מָעוֹךְ (ma.okh)
ma.okh
Maoch
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Maoch, or maoch, appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, identifying the father of Achish, the king of Gath who offered David sanctuary during his flight from Saul (1 Samuel 27:2). The name is etymologically linked to the root meaning "to oppress" or "crush," a semantic connection that adds a layer of irony to its bearer’s lineage.
Later tradition, as seen in 1 Kings 2:39, refers to Achish’s mother as Maacah, suggesting a variation in spelling or transliteration between Maoch and Maacah. This linguistic shift highlights the fluidity of proper names in biblical texts while maintaining the core association with force or pressure.
Though brief, this single mention anchors a significant historical relationship: David’s temporary refuge under a Philistine ruler whose family name implies domination. The word itself does not carry theological weight beyond its identification, yet its meaning underscores the precarious political landscape of Israel’s early monarchy.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Maoch appears in a single verse, identifying the father of Achish, the Philistine king who offered David safety while he fled from King Saul. This brief mention highlights how God often uses unexpected places and people to protect His chosen ones. Even in hostile territory, divine provision can be found.
While the name itself carries a meaning related to pressure or oppression, its presence in Scripture reminds us that our circumstances do not define our security. David’s time in Gath was temporary, yet it was part of a larger plan. We too may find ourselves in difficult seasons, but God remains faithful to guide and preserve us through every transition.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Maoch1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מָע֖וֹךְ1×
Key Verses
-
I Samuel 27:2
David arose and passed over, he and the six hundred men who were with him, to Achish the son of Maoch, king of Gath.
This verse identifies Maoch as the father of Achish, establishing the political context for David’s refuge in Gath.