Lexical Summary machtseb: Quarry, place of hewing Original Word: מַחְצֵב Strong's Exhaustive Concordance hewedn From chatsab; properly, a hewing; concretely, a quarry -- hewed(-n). see HEBREW chatsab NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom chatsab Definition a hewing NASB Translation hewn (2), quarried (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מַחְצֵב noun [masculine] hewing, always ׳אַבְנֵי מ = hewn stones 2 Kings 12:13; 2 Kings 22:6 2Chronicles 34:11 (in all "" עֵצִים). Topical Lexicon Overview of מַחְצֵב in Scripture The word designates the finished stonework or masonry used in sacred construction. Each occurrence is tied to the upkeep or renewal of the temple in Jerusalem, underscoring how physical craftsmanship served the spiritual life of the nation. Occurrences and Narrative Setting • 2 Kings 12:12 records the allocation of funds in the reign of King Joash “to the masons and stonecutters—to buy timber and quarried stone to repair the damage to the house of the LORD—and for all the expenses of restoring the temple.” In both reigns the use of מַחְצֵב marks decisive moments of reform after periods of neglect or apostasy. The narrative links careful stone preparation with national repentance and renewed covenant obedience. Architectural and Practical Function Hewn or quarried stone provided durable, load-bearing material capable of supporting the temple’s superstructure, resisting weather, and conveying beauty befitting the Lord’s dwelling. That the royal treasuries paid directly for such workmanship shows the high value placed on excellence in worship infrastructure (compare 1 Kings 5:17–18 and 1 Kings 6:7, where similarly prepared stones were used for Solomon’s temple). The mention of both timber and quarried stone indicates a coordinated building strategy: timber framed ceilings and floors; the stone stabilized foundations and walls. Skilled masons shaped each block off-site, minimizing noise on the sacred grounds (cf. 1 Kings 6:7) and ensuring a seamless assembly. Symbolic and Theological Dimensions 1. Permanence and Holiness. Stone evokes endurance (Job 14:18; Matthew 16:18). Employing dressed stone in temple repair signals a quest for lasting holiness, contrasting with idols often fashioned from perishable wood. Connection to Covenant Faithfulness Neglect of the temple corresponded with covenant breach (2 Chronicles 24:17–18). Conversely, commissioning מַחְצֵב signaled renewed fidelity. Joash acted after the high priest Jehoiada restored proper worship; Josiah did so after discovering the Book of the Law. Both episodes illustrate Deuteronomy’s pattern: obedience brings blessing and restoration; disobedience brings decay (Deuteronomy 30:1–10). Thus the stonework is not incidental architecture but a barometer of Israel’s relationship with the Lord. Implications for Modern Ministry 1. Stewardship of Resources. Just as kings redirected offerings toward quarried stone, churches today steward finances to maintain worship spaces and support gospel work. Excellence in physical facilities can honor God and serve people without becoming ostentation. Summary מַחְצֵב, though appearing only three times, illuminates a larger biblical theme: God’s people honor Him by dedicating the finest resources to His dwelling, whether stone in ancient Jerusalem or obedient lives in the church today. The carefully quarried stones testify that authentic renewal is both inward and outward, rooted in covenant loyalty and expressed through diligent, God-glorifying work. Forms and Transliterations מַחְצֵ֔ב מחצב machTzev maḥ·ṣêḇ maḥṣêḇLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Kings 12:12 HEB: עֵצִים֙ וְאַבְנֵ֣י מַחְצֵ֔ב לְחַזֵּ֖ק אֶת־ NAS: timber and hewn stone KJV: timber and hewed stone INT: timber stone and hewn to repair the damages 2 Kings 22:6 2 Chronicles 34:11 3 Occurrences |
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