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מֶלְקָח

𐤌𐤋𐤒𐤇

melqâch

H4457 noun

SILEX Entry

Root לקח to take, grasp, seize

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.

Semantic Range

tongs, pincers, tweezers, snuffers (lamp-trimming tools), implements for handling hot coals or lamp wicks in sanctuary service

Root / Etymology

From the root לָקַח (laqach), meaning 'to take, grasp, seize.' מֶלְקָח is a noun formation (pattern miqtal/milqat), indicating an instrument for taking or grasping. The term's formation reflects an implement designed for the basic action of taking or holding.

Historical & Contextual Notes

מֶלְקָח is attested in the Hebrew Bible exclusively in ritual or sanctuary-related passages, especially the prescriptions for the tabernacle in Exodus and the descriptions of Solomon’s Temple. Always in the dual form, reflecting the physical two-pronged construction. Ancient Near Eastern parallels indicate tongs/tweezers were standard items for both domestic and cultic use, but the biblical emphasis is for sacred service—trimming lamp wicks, managing coals or incense. Not to be confused with מַזְלֵג (mazleg, 'fork'), which has a distinct use in other ritual settings. Traditional translations (tongs, snuffers, tweezers) may not distinguish between their cultic and general utility, but context in the Hebrew Bible restricts it to sanctuary service. Later Greek (LXX) renders the term sometimes in a manner suggesting lamp trimmers or tools for the menorah, and medieval Jewish commentators (e.g., Rashi) often specify the lampstand context. The English 'snuffer' is somewhat misleading since the primary function was not extinguishing the flame but trimming the wick or managing the lamp’s operation.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

or מַלְקָח; from לָקַח; (only in dual) tweezers; snuffers, tongs.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

לקח (l-q-ḥ) — to take, grasp, seize

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H3947 לָקַח in your taking
H3948 לֶקַח Take!
H3949 לִקְחִי and Taken-One
H4455 מַלְקוֹחַ the seized spoil
H4727 מִקָּח and acquisition-of

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H4457-03 וּ/מַלְקָחֶ֥י/הָ umaleqacheyha HC/Ncmdc/Sp3fs and its tongs and her grasping-tongs 2
H4457-04 וְ/הַ/מֶּלְקַחַ֖יִם vehameleqachayim HC/Td/Ncmda and the tongs and the grasping-tongs 2
H4457-01 בְּ/מֶ֨לְקַחַ֔יִם bemeleqachayim HR/Ncmda with tongs with grasping-tongs 1
H4457-02 מַלְקָחֶ֖י/הָ maleqacheyha HNcmdc/Sp3fs its tongs her grasping-tongs 1

Occurrences in Scripture

6 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H4457-03 Exodus 25:38 וּ/מַלְקָחֶ֥י/הָ umaleqacheyha HC/Ncmdc/Sp3fs and its tongs and her grasping-tongs
H4457-03 Exodus 37:23 וּ/מַלְקָחֶ֥י/הָ umaleqacheyha HC/Ncmdc/Sp3fs and its tongs and her grasping-tongs
H4457-02 Numbers 4:9 מַלְקָחֶ֖י/הָ maleqacheyha HNcmdc/Sp3fs its tongs her grasping-tongs
H4457-04 1 Kings 7:49 וְ/הַ/מֶּלְקַחַ֖יִם vehameleqachayim HC/Td/Ncmda and the tongs and the grasping-tongs
H4457-01 Isaiah 6:6 בְּ/מֶ֨לְקַחַ֔יִם bemeleqachayim HR/Ncmda with tongs with grasping-tongs
H4457-04 2 Chronicles 4:21 וְ/הַ/מֶּלְקַחַ֖יִם vehameleqachayim HC/Td/Ncmda and the tongs and the grasping-tongs
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