zion [[Isaiah 28:16]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H4837}}` is derived entirely from its singular, charged context:
* **Foundation of the Sacred:** The `pavement` stands in stark contrast to the original foundation for the sea. The sea was purposefully set upon brasen{H5178} oxen{H1241}, a designed and symbolic stand. By moving it to a simple **pavement**{H4837} of stones{H68}, Ahaz replaced a sacred, crafted foundation with a common, mundane one.
* **An Act of Disassembly:** The narrative portrays King{H4428} Ahaz's actions as a dismantling of sacred order. He cut off{H7112} the borders{H4526} of the bases{H4350} and removed{H5493} the laver{H3595}. Placing the sea{H3220} on a pavement was part of this deconstruction of the temple's established arrangements [[2 Kings 16:17]].
* **Architectural Symbolism:** In the context of the temple, placement was significant. The movement of the sea to a `pavement` represents a lowering of its status and a break from the original design, turning a unique ritual object into something resting on common ground.
### Summary
In summary, **martsepheth** `{{H4837}}` is a term whose importance is defined by its unique appearance in Scripture. While simply meaning **pavement**, its use in [[2 Kings 16:17]] gives it a specific and negative connotation. It marks the place where King Ahaz set a sacred object after removing it from its proper, honored foundation, illustrating how even a common architectural feature can signify a profound departure from holiness in the biblical narrative.
TRV