מַאֲכֶ֫לֶת (ma.a.khe.let)
ma.a.khe.let
knife
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun maʾakhelet refers simply to a knife, specifically as an instrument for cutting or dividing. Its root meaning centers on the action of making things small or separating parts, which defines its practical use in daily life and ritual contexts alike.
This word appears only four times in the Old Testament, with significant occurrences in Genesis and Judges. In Genesis 22:6, Abraham carries the maʾakhelet for the binding of Isaac, highlighting its role in a moment of profound obedience. Similarly, in Judges 16:21, it is mentioned in the context of Samson’s imprisonment, where his hair was cut. These instances show the word used in both sacred and mundane settings.
Its rarity in Scripture makes each appearance notable. The term does not carry metaphorical weight like some other Hebrew words for tools or weapons; instead, it serves as a straightforward reference to a physical object essential for food preparation, sacrifice, or judgment. Translators consistently render it as "knife," preserving its concrete, functional nature without adding symbolic layers.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word maʾakhelet refers to a simple cutting tool, appearing only four times in the Old Testament. Its presence is often tied to moments of intense gravity, such as Abraham preparing to offer Isaac or the violent acts described in Judges and Proverbs. This rarity reminds us that even ordinary objects can become central to profound spiritual tests or moral warnings.
In Genesis 22, Abraham carries this knife with a sense of duty, illustrating how faith often requires us to hold onto what we love while trusting God’s ultimate provision. The text does not shy away from the physical reality of the instrument, grounding our understanding of obedience in tangible actions rather than abstract ideas.
Reflecting on these passages invites us to consider how we handle the tools and responsibilities given to us in daily life. Whether in moments of sacrifice or times of judgment, the maʾakhelet serves as a reminder that our actions have weight and meaning before God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ knife3×
- and/ [are] knives1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַֽ/מַּאֲכֶ֑לֶת2×
- וּֽ/מַאֲכָל֪וֹת1×
- הַֽ/מַּאֲכֶ֙לֶת֙1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 22:6
Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son. He took in his hand the fire and the knife. They both went together.
This verse introduces the knife as an essential part of Abraham's journey, showing it carried alongside fire and wood in a moment of profound obedience.
-
Genesis 22:10
Abraham stretched out his hand, and took the knife to kill his son.
Here the knife is actively used to complete the test of faith, highlighting the seriousness of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son.
-
Proverbs 30:14
There is a generation whose teeth are like swords, and their jaws like knives, to devour the poor from the earth, and the needy from among men.
The metaphor of jaws as knives illustrates how destructive speech and greed can cut into the lives of the vulnerable in society.