Lexical Summary megerah: Saw Original Word: מְגֵרָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance axe, saw From garar; a saw -- axe, saw. see HEBREW garar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom garar Definition a saw NASB Translation axes (1), saws (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs מְגֵרָה noun feminine saw (Late Hebrew id., perhaps from its harsh dragging sound) — מְגֵרָה 2 Samuel 12:31 a + 2 t.; plural מְגֵרוֺת 1 Chronicles 20:3 (< מַגְזְרוֺת 2 Samuel 12:31 b) — saw, used in cutting stone מְגֹרָרוֺת בַּמְּגֵרָה 1 Kings 7:9; used in torture (or as tools for enforced labour) of captives 2 Samuel 12:31 a 1 Chronicles 20:3 a. Topical Lexicon Definition and Physical Characteristics The מְגֵרָה was a hand-saw, most likely consisting of a metal blade—bronze in earlier periods, iron by the time of David and Solomon—with a row of set teeth for cutting wood or stone. Its inclusion among other iron tools (2 Samuel 12:31) and its use on costly stones (1 Kings 7:9) show that Israelite craftsmen possessed advanced metallurgy and stone-dressing techniques comparable to those of neighboring cultures. Biblical Occurrences • 2 Samuel 12:31 – David “put them to work with saws” after the conquest of Rabbah. Historical and Cultural Background Iron tools mark the shift from Bronze Age technology to the Iron Age in the Levant. Control of iron production was once held largely by the Philistines (1 Samuel 13:19–22), but by David’s reign Israel evidently manufactured its own iron implements. In royal construction projects, large limestone or sandstone blocks were sawn to precise dimensions, enabling the seamless masonry admired in the Solomonic period. The same tool appears in military contexts as an emblem of conquest and subjugation: captives were compelled to labor with the saw, a common ancient Near Eastern practice intended to demonstrate dominance and to repurpose prisoners for state projects. Theological and Spiritual Insights 1. Divine Provision for Kingdom Building The saw facilitated the temple infrastructure that would become the focal point of Israel’s worship life. Its very presence in 1 Kings 7:9 underscores that every practical skill and tool comes under God’s sovereignty to advance His redemptive plan. 2. Instruments of Mercy or Judgment In David’s hands the saw functioned in judgment against persistent Ammonite hostility (compare Genesis 12:3). Yet the same tool in Solomon’s workshop advanced a house of prayer. Scripture thus presents technology as morally neutral; its ethical value rests on the intent of the user. 3. Echoes of Suffering and Faithfulness Later tradition remembered prophets who were “sawn in two” (Hebrews 11:37). While the Greek passage employs another term, the Hebrew image of the saw evokes steadfast faith amid persecution, pointing ultimately to Christ, who endured injustice so “that He might bring us to God” (1 Peter 3:18). Practical Ministry Reflections • Craftsmanship and Worship: Congregations can affirm skilled labor as a God-honoring vocation. Just as the ancient saw prepared stones for the temple, modern craftsmanship can serve the building up of the church, both physically and spiritually (Ephesians 4:11–12). In Scripture the מְגֵרָה stands quietly in the background—sometimes as a grim token of conquest, other times as a celebrated instrument of sacred architecture. Its dual usage invites readers to view every tool, opportunity, and authority through the lens of God’s righteous purposes. Forms and Transliterations בַּ֠מְּגֵרָה בַּמְּגֵרָ֖ה בַּמְּגֵרָ֜ה במגרה וּבַמְּגֵר֔וֹת ובמגרות bam·mə·ḡê·rāh Bammegerah bamməḡêrāh ū·ḇam·mə·ḡê·rō·wṯ ūḇamməḡêrōwṯ uvammegeRotLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Samuel 12:31 HEB: הוֹצִ֗יא וַיָּ֣שֶׂם בַּ֠מְּגֵרָה וּבַחֲרִצֵ֨י הַבַּרְזֶ֜ל NAS: were in it, and set [them] under saws, sharp KJV: that [were] therein, and put [them] under saws, and under harrows INT: brought and set saws sharp iron 1 Kings 7:9 1 Chronicles 20:3 1 Chronicles 20:3 4 Occurrences |
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