Lexical Summary mahalummoth: Blows, wounds Original Word: מַהֲלֻמָּה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance stripe, stroke From halam; a blow -- stripe, stroke. see HEBREW halam NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom halam Definition strokes, blows NASB Translation blows (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs מַהֲלֻמֿוֺת noun feminine plural strokes, blows (compare Phoenician מהלם stroke, stamp, impression, once on a coin מהלם אגדר coinage of Gader (Gades), = percussura, κόμμα, GesMon.pl.40,xiv. c also p. 307) — Proverbs 18:6 (compare Baer) Proverbs 19:29, both times of blows on the body. Topical Lexicon Glossary of Meaning and Nuance מַהֲלֻמָּה expresses the concrete idea of a “blow,” “stroke,” or “beating,” usually as the just consequence of offensive speech or behavior. While the noun is rare—occurring only twice—its semantic field sits naturally among the wisdom-literature themes of corrective discipline, physical chastisement, and public justice. Occurrences in Scripture 1. Proverbs 18:6 – “A fool’s lips bring strife, and his mouth invites a flogging.” Literary Function in Proverbs Proverbs frequently personifies folly as a reckless talker whose words court disaster. In both occurrences, מַהֲלֻמָּה functions as the climactic punishment provoked by imprudent speech. The term strengthens two poetic parallels: By inserting a vivid noun for physical chastisement, the inspired author allows readers to feel the weight of accountability that accompanies foolish words. Theology of Divine and Human Discipline Although the context is human justice, Proverbs’ theology never stops at the horizontal level. The consistent Old Testament ethic sees wise discipline—whether parental, communal, or governmental—as delegated authority under the sovereign Lord (Proverbs 3:11-12; Hebrews 12:5-6). מַהֲלֻמָּה therefore illustrates a larger principle: tangible correction in the present warns of ultimate divine judgment if folly persists. The reality of corporal punishment becomes a signpost to the moral order established by God. Historical Background Ancient Near Eastern societies routinely used measured beatings to maintain public order (compare Deuteronomy 25:2-3). Israelite law limited the severity of such blows, reflecting covenant compassion while preserving deterrence. Proverbs, written across the monarchic era, presupposes this legal framework. A fool facing מַהֲלֻמָּה would have stood before elders or magistrates who administered lashes with both restraint and resolve. Ministry Significance Today 1. Speech Ethics: Proverbs 18:6 warns congregations that unbridled tongues still reap destructive harvests, even if modern penalties are non-physical (James 3:5-6). Christological Reflection Isaiah 53:5 foretells the Suffering Servant “pierced for our transgressions… by His stripes we are healed.” Though Isaiah employs a different Hebrew word for “stripes,” both texts converge on the motif of blows borne because of sin. Proverbs points to fools who earn their own מַהֲלֻמָּה, whereas the Gospel proclaims Jesus voluntarily receiving blows He never deserved so that repentant fools might be spared divine wrath (1 Peter 2:24). Homiletical Insights • Title: “When Words Invite a Beating” – a sermon contrasting the fool’s deserved blows with Christ’s substitutionary suffering. Related Hebrew Concepts • נֶגַע (negaʿ, “plague, wound”): expands the range from judicial blows to covenant curses. Conclusion Though rare, מַהֲלֻמָּה delivers a sharp reminder that folly carries real-world consequences. Its presence in Proverbs sandwiches timeless wisdom between historical practice and redemptive hope, urging believers to cultivate restrained speech, embrace godly discipline, and marvel at the One who bore our blows. Forms and Transliterations וּ֝מַהֲלֻמ֗וֹת ומהלמות לְֽמַהֲלֻמ֥וֹת למהלמות lə·ma·hă·lu·mō·wṯ lemahaluMot ləmahălumōwṯ ū·ma·hă·lu·mō·wṯ umahaluMot ūmahălumōwṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Proverbs 18:6 HEB: בְרִ֑יב וּ֝פִ֗יו לְֽמַהֲלֻמ֥וֹת יִקְרָֽא׃ NAS: And his mouth calls for blows. KJV: and his mouth calleth for strokes. INT: strife and his mouth blows calls Proverbs 19:29 2 Occurrences |
    |