4257. Machalath

Lexicon

Machalath: Machalath

Original Word: מַחֲלַת
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: machalath
Pronunciation: mah-khah-LATH
Phonetic Spelling: (makh-al-ath')
Definition: Machalath
Meaning: Machalath'

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Mahalath

From chalah; sickness; Machalath, probably the title (initial word) of a popular song -- Mahalath.

see HEBREW chalah

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from chalah
Definition
in psalm titles, probably the name of a tune.

Brown-Driver-Briggs

מַחֲלַת noun feminine only in Psalm titles ׳עַלמֿ Psalm 53:1; Psalm 88:1; apparently a catchword in a song, giving name to tune; meaning dubious; Aq Symm. ᵑ9 מְחֹלֹת dance; see Ol^{Psalmen, p. 27} Bae^{Psalmen, p. xviii}.

III. חלה (adorn; compare Arabic adorn, (neck-) ornament).

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the root חָלַל (chalal), which can mean "to pierce" or "to play a pipe."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There are no direct Greek equivalents for "Machalath" in the Strong's Concordance, as it is a specific Hebrew term related to the musical and liturgical practices of ancient Israel. However, Greek terms related to music or lamentation, such as ψαλμός (psalmos, Strong's Greek 5568) for "psalm" or θρῆνος (threnos, Strong's Greek 2355) for "lament," may capture similar thematic elements.

Usage: The term "Machalath" appears in the titles of two Psalms: Psalm 53 and Psalm 88. In these instances, it is used as a musical or liturgical term, possibly indicating the tune or style to which the Psalm was to be sung.

Context: • Occurrences in Scripture: The term "Machalath" is found in the superscriptions of Psalm 53 and Psalm 88. In Psalm 53, the title reads, "For the choirmaster. According to Mahalath. A Maskil of David." In Psalm 88, it is noted as "A song. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. For the choirmaster. According to Mahalath Leannoth. A Maskil of Heman the Ezrahite."
• Interpretation: The exact meaning of "Machalath" is debated among scholars. Some suggest it refers to a specific type of melody or musical instrument used in the liturgical setting of the Psalms. The association with "Leannoth" in Psalm 88, which means "to afflict," has led some to interpret it as a tune of lament or affliction.
• Cultural and Historical Context: In ancient Israelite worship, music played a significant role, and specific terms like "Machalath" would guide the musicians and singers in the performance of the Psalms. The use of such terms indicates a rich tradition of musical notation and performance practice in the temple worship.
• Theological Significance: The use of "Machalath" in the Psalms underscores the diversity of emotional expression in the biblical text, ranging from lament to praise. It highlights the importance of music in conveying the depth of human experience in relation to God.

Forms and Transliterations

מָחֲלַ֗ת מָחֲלַ֣ת מחלת mā·ḥă·laṯ machaLat māḥălaṯ

Englishman's Concordance

Psalm 53:1
HEB: לַמְנַצֵּ֥חַ עַֽל־ מָחֲלַ֗ת מַשְׂכִּ֥יל לְדָוִֽד׃
KJV: <upon Mahalath, Maschil,
INT: Musician upon Mahalath Maschil David

Psalm 88:1
HEB: לַמְנַצֵּ֣חַ עַל־ מָחֲלַ֣ת לְעַנּ֑וֹת מַ֝שְׂכִּ֗יל
KJV: to the chief Musician upon Mahalath Leannoth,
INT: Musician upon Mahalath Leannoth Maschil

2 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 4257
2 Occurrences

mā·ḥă·laṯ — 2 Occ.