מַצְהָלָה (mats.ha.lah)
mats.ha.lah
neighing
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun matsahalāh refers specifically to the sound of a horse’s neigh. It appears only twice in the entire Old Testament, both times within the book of Jeremiah. In these contexts, the word is not used to describe a peaceful animal but rather the aggressive, warlike noise made by cavalry units preparing for battle.
Its presence highlights the terrifying atmosphere of invasion. When Jeremiah describes the approach of enemy forces, he uses matsahalāh to convey the clamor of hooves and the sharp cries of horses. This auditory detail serves as a warning sign, signaling that judgment is imminent and that the sound of war has drawn near to Jerusalem.
Translators typically render this word simply as "neighing" or "the neighing of horses." Because the term is so rare, it carries a unique weight in its specific setting. It reminds readers that biblical prophecy often uses sensory details like sound to make abstract threats feel immediate and real, capturing the fear felt by those who hear the approaching army.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word matsahalāh appears only twice in Scripture, both in Jeremiah, where it captures the terrifying sound of war horses. In these passages, the neighing is not a gentle animal noise but a signal of impending invasion. It reminds us that God uses vivid sensory details to make spiritual truths urgent and real.
For your faith, this word invites you to listen for God’s voice in the chaos of life. When fear rises or judgment seems near, remember that God sees all things clearly. His warnings are acts of love, calling us back to Him before it is too late.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ neighings/ your1×
- [the] neighings of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִצְהֲל֣וֹת1×
- וּ/מִצְהֲלוֹתַ֙יִ/ךְ֙1×
Key Verses
-
Jeremiah 8:16
The snorting of his horses is heard from Dan. The whole land trembles at the sound of the neighing of his strong ones; for they have come, and have devoured the land and all that is in it, the city and those who dwell therein.”
This verse uses the neighing to signal the imminent arrival of enemy forces, showing how sound conveys urgent warning.
-
Jeremiah 13:27
I have seen your abominations, even your adulteries and your neighing, the lewdness of your prostitution, on the hills in the field. Woe to you, Jerusalem! You will not be made clean. How long will it yet be?”
Here the term metaphorically describes Israel’s unfaithfulness, linking the wild neighing to spiritual adultery and rebellion.