מְכֵרָה
a sword
Definition
The Hebrew noun מְכֵרָה (mᵉkêrâh) refers to a weapon, specifically a sword or a dagger. It is used in Genesis 49:5 to describe the 'weapons of violence' used by Simeon and Levi in their attack on Shechem. The word conveys the sense of an instrument designed for stabbing or piercing, fitting its violent context. While some older translations like the KJV rendered it as 'habitation' based on a different understanding of the root, modern lexicons and translations consistently identify it as a bladed weapon.
Biblical Usage
This word appears only once in the Old Testament, in Genesis 49:5, within Jacob's prophetic blessing (or curse) of his sons. It is used in a context of condemnation, describing the violent and deceitful actions of Simeon and Levi: 'their weapons are tools of violence.' Its singular occurrence highlights the specific, grievous nature of their crime.
Etymology
מְכֵרָה likely derives from the root כּוּר (kûr, H3564), which means 'to dig' or 'to bore.' The semantic development moves from the action of piercing or boring through something to the instrument that performs that action—hence, a piercing weapon like a sword or dagger. This connection to a root meaning 'to dig' underscores the weapon's function as a tool for penetration.
Semantic Range
Though used only once, this word is theologically significant as it is embedded in Jacob's oracle in Genesis 49, which outlines the tribal destinies. Its use condemns the unrestrained violence and anger of Simeon and Levi, which Jacob disavows (Genesis 49:6-7). Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading by clarifying the nature of their sin—not just general violence, but premeditated, weaponized aggression—which resulted in their loss of tribal inheritance and dispersion, fulfilling Jacob's prophecy.
In the ancient Near East, personal weapons like swords or daggers were symbols of power, vengeance, and tribal honor. The specific use here criticizes Simeon and Levi for taking justice and vengeance into their own hands through deceit and excessive violence (Genesis 34), violating cultural covenants and norms of hospitality and negotiation. Their act was seen as bringing dishonor and danger upon the entire family group.
חֶרֶב (chereb, H2719) — the most common general term for 'sword,' used for warfare and judgment. מַאֲכֶלֶת (ma'ăkhelet, H3979) — a knife or slaughtering tool, often for sacrifice (Genesis 22:6, 10).
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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