Lexical Summary margemah: Stone heap, pile of stones Original Word: מַרְגֵּמָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance sling From ragam; a stone-heap -- sling. see HEBREW ragam NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ragam Definition a sling NASB Translation sling (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מַרְגֵמָה noun feminine sling (?; implement of hurling stone? so ᵐ5 and others; Thes and others stone-heap); — ׳כִּצְרוֺר אֶבֶן בְּמ Proverbs 26:8, see especially Toy. Topical Lexicon Overview A single, vivid appearance of this noun in Proverbs 26:8 pictures a stone fixed or “bound” inside a sling. The image evokes misuse: a weapon rendered useless and dangerous to its handler. Scripture employs the scene as a moral proverb, warning against the folly of bestowing honor on those unworthy of it. Biblical Context Proverbs 26:8: “Like one who ties a stone in a sling, so is he who gives honor to a fool.” The book’s surrounding verses address fools, their speech, and the destructive consequences of empowering them (Proverbs 26:1–12). Within that literary unit, the sling-stone stands as the climactic metaphor: the honored fool not only fails to achieve God-given aims but ricochets harm upon the community that celebrates him. Historical Background of Slings and Stones Ancient Near Eastern warfare and shepherding relied on the sling (Judges 20:16; 1 Samuel 17:40). Warriors selected smooth stones that, when loosed, could strike with lethal precision. Binding a stone in the sling defeats its purpose; the sling cannot release its projectile, and the user may be struck instead. The original audience, familiar with sling tactics, would immediately sense the absurdity and peril of such an act. Parallel Imagery Elsewhere in Scripture • David’s proper use of the sling against Goliath (1 Samuel 17:49) illustrates skill directed by faith rather than folly honored by men. Theological Themes 1. Discerning Honor: Scripture consistently ties honor to wisdom, humility, and righteousness (Proverbs 3:35; 1 Peter 5:6). Granting it to folly contradicts divine order. Practical Ministry Applications • Leadership Selection: Churches should examine candidates for biblical wisdom before conferring titles or platforms, lest they “tie a stone in a sling.” Christological Reflection Where fools seek unearned honor, Jesus Christ “humbled Himself” and received exaltation from the Father (Philippians 2:8–9). The contrast magnifies the gospel call: honor follows obedience and wisdom, ultimately fulfilled in the One who never misused His sling, so to speak, but aimed every act toward redemptive victory. Summary מַרְגֵּמָה serves as more than a technical term for a projectile; it functions proverbially to underscore the futility and hazard of elevating folly. The inspired illustration urges God’s people to couple honor with discernment, lest the very gifts meant to advance the kingdom rebound in self-inflicted harm. Forms and Transliterations בְּמַרְגֵּמָ֑ה במרגמה bə·mar·gê·māh bemargeMah bəmargêmāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Proverbs 26:8 HEB: כִּצְר֣וֹר אֶ֭בֶן בְּמַרְגֵּמָ֑ה כֵּן־ נוֹתֵ֖ן NAS: a stone in a sling, So KJV: a stone in a sling, so [is] he that giveth INT: binds A stone A sling So gives 1 Occurrence |
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