Lexical Summary Maktesh: mortar Original Word: מַכְתֵּשׁ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Maktesh The same as maktesh; dell; the Maktesh, a place in Jerusalem -- Maktesh. see HEBREW maktesh NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom maktesh Definition a place probably in Jer. NASB Translation mortar (1). Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence Maktesh appears once, in Zephaniah 1:11. The noun denotes “the Mortar,” a hollow, bowl-shaped depression inside Jerusalem that served as a bustling commercial quarter. Geographical and Historical Setting Most interpreters locate Maktesh in the Tyropoeon Valley, the natural “hollow” between Mount Zion and the Temple Mount. Archaeological soundings reveal densely packed buildings, workshops, and market stalls from the late eighth and seventh centuries B.C., matching Zephaniah’s time frame. Phoenician and Judean traders likely met here, drawn by easy access to the Kidron Valley routes and by proximity to the Temple, whose worshipers generated steady commerce. The shape of the valley—surrounded by higher ridges—evoked the image of a mortar, giving the quarter both its name and prophetic symbolism. Economic Character Zephaniah addresses “merchants” and “all who weigh out silver,” highlighting Maktesh as Jerusalem’s financial hub. Weights, scales, and silver ingots uncovered nearby confirm an active money-changing trade. Such economic vigor was not condemned in itself; the prophet targets dishonest gain, complacency, and a false sense of security rooted in wealth rather than in the covenant Lord. Prophetic Message “Wail, O dwellers of the Mortar, for all your merchants will be silenced; all who weigh out silver will be cut off.” (Zephaniah 1:11) The single verse stands in a larger oracle (Zephaniah 1:10–13) announcing divine visitation on every social stratum. The imagery of a mortar suggests pounding—the judgment of God grinding the unrepentant. The surrounding verses emphasize suddenness (“a loud crash from the Fish Gate”) and thoroughness (“I will punish the officials and the king’s sons”). Maktesh thus functions both as a literal neighborhood and as a metaphor for commercial pride pulverized under righteous wrath. Theological Themes 1. Divine ownership of wealth. All silver ultimately belongs to the Lord (Haggai 2:8). Zephaniah reminds the market class that prosperity without piety invites ruin. Intertextual Resonance The word-picture of a mortar links to Proverbs 27:22, where pounding a fool in a mortar cannot separate folly from him. In Zephaniah the city itself becomes the “fool” destined for crushing. Further, the money-changer motif anticipates Jesus’ cleansing of the Temple courts (Matthew 21:12–13), reinforcing the principle that worship and commerce must harmonize under divine holiness. Ministry Implications • Preaching: Maktesh offers a vivid illustration when warning congregations against materialism. Lessons for Contemporary Believers 1. Geography does not grant immunity; even the city that housed Solomon’s Temple faced judgment when hearts strayed. Maktesh, though mentioned only once, therefore stands as a powerful biblical snapshot: a hollow crowded with merchants, echoing with the prophet’s wail, and forever testifying that the Lord who measures silver also weighs the hearts of His people. Forms and Transliterations הַמַּכְתֵּ֑שׁ המכתש hammachTeshLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Zephaniah 1:11 HEB: הֵילִ֖ילוּ יֹשְׁבֵ֣י הַמַּכְתֵּ֑שׁ כִּ֤י נִדְמָה֙ NAS: O inhabitants of the Mortar, For all KJV: ye inhabitants of Maktesh, for all the merchant INT: Wail inhabitants of the Mortar for will be silenced 1 Occurrence |
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