מָלַק (ma.laq)
ma.laq
to nip
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb malaq describes the specific action of nipping or pinching off, particularly the head of a bird. This term appears only twice in the Old Testament, both within the detailed laws of Leviticus regarding ritual purity and sacrifice.
In these contexts, the word refers to the preparation of a dove or pigeon for an offering. The sources clarify that this nipping action did not necessarily involve completely severing the head from the body, distinguishing it from more drastic slaughter methods. This precise terminology highlights the careful attention paid to the physical handling of sacrificial animals in ancient Israelite worship.
The rarity of malaq underscores the specificity of biblical legal language. By using a distinct word for this particular preparatory step, the text ensures that the ritual procedure is understood exactly as prescribed, leaving no ambiguity about how the offering was to be presented before the Lord.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word malaq describes a precise action: nipping or pinching off the head of a bird for sacrifice. It appears only twice in the Old Testament, both in Leviticus. This rarity highlights how carefully ancient Israelites handled worship. The text specifies that the head was wrung but not fully severed, showing attention to detail in ritual purity.
For your faith, this precision reminds us that God cares about the specifics of how we approach Him. It is not enough to offer anything; the offering must be prepared correctly. This level of care reflects a heart that respects God's holiness. When you bring your prayers or offerings to God, do so with intention and reverence.
Consider Leviticus 5:8, where the priest ensures the bird is offered exactly as prescribed. This attention to detail teaches us that worship is not casual. It requires thoughtfulness and obedience. By following God’s instructions carefully, we honor His sovereignty and acknowledge His worthiness of our best efforts.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ he will nip off2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/מָלַק֙1×
- וּ/מָלַ֧ק1×
Key Verses
-
Leviticus 1:15
The priest shall bring it to the altar, and wring off its head, and burn it on the altar; and its blood shall be drained out on the side of the altar;
This verse uses malaq to describe the specific act of wringing off a bird's head, emphasizing the precision required in sacrificial preparation.
-
Leviticus 5:8
He shall bring them to the priest, who shall first offer the one which is for the sin offering. He shall wring off its head from its neck, but shall not sever it completely.
Here, the word clarifies that the head must be nipped but not completely severed, distinguishing this method from other forms of slaughter.