מַחַץ

מַחַץ

a contusion

Definition

The Hebrew noun מַחַץ (machats) refers to a severe physical blow or wound, specifically a contusion or crushing injury. It describes the result of a violent impact that bruises or shatters, often with a sense of destruction. In its sole biblical occurrence in Isaiah 30:26, it is used metaphorically to describe the healing of a wound inflicted by God, indicating a severe but not fatal divine judgment. The word carries a stronger connotation than a simple bruise, implying a wound that breaks or crushes.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in Isaiah 30:26. It appears in a prophetic context describing a future time of restoration. The usage is metaphorical: 'the light of the moon will be like the light of the sun, and the light of the sun will be sevenfold, like the light of seven days, on the day when the LORD binds up the fracture of his people and heals the wound (מַחַץ) of his blow.' Here, it poetically represents the severe injury God's people suffered as a consequence of their rebellion, which God Himself will heal.

Etymology

מַחַץ (machats) is a noun derived from the root verb מָחַץ (machats, H4272), which means 'to smite through, shatter, or wound severely.' This root conveys the action of striking so as to crush or break. The noun form specifically denotes the resulting state—the wound or contusion itself. Cognate words in related Semitic languages also carry meanings of striking and crushing.

Semantic Range

Though used only once, מַחַץ is theologically significant as it captures the dual nature of God's relationship with His people in Isaiah: He is both the source of disciplinary judgment and the source of complete healing. The 'wound' in Isaiah 30:26 is explicitly from God's own 'blow,' yet He promises to bind it up. This enriches our reading by highlighting a profound biblical theme—God's discipline is purposeful and His restoration is total, healing the very wounds He allowed or inflicted to bring about repentance and renewal. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a severe contusion or crushing wound from a blow (whether in battle, punishment, or accident) was a serious matter with a significant risk of infection or permanent disability. The metaphorical use in Isaiah would have resonated powerfully with an audience familiar with the physical and social consequences of such injuries, amplifying the promise of God's comprehensive healing—not just spiritual, but implying a restoration of wholeness to every broken aspect of life. פֶּצַע (petsa, H6482) — a wound, often a fresh, bleeding gash; more general. שֶׁבֶר (shever, H7667) — a fracture, break, or crushing ruin; often used for national disaster. מַכָּה (makkah, H4347) — a blow, stroke, or plague; focuses more on the inflicting act than the resulting wound.

Word Details