מַכָּה

The Hebrew noun מַכָּה (makkâ) denotes a “blow” or “wound,” typically inflicted by violence or as a consequence of divine judgment. Its semantic range extends from physical injuries received in battle or as punishment to the broader concept of disaster or plague. The word often appears in contexts of warfare and conflict, describing the devastating effect of military defeat or the injuries sustained by individuals. Beyond literal wounds, מַכָּה can figuratively represent national calamities and divine chastisement, highlighting God's sovereign involvement in the fortunes of nations and individuals. The term carries significant theological weight, frequently appearing in prophetic literature where it describes the judgments God brings upon his people or their adversaries due to disobedience. It is also used to portray the suffering endured by individuals as a result of their own actions or external forces. The use of מַכָּה in both literal and figurative senses underscores the comprehensive nature of harm and judgment in the biblical worldview. This word also highlights the destructive power of human conflict and the consequences of sin, whether individual or corporate. The nuanced meaning of מַכָּה emphasizes that suffering, even when physical, often has deeper spiritual or ethical roots in the biblical narrative.

The Septuagint (LXX) often translates מַכָּה with terms like πληγή (plēgē), meaning "blow" or "stripe," and τραῦμα (trauma), meaning "wound." This translation choice aligns with the primary Hebrew sense of a physical injury or a strike. In some cases, the LXX also uses words related to "defeat" or "slaughter," reflecting the broader implications of מַכָּה in battle contexts.