Lexical Summary maktesh: hollow, mortar Original Word: מַכְתֵּשׁ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance hollow place, mortar From kathash; a mortar; by analogy, a socket (of a tooth) -- hollow place, mortar. see HEBREW kathash NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kathash Definition mortar NASB Translation hollow (1), mortar (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מַכְתֵּשׁ noun masculine mortar (place of pounding, braying; compare Palmyrene proper name, masculine מכתש = contundens VogNo. 97) — absolute ׳מ Proverbs 27:22 (see foregoing); hollow resembling a mortar Judges 15:19 (whence came forth a water-spring; compare GFM), Zephaniah 1:11 #NAME? Jerusalem, compare SchwZAW x. (1890), 173 f. Topical Lexicon Physical Setting and Everyday Use The מַכְתֵּשׁ was a heavy, bowl-shaped vessel, hewn from stone, bronze, or occasionally hard wood, in which grain, spices, herbs, or medicinal ingredients were crushed with a pestle. It belonged to the normal equipment of every Israelite household, just as the hand-mill did. Its durability and the violent action required for pounding made it a vivid image for any process demanding forceful, repetitive impact. Occurrences in Scripture • Judges 15:19 depicts a natural cavity at Lehi likened to a מַכְתֵּשׁ: “So God split the hollow place in Lehi, and water came out of it; and Samson drank, his strength returned, and he revived.” Historical Background From Egypt to Mesopotamia mortars were indispensable. Archaeology uncovers basalt and granite examples dating to the Late Bronze Age—some portable, others cut into bedrock near threshing floors. Their association with food preparation explains why Samson’s “hollow place” could be readily compared to a mortar: the readers knew the shape and purpose instinctively. Illustrative and Didactic Significance 1. Irresistible Force and Inward Change Proverbs 27:22 warns that external pressure, even as relentless as pounding grain, cannot expel folly from a heart unwilling to yield. The image distinguishes between behavioral reform and true inner transformation—anticipating later prophetic calls for a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26). In Judges 15:19 the same vessel-image is inverted. What normally crushes now becomes a fountain. God splits the “mortar” and supplies water, mirroring His provision of water from the rock in Exodus 17:6 and foreshadowing the living water offered by Jesus Christ (John 4:10; 7:37-38). The once-instrument-of-crushing turns into an instrument of revival, a pattern of divine grace triumphing over human extremity. Theological Reflections • Human devices can break kernels but cannot break obstinate hearts; only the Spirit accomplishes that work (2 Corinthians 3:18). Ministry Applications Preaching: Contrast Samson’s experience with the fool in Proverbs. The same word pictures both the sufficiency of divine provision and the insufficiency of mere human effort. Counseling: External pressures—discipline, consequences—are necessary but inadequate without repentance. Encourage heart-level change through the gospel rather than relying solely on corrective measures. Discipleship: Teach believers to recognize that God may use “mortar moments” to expose folly, yet He also stands ready to pour out refreshing grace when they call upon Him (Isaiah 55:1). Christological Foreshadowing The split mortar finds its ultimate fulfillment at Calvary, where the stricken Savior becomes the fountain of living water (John 19:34). The crushing that should have fallen on sinners fell upon Him, turning judgment into life. Summary The biblical מַכְתֵּשׁ, though a simple household tool, conveys profound lessons: force without heart change is futile; brokenness under God’s hand can release life; and every scene of crushing ultimately looks forward to the gospel, where God satisfies the thirsty and transforms the foolish by His sovereign grace. Forms and Transliterations בַּֽמַּכְתֵּ֡שׁ במכתש הַמַּכְתֵּ֣שׁ המכתש bam·maḵ·têš bammachTesh bammaḵtêš ham·maḵ·têš hammachTesh hammaḵtêšLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Judges 15:19 HEB: אֱלֹהִ֜ים אֶת־ הַמַּכְתֵּ֣שׁ אֲשֶׁר־ בַּלֶּ֗חִי NAS: split the hollow place that is in Lehi KJV: clave an hollow place that [was] in the jaw, INT: split God the hollow which the jaw Proverbs 27:22 2 Occurrences |
    |