מִגְרָפָה
𐤌𐤂𐤓𐤐𐤄
migrâphâh
H4053 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A scoop, shovel, or implement used for removing ashes or for ritual purposes in the context of temple service; in some contexts, may refer to the action or result of raking or collecting (such as ash or coals).
Semantic Range
scoop, shovel, implement for scraping or raking (esp. ashes from altar), tool for ritual cleaning, implement for gathering or removing residues, (by extension) act or result of sweeping/raking
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root גָּרַף (garaf), meaning 'to sweep away, scrape, remove.' The noun form מִגְרָפָה (migrâphâh) designates an implement associated with the root action, specifically a tool for raking, shoveling, or scooping substances, especially ashes or coals in cultic contexts.
Historical & Contextual Notes
מִגְרָפָה occurs in biblical Hebrew specifically to describe an implement used in the temple service, notably in 1 Kings 7:40, where it is listed among other sacrificial implements associated with the bronze altar. The meaning is contextually linked to the removal of ashes or the handling of coals, and the word highlights the ritual function of cleanliness and order in temple rites. Unlike general words for shovel or spade (e.g., חָרִי), מִגְרָפָה focuses on the act of raking or scraping away, preserving ritual cleanliness. In some translation traditions, the word is rendered as 'shovel' or 'rake,' but this may obscure its specific temple function. The term appears in later post-biblical Hebrew with consistent reference to raking or gathering ashes, showing continuity of meaning. There is no inherent connection to 'clod' apart from derived actions; the Strong's gloss is too narrow and omits the cultic and technical sense.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from גָּרַף; something thrown off (by the spade), i.e. a clod; clod.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
גרף (g-r-p) — to sweep away, scrape, rake, remove
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4053-01 |
מֶגְרְפֹ֣תֵי/הֶ֔ם | megerefoteyhem | HNcfpc/Sp3mp |
their clods | their ash-scoops | their clods | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4053-01 |
Joel 1:17 | מֶגְרְפֹ֣תֵי/הֶ֔ם | megerefoteyhem | HNcfpc/Sp3mp |
their clods | their ash-scoops | their clods |