מָקַץ (ma.qats)
ma.qats
Makaz
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The proper noun Maqats identifies a specific location within ancient Israel, recorded exclusively in the biblical text of 1 Kings 4:9. As one of the administrative districts established by King Solomon to support his royal court and supply chain, this town is listed among the cities assigned to officials responsible for gathering provisions for the king’s household.
The name itself derives from a root meaning "end" or "boundary," suggesting that Maqats may have been situated at the edge of a territory or serving as a frontier marker. While its precise geographical coordinates remain unknown to modern scholars, its inclusion in Solomon’s detailed administrative roster highlights the extent and organization of his kingdom’s reach.
Because this word appears only once in Scripture, it functions primarily as a historical footnote rather than a theological concept. It serves as evidence of the logistical complexity behind Solomon’s reign, anchoring the narrative of royal administration to a tangible, albeit obscure, place on the map.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read about King Solomon’s kingdom, it is easy to focus on the grandeur of the temple or the wisdom he was known for. Yet, Scripture also records the quiet, administrative details that kept such a vast nation running. The name Maqats appears in this context, marking a specific town assigned to an official responsible for supplying the royal household. This detail reminds us that God’s work often involves both spectacular miracles and steady, organized effort.
For your own life, this can be encouraging. You do not need to be at the center of attention or performing grand feats to be part of something meaningful. Just as Maqats served its purpose in Solomon’s network, your faithful obedience in everyday responsibilities matters deeply. God sees the small acts of service and the quiet faithfulness that keep His community functioning well.
Even when our contributions seem obscure or unknown to others, they are recorded in history and valued by God. We can trust that He uses every part of His plan, no matter how small it may appear on the surface. This offers a sense of peace, knowing that our daily efforts are never wasted but are woven into His larger story.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- in/ Makaz1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בְּ/מָקַ֥ץ1×
Key Verses
-
I Kings 4:9
Ben Deker, in Makaz, in Shaalbim, Beth Shemesh, and Elon Beth Hanan;
This verse identifies Maqats as one of the towns assigned to Ben Deker, highlighting its role in the logistical supply chain for Solomon’s court.