מִקָּח
reception
Definition
The Hebrew noun מִקָּח (miqqâch) fundamentally means 'a taking' or 'a receiving.' It denotes the act or process of accepting something, often with a sense of formal acquisition or reception. In its sole biblical occurrence in 2 Chronicles 19:7, it refers to the act of accepting a bribe or showing partiality in judgment. The word carries a neutral sense of 'taking' but is contextually applied to a wrongful taking, highlighting a breach of justice.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the entire Old Testament, in 2 Chronicles 19:7. Here, King Jehoshaphat instructs judges, warning them against מִקָּח—the taking of bribes or showing favoritism. Its usage is specific to the legal and judicial context of maintaining impartiality before God. The singular occurrence underscores its role as a precise term for corrupt judicial conduct.
Etymology
מִקָּח is a noun derived from the common Hebrew root לָקַח (lāqach, H3947), which means 'to take,' 'to receive,' or 'to seize.' The noun form indicates the abstract action or result of taking. Cognates in other Semitic languages share this basic sense of acquisition. The meaning developed from the general act of taking to the specific context of receiving something improperly, as seen in its biblical usage.
Semantic Range
Theologically, this word is significant because it directly addresses the integrity required of those in authority, particularly judges acting under God's mandate. In 2 Chronicles 19:7, Jehoshaphat grounds his warning in the character of God, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. Understanding מִקָּח enriches the reading of this passage by emphasizing that corrupt judgment is not merely a legal failure but a profound violation of representing God's own justice. It connects to the broader biblical theme of impartial justice and righteous leadership.
In ancient Israelite culture, the judicial system was deeply tied to covenant law and the belief that judges acted as God's representatives. Bribery and partiality were severe offenses because they perverted divine justice and exploited the vulnerable. The warning against מִקָּח reflects a societal value where fair judgment was essential for social stability and religious faithfulness, contrasting with neighboring cultures where bribery might be more commonplace.
שֹׁחַד (shōchad, H7810) — specifically a bribe or gift to pervert judgment. לָקַח (lāqach, H3947) — the root verb meaning 'to take,' broader in application.
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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