וְ/הַ/מֶּלְקַחַ֖יִם
𐤅/𐤄/𐤌𐤋𐤒𐤇𐤉𐤌
melqâch
and the tongs
A tool or implement with a pincer-like design used for grasping, taking, or removing objects, especially in ritual or ceremonial contexts such as tending lamps or handling hot coals. The word typically refers to metal pincers or tongs utilized in cultic settings, especially for maintaining lampstands in the sanctuary. In the Hebrew Bible, the term appears only in the dual form, reflecting the usual construction with two arms that grip. Semantic range encompasses lamp tongs, snuffers (for trimming lamp wicks), and implements for handling hot elements in ritual service.
2 Chronicles 4:21 · Word #3
Lexicon H4457
| Lemma | מֶלְקָח |
| Lemma (Paleo) | 𐤌𐤋𐤒𐤇 |
| Transliteration | melqâch |
| Strong's | H4457 |
| Definition | A tool or implement with a pincer-like design used for grasping, taking, or removing objects, especially in ritual or ceremonial contexts such as tending lamps or handling hot coals. The word typically refers to metal pincers or tongs utilized in cultic settings, especially for maintaining lampstands in the sanctuary. In the Hebrew Bible, the term appears only in the dual form, reflecting the usual construction with two arms that grip. Semantic range encompasses lamp tongs, snuffers (for trimming lamp wicks), and implements for handling hot elements in ritual service. |
Morphology HC/Td/Ncmda
All morphology codes
| Part of Speech | N — Noun — A person, place, thing, or idea |
| Subtype | c — Common — Common noun |
| Gender | m — Masculine — Masculine |
| Number | d — Dual — Dual (exactly two) |
| State | a — Absolute — The noun stands independently |
Common Translation
| Phrase | and the tongs |
SIBI-P1 Translation H4457-04
and the grasping-tongs
| Morphological Notes | Common masculine noun, dual absolute; prefixed with conjunction וְ (“and”) and definite article הַ (“the”). |
| Rendering Rationale | The noun derives from לקח (“to take, grasp”) in an instrumental pattern, denoting a tool for grasping. The dual masculine absolute form reflects the two-armed implement, conveyed naturally in English by "tongs," with the prefixed conjunction and article rendered as "and the." |
View full lexicon entry for H4457 →
SILEX v2
SIBI-P2 (Context-Aware)
and the grasping-tongs
| Same as P1 | Yes |
| Rationale | P1 accurately represents the specialized utensil used for maintaining lamps, as indicated by the definition. |