מַעֲקֶה

# מַעֲקֶה (ma'aqeh): The Biblical Parapet Based on the lexical data provided, מַעֲקֶה is a Hebrew noun meaning "parapet"—a protective barrier or railing structure. The single occurrence in the biblical text limits our ability to establish varied usage patterns, but the term clearly designates a specific architectural feature rather than an abstract concept. The scarcity of this word in the biblical corpus (appearing only once) suggests it may have been a specialized or technical term for a particular type of building element. A parapet would typically function as a safety feature on roofs or elevated structures, preventing accidental falls. This single usage indicates that while the Hebrew language had a dedicated word for this feature, it was not a concept requiring frequent discussion in the biblical texts that survive. Without additional contextual examples from the lexical data, we cannot determine whether מַעֲקֶה had metaphorical applications or remained strictly architectural in its usage. The term represents a concrete, functional element of building construction in ancient Hebrew terminology.