מַרְצֶ֫פֶת (mar.tse.phet)
mar.tse.phet
pavement
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun marṣephet refers to a paved surface, specifically one made of stone or similar hard material. It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in 2 Kings 16:17, where it describes the platform King Ahaz constructed in the temple courtyard.
This rare term highlights the physical reality of ancient worship spaces. The sources indicate that Ahaz used this paving to mount a bronze stand for washing, replacing the earlier structure built by Solomon. The word underscores the tangible changes made to the sanctuary during a period of religious reform.
Its solitary occurrence makes it a precise historical marker rather than a theological concept. Translators typically render it as "platform" or "pavement," reflecting its function as a prepared, level area for specific ritual objects within the temple complex.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word for pavement in this context points to something solid and prepared. In ancient times, building a stable foundation required effort and planning. King Ahaz used this paved area to support heavy bronze vessels, showing that physical structures supported the rituals of his time. This detail reminds us that worship often involves tangible elements—materials we can see and touch.
For your faith life, this suggests that God cares about the practical aspects of our walk with Him. Just as a pavement provides a steady base for sacred objects, our daily habits and routines can provide stability for our spiritual practices. You do not need to seek only abstract experiences; the ordinary moments of preparation and order have their own quiet value in honoring God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a pavement of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַרְצֶ֥פֶת1×
Key Verses
-
II Kings 16:17
King Ahaz cut off the panels of the bases, and removed the basin from off them, and took down the sea from off the bronze oxen that were under it, and put it on a pavement of stone.
This verse is the only biblical occurrence of the word, specifically describing the stone platform Ahaz built to hold the bronze basin for temple washing rituals.