מַעְגָּל (ma.gal)

ma.gal

track

H4570 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 14 verses

H:N-M

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 14 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: H:N-M

Word Overview

The Hebrew noun ma‘gal refers to a track or path worn into the ground by repeated passage. It appears fourteen times in the Old Testament, with significant usage in Proverbs, Psalms, and 1 Samuel. The word captures the physical impression left by movement, whether by human feet or animal hooves.

Its meaning extends beyond a simple trail to include the idea of an entrenched route or a fortified path. In military contexts, such as in 1 Samuel, it can describe circumvallations or trenches dug around a city. This dual sense links the natural wear of travel with deliberate human engineering designed to control movement.

The term often carries theological weight in wisdom literature. Proverbs uses ma‘gal to contrast the paths of the righteous and the wicked, suggesting that one’s lifestyle leaves a visible mark on their future direction. The word implies that choices are not fleeting; they carve out a lasting course for the soul.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The Hebrew word ma‘gal describes a track worn into the earth by repeated passage. It is not merely a line on a map, but a physical impression left by consistent movement. Whether formed by animal hooves or human feet, these tracks show where we have been and where our habits are leading us. In ancient times, such paths could be simple trails or fortified trenches that controlled access to a city.

Wisdom literature uses this image to teach that our choices leave a lasting mark. The path of the righteous is described as level and straight, while the way of the wicked becomes crooked and dangerous. This suggests that our daily decisions are not fleeting moments but forces that carve out a course for our future. God invites us to walk in ways that bring peace and understanding.

When we feel lost, we can remember that God guides our steps. He does not leave us wandering without direction. Instead, He leads us into paths of righteousness, ensuring our feet do not slip. This assurance allows us to face each day with confidence, knowing that our journey is held in His care.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 14 verses where it appears, by frequency.

tracks/ her2×
in/ tracks of2×
in the/ camp2×
[the] track of2×
tracks/ his1×
the/ camp/ towards1×
on/ tracks/ their1×
in/ tracks/ your1×
in/ tracks/ their1×
course of1×

Forms in the text

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

בַּ/מַּעְגָּ֔ל2×
מַעְגַּל\־1×
מַעְגַּ֥ל1×
מַעְגַּ֣ל1×
מַעְגְּלֹתָ֥י/ו1×
מַעְגְּלֹתֶֽי/הָ\׃1×
מַ֝עְגְּלֹתֶ֗י/הָ1×
הַ/מַּעְגָּ֔לָ/ה1×
בְּ/מַעְגְּלוֹתָֽ/ם\׃1×
בְּ/מַעְגְּלוֹתָ֑/ם1×
בְּ/מַעְגְּלוֹתֶ֑י/ךָ1×
בְּ/מַעְגְּלֵי\־1×

Key Verses

Psalms 17:5
My steps have held fast to your paths. My feet have not slipped.

This verse uses the concept of tracks to show stability, indicating that the speaker's steps have remained firm on God's paths without slipping.
Proverbs 2:9
Then you will understand righteousness and justice, equity and every good path.

Here the word connects understanding with practical living, suggesting that true wisdom results in walking every good path.
Proverbs 4:26
Make the path of your feet level. Let all of your ways be established.

The command to make the path level emphasizes personal responsibility for keeping one's way straight and established.
Isaiah 26:7
The way of the just is uprightness. You who are upright make the path of the righteous level.

This passage contrasts the upright path of the just with other ways, highlighting how righteousness makes the way smooth and clear.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ma‘gal mean in the Bible?

Ma‘gal refers to a track or path worn into the ground by repeated movement. It can describe a simple trail or a fortified trench used in military contexts. The word emphasizes the physical evidence left by consistent action.

How is ma‘gal different from other words for path?

While other Hebrew words like derech mean a general road or way, ma‘gal specifically highlights the worn impression of travel. It focuses on the result of repeated passage rather than the route itself.

Where does this word appear most often?

It appears fourteen times in the Old Testament, with significant usage in Proverbs and Psalms. These books use the image of tracks to teach about moral direction and divine guidance.

Every Occurrence (14 verses across 4 books)

I Samuel 3 verses

I Samuel 17:20

David rose up early in the morning and left the sheep with a keeper, and took the provisions and went, as Jesse had…

I Samuel 26:5

Then David arose and came to the place where Saul had encamped; and David saw the place where Saul lay, with Abner the…

I Samuel 26:7

So David and Abishai came to the people by night; and, behold, Saul lay sleeping within the place of the wagons, with…

Psalms 2 verses

Proverbs 7 verses

Isaiah 2 verses