מַחְלֻי

a disease

Definition

The Hebrew noun מַחְלֻי (machluy) refers specifically to a disease or sickness, particularly one that is severe or debilitating. It is derived from the root חָלָה (ḥālâ), meaning 'to be weak, sick, or afflicted.' In its sole biblical occurrence in 2 Chronicles 24:25, it describes the 'disease' that afflicted King Jehoash (also called Joash) as part of divine judgment after he ordered the murder of the priest Zechariah. The term implies a serious physical affliction, likely understood as a direct consequence of his sin. While the word itself is used only once, its root connects it to the broader biblical concept of illness, often linked to human frailty or divine discipline.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in 2 Chronicles 24:25. It appears in a historical narrative context describing the downfall of King Jehoash of Judah. After the king forsakes God and orchestrates the death of Zechariah, son of Jehoiada, a Syrian army attacks Jerusalem. They leave Jehoash severely wounded, and his own servants later conspire and kill him 'because of the blood of the son of Jehoiada the priest.' The text states that the conspirators struck him 'in his disease' (בְּמַחְלֻי), indicating he was in a weakened, sickened state from his wounds when assassinated. The usage ties physical affliction directly to the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness.

Etymology

מַחְלֻי is a noun derived from the root חָלָה (ḥālâ, H2470), which means 'to be weak, sick, or to become diseased.' This root is common in biblical Hebrew, giving rise to several words related to sickness and healing. The specific noun form מַחְלֻי is a rare construct, likely indicating a state or condition of being diseased. Cognate words include חֹלִי (ḥolî, H2483), another common word for 'sickness' or 'disease,' and the verb itself. The etymology firmly places the word within the semantic field of physical infirmity and suffering.

Semantic Range

Though used only once, מַחְלֻי appears in a theologically significant context. In 2 Chronicles 24:25, King Jehoash's 'disease' is not presented as a random medical event but as part of a sequence of divine judgment for his idolatry and murder of a prophet. This aligns with the broader biblical theme where physical affliction can serve as a consequence of sin or a tool of God's justice (cf. Deuteronomy 28:21-22, 27-28). Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading of the passage by highlighting the direct link between the king's moral failure and his physical downfall, emphasizing the principle that actions have consequences under God's sovereign rule.

In ancient Israelite culture, disease was often viewed holistically, without a strict separation between physical, spiritual, and moral causes. A severe disease like the one described could be interpreted as a sign of divine disfavor or punishment, especially for a king who violated the covenant. The chronicler's note that Jehoash was killed 'in his disease' suggests his physical weakness made him vulnerable, completing his humiliation. This differs from a purely modern, clinical view of illness, as the biblical narrative intentionally frames the sickness within the story of God's justice and the downfall of a faithless ruler.

חֹלִי (choliy, H2483) — A more common general term for 'sickness' or 'disease.' תַּחֲלֻאִים (tachalu'im, H8463) — Often 'diseases' or 'illnesses,' frequently used in lists of curses (Deuteronomy 28:60). מַכָּה (makkah, H4347) — Often a 'blow,' 'wound,' or 'plague,' sometimes overlapping with disease as an affliction.

Word Details

Scripture References