מַדְקָרָה (mad.qa.rah)
mad.qa.rah
thrust
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun madqarah describes a sharp, physical act of thrusting or stabbing. It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Proverbs 12:18, where it characterizes the destructive power of reckless words. The term evokes the image of a weapon piercing flesh, highlighting how speech can inflict genuine harm.
This single usage contrasts sharply with the healing tongue mentioned later in the same verse. By employing a word associated with violence and injury, the text underscores that careless talk is not merely rude but dangerous. It suggests that words have tangible consequences, capable of wounding others as deeply as a physical blow.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Words carry weight that often exceeds our awareness. The Hebrew term for thrust describes a sharp, physical act of piercing, used here to illustrate how reckless speech can wound others as deeply as a sword. This image reminds us that careless talk is not merely rude but dangerous, capable of inflicting genuine harm on those around us.
Contrasting this destructive power, the same verse highlights the healing nature of wise words. We are invited to consider how our speech impacts relationships, choosing instead to build up rather than tear down. Let your conversations reflect care and wisdom, offering comfort and restoration to those you encounter daily.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- like/ thrusts of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כְּ/מַדְקְר֣וֹת1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 12:18
There is one who speaks rashly like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise heals.
This verse uses the term to contrast the destructive power of rash speech with the healing nature of wise words.