מְגֵרָה (me.ge.rah)
me.ge.rah
saw
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun megērā refers specifically to a saw used for cutting stone. This is not a tool for woodworking or metalwork, but a heavy instrument designed to shape the massive blocks required for temple construction and royal building projects. Its appearance in the biblical text highlights the physical labor involved in preparing materials for sacred spaces.
With only three occurrences, the word appears in accounts of Solomon’s preparations for the Temple (1 Kings 5:17-18; 2 Chronicles 2:2) and in a list of equipment in 1 Chronicles. These passages emphasize that the stones were cut at the quarry before being transported to Jerusalem. The use of megērā underscores the precision and effort needed to fit these large stones together without mortar, creating structures that would stand for centuries.
The specificity of this term distinguishes it from general cutting tools. It points to a specialized craft within the larger construction process. By mentioning this tool, the biblical authors remind readers of the human work behind divine projects, showing how ordinary instruments served extraordinary purposes in Israel’s history.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word megērā refers specifically to a heavy saw used for cutting stone in ancient construction projects. Unlike tools for wood or metal, this instrument shaped massive blocks for temple walls and royal buildings. Its presence in Scripture highlights the physical labor behind sacred spaces, reminding us that divine projects often involve human effort and precision.
When we read about stones being cut with saws before transport, it shows how ordinary tools served extraordinary purposes. This word appears in accounts of Solomon’s Temple preparations and David’s campaigns, emphasizing the care taken to fit large stones together without mortar. Such details invite us to appreciate the craftsmanship involved in building enduring structures.
For your faith, this word encourages reflection on how God uses human work in His plans. The precision required to shape stone mirrors the careful preparation needed in spiritual growth. Just as builders labored to create lasting temples, we are called to build lives that honor God through faithful, steady effort.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- with <the>/ saw2×
- at the/ saws1×
- and/ with <the>/ saws1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/בַ/מְּגֵר֔וֹת1×
- בַּ֠/מְּגֵרָה1×
- בַּ/מְּגֵרָ֜ה1×
- בַּ/מְּגֵרָ֖ה1×
Key Verses
-
I Kings 7:9
All these were of costly stones, even of stone cut according to measure, sawed with saws, inside and outside, even from the foundation to the coping, and so on the outside to the great court.
This verse highlights the precision of temple construction by specifying that stones were sawed both inside and outside, showing careful craftsmanship for sacred spaces.
-
II Samuel 12:31
He brought out the people who were in it, and put them to work under saws, under iron picks, under axes of iron, and made them go to the brick kiln; and he did so to all the cities of the children of Ammon. Then David and all the people returned to Jerusalem.
Here the saw represents forced labor imposed on conquered peoples, illustrating how tools could be used for oppression rather than construction.
-
I Chronicles 20:3
He brought out the people who were in it, and had them cut with saws, with iron picks, and with axes. David did so to all the cities of the children of Ammon. Then David and all the people returned to Jerusalem.
This parallel account of David’s campaign similarly uses the saw to depict harsh treatment of enemies, reinforcing the theme of subjugation through labor.