Original Word: מַאֲכֶלֶת
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: ma'akeleth
Pronunciation: mah-ak-eh'-leth
Phonetic Spelling: (mah-ak-eh'-leth)
Definition: Knife
Meaning: something to eat with, a knife

knife

From 'akal; something to eat with,- i.e. A knife -- knife.

see HEBREW 'akal

Word Origin
from akal
Definition
a knife
NASB Translation
knife (3), knives (1).

מַאֲכֶ֫לֶת noun feminine knife (as cutting instrum., or instrument for dividing, making small, compare S[iegfrom]^{ThLZ.Nov.17. '88}) Judges 19:29; מַאֲכֶ֑לֶת Genesis 22:6,10, plural מַאֲכָלוֺת Proverbs 30:14.

Word Origin: Derived from the root אָכַל (akal), meaning "to eat" or "to consume."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • G3162: μάχαιρα (machaira) • A large knife, used for killing animals and cutting up flesh; a sword.
• G4501: ῥομφαία (rhomphaia) • A large, broad sword; a weapon of war.

These Greek terms, while not direct translations, share the concept of a cutting instrument, often used in contexts of sacrifice, battle, or significant action, paralleling the Hebrew מַאֲכֶלֶת in its thematic usage.

Usage: The term מַאֲכֶלֶת is used in the Hebrew Bible to refer to a knife, particularly in contexts involving sacrifice or preparation of food.

Context: • The word מַאֲכֶלֶת appears in the Hebrew Bible in contexts that emphasize its use as a cutting instrument. It is notably used in Genesis 22:6 and 22:10, where Abraham takes the knife to sacrifice his son Isaac, highlighting its role in sacrificial rituals. The term underscores the seriousness and solemnity of the act, as it is not merely a common utensil but one associated with significant religious and covenantal events.
• In Genesis 22:6 (BSB), the text states: "Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac. He himself carried the fire and the knife (מַאֲכֶלֶת), and the two of them walked on together."
• In Genesis 22:10 (BSB), it is written: "Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife (מַאֲכֶלֶת) to slay his son."
• The use of מַאֲכֶלֶת in these passages underscores its function as a tool of obedience and faith, as Abraham prepares to follow God's command. The knife is a symbol of the potential for sacrifice and the testing of faith.

הַֽמַּאֲכֶ֑לֶת הַֽמַּאֲכֶ֙לֶת֙ המאכלת וּֽמַאֲכָל֪וֹת ומאכלות ham·ma·’ă·ḵe·leṯ hamma’ăḵeleṯ hammaaChelet ū·ma·’ă·ḵā·lō·wṯ ūma’ăḵālōwṯ umaachaLotInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts