Bible Word Study
מִכְוָה
mikvâh · a burn
מִכְוָה
a burn
Definition
The Hebrew noun מִכְוָה (mikvâh) refers specifically to a burn or a scar resulting from a burn injury. In its biblical usage, it describes a physical mark on the skin caused by fire or a hot object. This term appears exclusively in the context of diagnosing skin diseases in Leviticus 13:24-28, where a priest must examine whether a burn scar has become infected with a spreading skin disease, rendering a person ritually unclean.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only three times, all within Leviticus 13 (verses 24, 25, and 28). Its usage is highly specific to the priestly diagnostic procedures for skin ailments (צָרַעַת, often translated as 'leprosy'). The context is always a pre-existing burn on the skin that shows signs of infection or abnormal change, requiring ritual examination.
Etymology
Derived from the root verb כָּוָה (kāvâ, H3554), meaning 'to burn' or 'to scorch.' The noun form מִכְוָה is a feminine noun built on this root, indicating the result or effect of the burning action—namely, the burn mark itself.
Semantic Range
While the word itself describes a physical condition, its theological significance lies in its role within the Levitical purity laws. A מִכְוָה becomes a potential site for ritual impurity (צָרַעַת), illustrating the biblical concept that physical ailments could have spiritual and communal consequences, requiring priestly mediation and atonement (Leviticus 13). Understanding this term highlights the integrated view of health, community, and holiness in ancient Israel. In ancient Near Eastern culture, burns were common household injuries from open flames used for cooking, light, and warmth. The detailed priestly inspection of a burn in Leviticus reflects a advanced, systematic approach to community health and hygiene, distinguishing between a simple healed injury and a potentially contagious disease that required isolation. שְׂרֵפָה (śrēp̄â, H8316) — a general term for a burning or conflagration, often of a destructive fire, not specifically a burn on skin.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB, 1906, public domain). Concordance and morphology data are from the OSHB (Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible).
Full methodology & sources →References
- Abbott-Smith, G. (1921) A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament. Edinburgh: T&T Clark. [Public Domain]
- Brown, F., Driver, S.R. and Briggs, C.A. (1906) A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Oxford: Clarendon Press. [Public Domain]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Tyndale Brief lexicon of Extended Strongs for Greek (TBESG). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Formatted full LSJ (TFLSJ). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Thayer, J.H. (1889) A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. [Public Domain]
- Gesenius, W. (1846) Gesenius' Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon to the Old Testament. [Public Domain]
- Dodson, J. (2010) Greek Lexicon. Biblical Humanities. [CC0]