מַרְגֵּמָה

a stone-heap

Definition

The Hebrew noun מַרְגֵּמָה (margêmâh) refers to a heap of stones or a pile of stones. It is derived from the root meaning 'to stone' or 'to throw stones,' and thus carries the sense of a collected mass of stones, likely gathered for a specific purpose. In its single biblical occurrence in Proverbs 26:8, it is used metaphorically to describe the futility of binding a stone in a sling, comparing it to giving honor to a fool. The word does not appear elsewhere in the Hebrew Bible, so its meaning is consistent and singular.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in Proverbs 26:8. The context is a wisdom saying that employs a vivid, proverbial image to illustrate absurdity or waste. The verse states, 'Like one who binds the stone in the sling (מַרְגֵּמָה), so is he who gives honor to a fool.' The usage is entirely metaphorical, drawing on the cultural understanding of a sling and its ammunition to make a point about misapplied honor.

Etymology

מַרְגֵּמָה is a feminine noun derived from the root רָגַם (rāgam, H7275), which means 'to stone' or 'to throw stones,' often in the sense of execution by stoning. The noun form denotes the instrument or result of that action—a heap or pile of stones. Cognate words in other Semitic languages also relate to stoning or piling stones. The development from the verbal action to a noun for a stone-heap is straightforward, reflecting a tangible outcome of the root's meaning.

Semantic Range

While the word itself is not theologically loaded, its use in Proverbs 26:8 contributes to the book's wisdom literature by employing a concrete, everyday object (a sling's stone pouch) to teach a spiritual principle about discernment and value. Understanding that מַרְגֵּמָה refers to the stone-holder in a sling enriches the metaphor: honoring a fool is as pointless and potentially dangerous as securing a stone in the sling itself, which would render the weapon useless. This highlights the biblical theme of applying resources appropriately.

In the ancient Near East, the sling was a common weapon for shepherds and soldiers, used for hunting and warfare. The 'מַרְגֵּמָה' was likely the pouch or heap of stones from which projectiles were taken. The cultural image would be immediately recognizable to an ancient audience: a sling is only effective if the stone is released, so binding it in place defeats its purpose. This contrasts with a modern reader who might not be familiar with sling mechanics, making the original metaphor more poignant.

אֶבֶן (ʾeven, H68) — a general term for 'stone,' whereas מַרְגֵּמָה is a specific heap or collection of stones. סֶלַע (selaʿ, H5553) — often a large rock or cliff, not a heap. גַּל (gal, H1530) — a heap or pile, but can be of stones, ruins, or other things, not exclusively linked to stoning.

Word Details

Scripture References