מַחְצֵב

# Machtsev: The Work of Hewing The Hebrew word *machtsev* (מַחְצֵב) denotes the action of hewing—the deliberate cutting or shaping of stone or similar materials with tools. As a noun form, it refers to this specific kind of labor or craftsmanship. The word appears only three times in the biblical text, suggesting it describes a specialized activity rather than an everyday occurrence. Given its limited biblical presence, *machtsev* likely served a technical function in Hebrew discourse, used when distinguishing this particular form of skilled labor from general construction or building work. The rarity of the term indicates that hewing was recognized as a distinct craft, possibly associated with significant building projects or the preparation of materials for important structures. Without broader context from additional occurrences, the word's full range of metaphorical or figurative applications cannot be determined from the available data alone.