מַחֲצִית (ma.cha.tsit)
ma.cha.tsit
half
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun machatsit simply means "half" or "middle," serving as a practical term for division in both space and time. In the Old Testament, it appears frequently to describe tangible splits, such as when the Israelites divided spoils of war equally between fighters and civilians (Exodus 17:13; Numbers 31:27). It also marks temporal boundaries, referring specifically to midday or noon, a time often associated with heat or rest in the ancient Near East.
Its usage extends beyond simple arithmetic. In Nehemiah, it describes half of Jerusalem’s wall being rebuilt by specific groups, highlighting communal responsibility and organized labor (Nehemiah 3:1-2). The word carries no inherent theological weight; rather, it provides a clear, structural framework for understanding how resources, time, and tasks were allocated in biblical narratives. Translators consistently render it as "half" or "midday," preserving its straightforward, descriptive function without adding metaphorical layers.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read about a half shekel in Exodus, it is easy to miss the profound equality hidden in that simple fraction. The text insists that the wealthy could not give more and the poor less; everyone contributed exactly half. This small detail reminds us that before God, our value does not depend on what we can afford or achieve. We stand together as equals, sharing the same burden and receiving the same grace.
This word also marks time, specifically midday in Nehemiah 8:3. The people gathered from morning until noon to hear the Law read aloud. It suggests a rhythm of life where work pauses for spiritual nourishment. In our own busy days, we might find comfort in setting aside a specific time to rest and listen, recognizing that even half a day dedicated to God brings clarity and peace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ from/ [the] half of3×
- [the] half of2×
- <the> half of2×
- more than/ [the] half of1×
- half/ its1×
- from/ half/ their1×
- from/ [the] half of1×
- [the] middle of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַחֲצִ֣ית3×
- מַחֲצִ֥ית2×
- מַחֲצִית֖/וֹ1×
- מִֽ/מַּחֲצִ֖ית1×
- מִ/מַּחֲצִ֣ת1×
- מִ/מַּֽחֲצִיתָ֖/ם1×
- וּ/מִֽ/מַּחֲצִית֙1×
- וּ/מִֽ/מַּחֲצִ֖ית1×
- וּ/מִ/מַּחֲצִ֨ת1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 30:15
The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less, than the half shekel, when they give the offering of Yahweh, to make atonement for your souls.
This verse establishes the principle of spiritual equality by ensuring the offering is fixed at half a shekel regardless of wealth.
-
Nehemiah 8:3
He read from it before the wide place that was in front of the water gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women, and of those who could understand. The ears of all the people were attentive to the book of the law.
Here the word marks midday, showing how communal worship structured the daily rhythm of the people's lives.
-
Numbers 31:29
Take it from their half, and give it to Eleazar the priest, for Yahweh’s wave offering.
This occurrence highlights the specific portion of spoils allocated to the priest, illustrating organized stewardship within the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does machatsit mean in the Bible?
Why is half a shekel significant in Exodus?
How is this word used in Nehemiah?
Every Occurrence (11 verses across 5 books)
Exodus 4 verses
They shall give this, everyone who passes over to those who are counted, half a shekel according to the shekel of the…
Exodus 30:15The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less, than the half shekel, when they give the offering of…
Exodus 30:23“Also take fine spices: of liquid myrrh, five hundred shekels; and of fragrant cinnamon half as much, even two hundred…
Exodus 38:26a beka a head, that is, half a shekel, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, for everyone who passed over to those…