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מַגְזֵרָה

𐤌𐤂𐤆𐤓𐤄

magzêrâh

H4037 noun

SILEX Entry

Root גזר to cut, divide, sever

Definition

A tool or instrument designed for cutting or severing, primarily referring to a blade or axe. The term can also indicate other cutting devices or implements, depending on context. Its usage emphasizes the functionality of dividing, severing, or cutting material, most often wood.

Semantic Range

cutting instrument, blade, axe, saw, tool for severing, instrument for dividing

Root / Etymology

Derived from the root גזר (g-z-r), meaning 'to cut,' 'to divide,' or 'to sever.' מַגְזֵרָה is a feminine noun formation denoting the instrument by which cutting is performed. Thus, while the root conveys the verbal notion of dividing, the noun refers to the tool used for such action.

Historical & Contextual Notes

מַגְזֵרָה appears sparingly in the Hebrew Bible, with its occurrence limited to texts such as 2 Samuel 12:31 and 1 Chronicles 20:3, where it is typically listed among various implements used in labor or as instruments in the context of forced work upon conquered peoples. Unlike other terms for axe (e.g., קַרְדֹּם), מַגְזֵרָה is broader, encompassing a range of cutting or severing tools, not exclusively those for woodworking. English translations, including 'axe,' 'saw,' or 'cutting instrument,' sometimes narrow the meaning, but the Hebrew term is less specific. In later Hebrew (post-biblical), derived nouns for cutting instruments continue the association with the act of dividing or severing. The underlying concept remains consistent through different biblical periods; however, the specific function or design of the tool implied may have varied depending on technological context.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from גָּזַר; a cutting implement, i.e. a blade; axe.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

גזר (g-z-r) — cut, divide, sever

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H1504 גָּזַר he cut off
H1505 גְּזַר decreeing ones
H1506 גֶּזֶר the cut-off pieces
H1507 גֶּזֶר in Gezer
H1508 גִּזְרָה their separated portion

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H4037-01 וּֽ/בְ/מַגְזְרֹ֣ת uvemagezerot HC/R/Ncfpc and under axes and in cutting-instruments of 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 total occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H4037-01 2 Samuel 12:31 וּֽ/בְ/מַגְזְרֹ֣ת uvemagezerot HC/R/Ncfpc and under axes and in cutting-instruments of
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