מַנְעוּל
𐤌𐤍𐤏𐤅𐤋
manʻûwl
H4514 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A physical device used to secure the entrance to a door, gate, or other closure—commonly a bolt, bar, or latch that restricts access. In biblical usage, מַנְעוּל refers specifically to a fastening mechanism (typically made of wood or metal) installed to bar or lock a portal shut, distinct from the mere door itself or its frame. Secondary uses may denote metaphorical closure or obstruction.
Semantic Range
bolt, bar, lock, fastening device, physical mechanism preventing entry, (metaphorically) means of obstruction or closure
Root / Etymology
From the root נעל, which carries the sense of 'to bolt, bar, lock, shut fast.' מַנְעוּל is a derived noun form denoting the object or device that closes or secures an entryway. The form מַנְעֻל is a vocalic variant. The root itself commonly refers to shutting or securing, particularly by mechanical means.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the biblical period, locking mechanisms were relatively simple, often composed of a sliding bolt or bar placed across a door, frequently accompanied by a pin or latch. מַנְעוּל appears primarily in poetic or wisdom literature (e.g., Song 5:5; Nahum 3:13), where it represents the means of securing a portal. Its appearance in these genres can carry both literal and figurative valence, symbolizing both physical security and inaccessibility. The primary association is with the prevention of entry, rather than with ownership or property (as implied by later notions of locks and keys). Though most English translations render the term as 'lock' or 'bolt,' these terms should be understood within the context of ancient hardware, which differs from modern locking mechanisms. The word also conveys a sense of resistance or closure, sometimes with metaphorical implications (such as in the Song of Songs, indicating barring or withholding access). Distinct from related terms such as דֶּלֶת (delet, 'door') or בְּרִיחַ (beriach, 'bar'), מַנְעוּל focuses on the means or device of fastening. Its later usage, and the development of the noun in rabbinic Hebrew, extended to cover more advanced or mechanical locking devices.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
or מַנְעֻל; from נָעַל; a bolt; lock.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
נעל (n-ʿ-l) — to bolt, to fasten, to lock, to shut
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4514-02 |
מַנְעוּלָ֖י/ו | maneulayv | HNcmpc/Sp3ms |
its bolts | his locking-bolts | 4 |
H4514-01 |
הַ/מַּנְעֽוּל | hamaneul | HTd/Ncmsa |
of the bolt | the locking-bolt | 1 |
H4514-03 |
וּ/מַנְעֻלָ֖י/ו | umaneulayv | HC/Ncmpc/Sp3ms |
and its bolts | and his bolts | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
6 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4514-01 |
Song of Songs 5:5 | הַ/מַּנְעֽוּל | hamaneul | HTd/Ncmsa |
of the bolt | the locking-bolt |
H4514-02 |
Nehemiah 3:3 | מַנְעוּלָ֖י/ו | maneulayv | HNcmpc/Sp3ms |
its bolts | his locking-bolts |
H4514-03 |
Nehemiah 3:6 | וּ/מַנְעֻלָ֖י/ו | umaneulayv | HC/Ncmpc/Sp3ms |
and its bolts | and his bolts |
H4514-02 |
Nehemiah 3:13 | מַנְעֻלָ֖י/ו | maneulayv | HNcmpc/Sp3ms |
its locks | his locking-bolts |
H4514-02 |
Nehemiah 3:14 | מַנְעֻלָ֖י/ו | maneulayv | HNcmpc/Sp3ms |
its bolts | his locking-bolts |
H4514-02 |
Nehemiah 3:15 | מַנְעֻלָ֖י/ו | maneulayv | HNcmpc/Sp3ms |
its bolts | his locking-bolts |