Lexical Summary mappuach: Bellows Original Word: מַפֻּחַ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance bellows From naphach; the bellows (i.e. Blower) of a forge -- bellows. see HEBREW naphach NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom naphach Definition a bellows NASB Translation bellows (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מַמֻּחַ noun masculine bellows; — ׳נָחַר מ Jeremiah 6:29 (figurative of vain prophetic labour). Topical Lexicon Definition and Imagery מַפֻּחַ denotes the bellows employed by ancient metal-workers to force air upon burning coals, heightening the heat of the furnace. In Scripture the image of a smith at his forge evokes intensity, concentration, and the relentless pursuit of purity. The bellows itself is a purposeful instrument: unseen breath turned into visible flame, driving the refining process to its intended conclusion. Biblical Occurrence and Context Jeremiah 6:29 is the only instance of the term: “The bellows blow fiercely to consume the lead with the fire, but the refining is in vain, for the wicked are not removed” (Berean Standard Bible). Set within an oracle of judgment against Jerusalem, the prophet portrays the nation as ore in a crucible. Though the smith pumps the bellows with vigor and the lead is scorched away, the moral slag remains. The verse exposes a people who have resisted every means God has employed to cleanse them—prophetic warning, covenant discipline, and the pressures of looming invasion. Historical Background Archaeological finds from the Iron Age Levant confirm that bellows of leather or animal skin were integral to copper, bronze, and iron production. A craftsman kneeling beside a small furnace would alternately compress twin chambers, forcing a steady stream of air through clay tuyères into the embers. Lead, added as a flux, separated impurities from precious metal; when it vaporized, refinement was thought complete. Jeremiah’s audience, familiar with such workshops ringing in their own neighborhoods, would immediately grasp the metaphor. Theological Insights 1. Divine Testing versus Human Hardness 2. Holiness and Justice Related Passages and Themes Proverbs 25:4; Isaiah 1:25; Zechariah 13:9; Malachi 3:2–3; 1 Peter 1:6–7. Each portrays fire or refining as God’s ordained means of producing genuineness in His people, whether Israel under the Law or believers under the New Covenant. Christological and Prophetic Connections Malachi anticipates One who “will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver,” a role fulfilled by Jesus Christ, whose ministry exposes sin and provides the atonement that truly removes dross (John 2:25; Hebrews 9:14). At His return He will complete the purifying of His people (Titus 2:14). Practical Ministry Application • Preaching: The bellows challenges congregations to discern whether ongoing trials are being met with repentance or resistance. Conclusion מַפֻּחַ, though appearing only once, vividly dramatizes the divine commitment to purity. The bellows blowing without effect warns that external religion cannot substitute for an internal work of grace. Yet the same imagery stirs hope: in the hands of the Master Smith, hearts yielded to His breath will emerge as vessels fit for honor. Forms and Transliterations מַפֻּ֔חַ מפח map·pu·aḥ mapPuach mappuaḥLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Jeremiah 6:29 HEB: נָחַ֣ר מַפֻּ֔חַ [מֵאִשְׁתַּם כ] NAS: The bellows blow fiercely, The lead KJV: The bellows are burned, the lead INT: blow the bellows fire the lead 1 Occurrence |
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