מַחֲלֶה
ma.cha.leh
sickness
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Hebrew word מַחֲלֶה (ma.cha.leh), Strong's number H4245B, has a short definition of sickness. This word falls within the semantic domain of Body & Health, indicating its primary association with physical illness. Throughout the 4 occurrences in the Bible, it carries this singular meaning. The consistent usage of מַחֲלֶה in the biblical text reveals its significance in the context of health issues. Its presence often highlights the struggles and challenges faced by individuals or communities affected by illness. The repetition of this term underscores the importance of health concerns in ancient Israelite society, suggesting that sickness was a recognized and acknowledged aspect of life. Overall, the word מַחֲלֶה serves as a straightforward reference to physical illness, providing a clear and unambiguous depiction of the concept in the biblical narrative.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
4 total occurrences across the text
He said, “If you will diligently listen to Yahweh your God’s voice, and will do that which is right in his eyes, and will pay attention to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you, which I have put on the Egyptians; for I am Yahweh who heals you.”
Exodus 23:25You shall serve Yahweh your God, and he will bless your bread and your water, and I will take sickness away from among you.
1 Kings 8:37“If there is famine in the land, if there is pestilence, if there is blight, mildew, locust or caterpillar; if their enemy besieges them in the land of their cities; whatever plague, whatever sickness there is;
2 Chronicles 6:28“If there is famine in the land, if there is pestilence, if there is blight or mildew, locust or caterpillar; if their enemies besiege them in the land of their cities; whatever plague or whatever sickness there is;