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מַ֫חַץ (ma.chats)

ma.chats

wound

H4273 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 1 verses

H:N-M

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
H:N-M

Word Overview

The noun machats denotes a severe wound or deep contusion. It is not a superficial scratch but an injury that signifies significant trauma to the body. In the Hebrew Bible, this word appears only once, creating a unique and concentrated impact in its single occurrence.

This solitary instance is found in Isaiah 30:26, where it describes the light of the moon as being like the light of the sun during a time of restoration. The text uses machats metaphorically to suggest that God’s healing will be so complete that any previous wounds inflicted on His people will be fully closed and restored. The imagery implies that what was once a site of deep pain is now marked by wholeness.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word machats describes a severe wound, one that leaves a deep mark on the body. In Isaiah 30:26, it refers to the injury God’s people suffered, yet the verse promises that He will heal this specific damage. This imagery suggests that restoration is not merely covering up pain but addressing the root of the trauma until wholeness returns.

For your faith life, this offers a powerful hope. It reminds us that God sees the depth of our struggles and does not overlook them. His healing is complete, turning what was once a site of brokenness into a testament of His care. You can trust that He brings peace even where pain has run deep.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • and/ [the] wound of1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • וּ/מַ֥חַץ1×

Key Verses

  • Isaiah 30:26
    Moreover the light of the moon will be like the light of the sun, and the light of the sun will be seven times brighter, like the light of seven days, in the day that Yahweh binds up the fracture of his people, and heals the wound they were struck with.

    This verse uniquely uses the term to describe the specific injury God promises to bind up and heal during a time of national restoration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does machats mean in the Bible?

Machats is a Hebrew noun that denotes a severe wound or deep contusion. It appears only once in the Old Testament, emphasizing the seriousness of the injury and the completeness of the healing promised by God.

Where does machats appear in Scripture?

It is found exclusively in Isaiah 30:26. The context describes a future time when God restores His people, making the light brighter and healing the deep wounds they had previously endured.

How is machats different from other words for wound?

While other terms might refer to minor injuries or general pain, machats specifically implies a significant trauma that requires substantial attention. Its solitary use highlights the profound nature of God’s restorative power in Isaiah.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)