מִקְצֹעַ (maq.tso.a)
maq.tso.a
Angle
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun miqtsôaʿ refers to an angle or corner structure, specifically within the context of city fortifications. It appears seven times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in Nehemiah and Chronicles, where it describes parts of Jerusalem’s walls. The term denotes a protruding section of a defensive wall, often understood as a buttress or a corner tower designed to strengthen the perimeter against attack.
Its usage is highly concrete and architectural. In Nehemiah 3, various leaders are assigned responsibility for repairing specific sections of the wall, including the miqtsôaʿ. This highlights the word’s practical application in describing the physical layout of the city’s defenses. The sources identify it as a key component of the fortifications, emphasizing its role in structural integrity rather than abstract geometry.
The etymology suggests a connection to cutting or trimming, implying a shaped or distinct part of the wall. Translators typically render it as "angle" or "corner," reflecting its function in marking the boundary and strength of the city’s enclosure. This term grounds the biblical narrative in the tangible reality of ancient urban planning and defense.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word miqtsôaʿ describes a specific structural feature: an angle or corner tower that reinforced ancient city walls. In Nehemiah, we see ordinary people taking responsibility for these critical points of defense. They did not just patch cracks; they secured the corners where threats were most likely to come from. This image reminds us that God values our practical stewardship and our willingness to strengthen what is fragile.
When we face challenges in our lives, we often look for stability. The biblical writers used these architectural details to show how God’s people protected their community. It is not about abstract theology but about tangible care for one another. By tending to the 'corners' of our own hearts and relationships, we help build a stronger foundation for faith.
This concrete language grounds our spiritual life in reality. Just as those builders repaired the walls of Jerusalem, we are invited to participate in restoring order and safety in our world. It is a quiet, steady work that honors God through diligence and care for the community around us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ buttress5×
- the/ corners2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ֨/מִּקְצ֔וֹעַ1×
- הַ/מִּקְצוֹעַ֒1×
- הַ/מִּקְצֹעֹֽת\׃1×
- הַ/מִּקְצֹעֹ֖ת1×
- הַ/מִּקְצֹֽעַ\׃\ \ס1×
- הַ/מִּקְצ֖וֹעַ1×
- הַ/מִּקְצ֑וֹעַ1×
Key Verses
-
Nehemiah 3:19
Next to him, Ezer the son of Jeshua, the ruler of Mizpah, repaired another portion across from the ascent to the armory at the turning of the wall.
This verse highlights Ezer repairing the section at the turning of the wall, showing how specific leaders were assigned to secure critical structural points.
-
Nehemiah 3:24
After him, Binnui the son of Henadad repaired another portion, from the house of Azariah to the turning of the wall, and to the corner.
Binnui repairs from the house of Azariah to the corner, illustrating the meticulous attention given to the junctions that held the wall together.
-
II Chronicles 26:9
Moreover Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the corner gate, at the valley gate, and at the turning of the wall, and fortified them.
Uzziah builds towers at the corner gate, demonstrating how kings invested in strategic defensive structures to protect the city's integrity.