מַשְׁקוֹף
𐤌𐤔𐤒𐤅𐤐
mashqôwph
H4947 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A horizontal structural element forming the upper part of a doorway or window, typically a wooden or stone beam spanning the opening. In the Hebrew Bible, מַשְׁקוֹף most often refers specifically to the lintel above a door, the surface that overhangs and frames the entrance, and upon which blood was placed in the Passover narrative. The term is employed for both domestic and sacred architecture, consistently indicating the upper support beam of a portal.
Semantic Range
lintel of a doorway, lintel of a gate, structural over-beam of entryways, upper framing beam of doors in both secular and sacred architecture
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root שָׁקַף (to overlook, look down upon, project over), with מַשְׁקוֹף constructed as a noun indicating the item that 'overhangs' or 'projects,' i.e., the lintel. The lexical root refers to the act of overlooking or overseeing, but the noun here is concrete, referring to the architectural feature itself.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Hebrew Bible, מַשְׁקוֹף is most prominently featured in the Exodus Passover narrative (Exodus 12:7, 22, 23), describing the element above the door upon which the Israelites spread lamb's blood. Later references also identify מַשְׁקוֹף as a standard architectural term for the upper beam of a doorway (e.g., 1 Kings 6:31, Ezekiel 9:3). The term is distinct from other elements of the doorway such as the doorposts (מְזוּזָה), and its use helps clarify both ritual practices and structural descriptions in biblical texts. In contrast to the less specific English 'lintel,' מַשְׁקוֹף consistently conveys a visual of an overhanging beam. This term appears in both domestic and cultic contexts throughout Israelite history and does not appear to carry significant semantic shift between earlier monarchic and post-exilic periods, though ritual connotation is especially notable in Exodus. Later translations occasionally render it as 'lintel,' but the ritual and symbolic function in Exodus is often understated in English.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from שָׁקַף in its original sense of overhanging; a lintel; lintel.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
שׁקף (š-q-p̄) — to overhang, overlook, project
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H8259 | שָׁקַף | the one being looked-out-from above |
| H8261 | שָׁקֻף | look-out lattice frames |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4947-01 |
הַ/מַּשְׁק֑וֹף | hamasheqof | HTd/Ncmsa |
the lintel | the overhanging lintel | 3 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4947-01 |
Exodus 12:7 | הַ/מַּשְׁק֑וֹף | hamasheqof | HTd/Ncmsa |
the lintel | the overhanging lintel |
H4947-01 |
Exodus 12:22 | הַ/מַּשְׁקוֹף֙ | hamasheqof | HTd/Ncmsa |
the lintel | the overhanging lintel |
H4947-01 |
Exodus 12:23 | הַ/מַּשְׁק֔וֹף | hamasheqof | HTd/Ncmsa |
the lintel | the overhanging lintel |