מַכְבֵּר (makh.bar)
makh.bar
cloth
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun makhbar refers specifically to a netted cloth or coverlet. It appears only once in the Bible, in 2 Kings 8:15, where it describes the tool Hazael used to assassinate King Ben-hadad of Aram. The text notes that Hazael took this thick, woven fabric, dipped it in water, and spread it over the king’s face.
The word’s meaning is defined by this violent context. Unlike a light blanket or a simple garment, a makhbar was substantial enough to hold water and suffocate a person when pressed against their airways. This single usage highlights the word’s association with heavy, dense weaving rather than general textile production.
Because it occurs in such a specific narrative moment, the term carries no broader theological symbolism in Scripture. It serves as a precise detail of historical record, illustrating the method of murder without further elaboration. Translators typically render it as "cloth" or "coverlet," relying on the surrounding action to convey its weight and function.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word makhbar appears only once in Scripture, describing a heavy cloth used in a moment of betrayal. It reminds us that history is filled with ordinary objects caught up in extraordinary events. A simple piece of fabric became the instrument of a king’s downfall, showing how God’s sovereignty works even through human cruelty.
For your faith, this word invites trust in God’s ultimate control. When circumstances seem dark or unjust, remember that no detail escapes His notice. He sees the intentions of hearts and the tools of men. We can rest in the knowledge that He is working all things for good, even when we cannot see the full picture.
This single reference encourages us to look beyond surface appearances. The cloth was just a tool; the real story lies in God’s plan. Let this bring peace to your heart, knowing that nothing is outside His care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ coverlet1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/מַּכְבֵּר֙1×
Key Verses
-
II Kings 8:15
On the next day, he took a thick cloth, dipped it in water, and spread it on the king’s face, so that he died. Then Hazael reigned in his place.
This verse uniquely identifies makhbar as a thick cloth used by Hazael to suffocate King Ben-hadad, highlighting its physical weight and role in a specific historical act of betrayal.