4836. martsea

Lexicon

martsea: Awl

Original Word: מַרְצֵעַ
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: martsea`
Pronunciation: mart-SEH-ah
Phonetic Spelling: (mar-tsay'-ah)
Definition: Awl
Meaning: an awl

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

aul

From ratsa'; an awl -- aul.

see HEBREW ratsa'

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from ratsa
Definition
a boring instrument, awl
NASB Translation
awl (2).

Brown-Driver-Briggs

מַרְצֵעַ noun [masculine] boring-instrument, awl; — absolute ׳מ Exodus 21:6, (E), Deuteronomy 15:17.

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the root verb רָצַע (ratsá), which means "to pierce" or "to bore."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There are no direct Greek equivalents for the Hebrew מַרְצֵעַ in the Strong's Concordance, as the concept of using an awl in this specific cultural and legal context is unique to the Hebrew Scriptures. However, the Greek term for "pierce" or "bore" could be related in a broader sense, though not directly corresponding to the Hebrew practice.

Usage: The term מַרְצֵעַ is used in the context of ancient Hebrew practices, particularly in the ceremonial act of marking a servant who chooses to remain with his master permanently.

Context: The Hebrew word מַרְצֵעַ (martsea) appears in the context of servitude laws in the Old Testament. Specifically, it is mentioned in Exodus 21:6 and Deuteronomy 15:17. In these passages, the awl is used in a ritual where a Hebrew servant, who has served for six years, decides to remain with his master rather than go free in the seventh year. The master is instructed to bring the servant before God (or judges) and then to the door or doorpost, where he pierces the servant's ear with an awl, signifying the servant's voluntary commitment to lifelong service. This act symbolizes a permanent bond and loyalty between the servant and the master, reflecting the servant's choice to remain in the household out of love or devotion.

In Exodus 21:6 (BSB), the passage reads: "then his master is to bring him before the judges. He shall take him to the door or doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he will be his servant for life."

Similarly, in Deuteronomy 15:17 (BSB), it states: "then take an awl and pierce it through his ear into the door, and he will become your servant for life. And do the same for your maidservant."

The use of the awl in these passages highlights the cultural and legal practices of ancient Israel, where servitude was regulated by specific laws that ensured the rights and choices of servants were respected. The act of piercing the ear with an awl was a public declaration of the servant's decision and the master's acceptance of this lifelong commitment.

Forms and Transliterations

בַּמַּרְצֵ֔עַ במרצע הַמַּרְצֵ֗עַ המרצע bam·mar·ṣê·a‘ bammarṣêa‘ bammarTzea ham·mar·ṣê·a‘ hammarṣêa‘ hammarTzea

Englishman's Concordance

Exodus 21:6
HEB: אֶת־ אָזְנוֹ֙ בַּמַּרְצֵ֔עַ וַעֲבָד֖וֹ לְעֹלָֽם׃
NAS: his ear with an awl; and he shall serve
KJV: his ear through with an aul; and he shall serve
INT: and his master his ear an awl shall serve permanently

Deuteronomy 15:17
HEB: וְלָקַחְתָּ֣ אֶת־ הַמַּרְצֵ֗עַ וְנָתַתָּ֤ה בְאָזְנוֹ֙
NAS: then you shall take an awl and pierce
KJV: Then thou shalt take an aul, and thrust
INT: shall take an awl and pierce his ear

2 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 4836
2 Occurrences

bam·mar·ṣê·a‘ — 1 Occ.
ham·mar·ṣê·a‘ — 1 Occ.