מַק
𐤌𐤒
maq
H4716 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A state or condition of decay marked by rottenness or putrefaction; refers to physical decomposing matter often characterized by a foul odor and visible disintegration. In figurative passages, denotes internal collapse, dissolution, or corruption within the body or community.
Semantic Range
rottenness, putrefaction, decay, stink, foetidness, figurative corruption or internal collapse
Root / Etymology
From the root מָקַק (makak), which means 'to rot, decay, dissolve.' The noun מַק is formed directly from this root and encapsulates the quality or result of the root's action — rottenness or decaying matter.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The term מַק appears rarely in the Hebrew Bible and is often used with implications of physical corruption, especially of flesh or bodily substance, or of community breakdown. The concept includes both literal rotting (as of diseased flesh or organic matter) and broader metaphoric senses such as moral or social collapse. In post-biblical Hebrew, the root maintains the connotation of rot and disintegration. English translations typically render מַק as 'rottenness' or 'decay,' but such terms may not fully capture the visceral, sensory impact of the Hebrew, which underscores a process rather than a static state. Other Hebrew words (רָקָב, חָרָה) also cover aspects of decay or putrescence but are distinguished by their typical contexts or the nature of decay described. מַק is generally not used of ordinary, natural decomposition but rather points to an abnormal or particularly offensive corruption.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from מָקַק; properly, a melting, i.e. putridity; rottenness, stink.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
מקק (m-q-q) — to rot, decay, dissolve
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H4743 | מָקַק | to cause to decay |
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4716-01 |
כַּ/מָּ֣ק | kamaq | HRd/Ncmsa |
like rot | rottenness | 1 |
H4716-02 |
מַ֣ק | maq | HNcmsa |
stench | rottenness | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4716-02 |
Isaiah 3:24 | מַ֣ק | maq | HNcmsa |
stench | rottenness |
H4716-01 |
Isaiah 5:24 | כַּ/מָּ֣ק | kamaq | HRd/Ncmsa |
like rot | rottenness |