מַקְהֵל (maq.hel)
maq.hel
assembly
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun maqhel refers to an assembly or gathering, specifically one formed for worship. In the Hebrew Bible, it describes a congregation brought together for the purpose of praising God, often with a musical or choral element.
This word appears only once in Scripture, in Psalm 22:25. The psalmist declares that his praise will come from within the maqhel, highlighting the communal nature of worship rather than private devotion. It underscores the biblical pattern that gratitude and song are offered together by God’s people.
The term is closely related to the verb qahal, which means to call together or assemble. While qahal focuses on the act of gathering, maqhel emphasizes the resulting group itself. This distinction helps clarify how ancient Israelites viewed their identity as a community called out for worship.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word maqhel points to a gathering formed specifically for worship. It appears only once in Scripture, in Psalm 22:25, where the psalmist speaks of offering praise from within this assembly. This rare usage highlights that gratitude is not meant to be a private exercise but a communal act shared with others.
When we gather with other believers, we participate in this ancient pattern of corporate worship. The word reminds us that our voices join with many others to bless God. This shared expression of faith strengthens the community and reflects the biblical view that we are called together as a people.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- in/ assemblies1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בְּ֝/מַקְהֵלִ֗ים1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 26:12
My foot stands in an even place. In the congregations I will bless Yahweh.
This verse uses the related concept of congregations where blessing is offered, illustrating the communal setting implied by maqhel.