מָגַן (ma.gan)
ma.gan
to deliver
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb magan appears only in the Piel stem, meaning to deliver or hand over. It occurs just three times in the Old Testament, appearing in Genesis 12:16, Hosea 5:14, and Proverbs 21:15. In each instance, the word describes the act of giving someone into the power or control of another.
This term is derived from magen, meaning shield. The connection suggests that delivering someone can be an act of protection, placing them under cover, or conversely, surrendering them to judgment where they are no longer protected. Translators often render it as "give" or "deliver," depending on whether the context implies rescue or handing over for punishment.
The rarity of magan highlights how specific biblical language can be about divine action. Whether God delivers Abraham from Pharaoh’s house or judges Israel through foreign powers, the word underscores that protection and surrender are two sides of the same coin in Scripture.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word magan carries a weighty meaning: to deliver or hand over. It appears only three times in the Old Testament, linking the idea of protection with the act of giving someone into another’s power. In Genesis 14:20, Abram praises God Most High as the one who delivered his enemies into his hand. Here, deliverance is an act of rescue and victory.
Yet the word also carries a sobering note. In Hosea 11:8, God asks how He can hand over Ephraim to judgment. This shows that protection and surrender are two sides of the same coin. When God delivers someone, it may be to safety or to consequences. The rarity of this verb reminds us that divine action is precise and purposeful.
For your faith, magan invites trust in God’s control. Whether He rescues you from harm or allows circumstances to shape you, His hands are active. You can find comfort in knowing that no situation escapes His sovereign care. This word calls us to rely on His wisdom, even when the path is unclear.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- will I deliver up?/ you1×
- she will give/ you1×
- he has delivered1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תְּמַגְּנֶֽ/ךָּ\׃1×
- מִגֵּ֥ן1×
- אֲמַגֶּנְ/ךָ֙1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 14:20
Blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” Abram gave him a tenth of all.
This verse highlights magan as an act of divine rescue, where God delivers enemies into Abram's hand, showcasing His power to protect and provide victory.
-
Hosea 11:8
“How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I make you like Zeboiim? My heart is turned within me, my compassion is aroused.
Here, the word takes a somber tone as God questions handing over Israel to judgment, illustrating that deliverance can also mean surrendering to consequences for sin.
-
Proverbs 4:9
She will give to your head a garland of grace. She will deliver a crown of splendor to you.”
In this context, magan describes giving a crown of splendor, linking the act of delivering with bestowing honor and grace upon the wise.