Original Word: מַחְלָפָה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: machlaphah
Pronunciation: mah-khah-lah-fah'
Phonetic Spelling: (makh-law-faw')
Definition: Change, Exchange, Replacement
Meaning: a ringlet of hair

lock

From chalaph; a ringlet of hair (as gliding over each other) -- lock.

see HEBREW chalaph

Word Origin
from chalaph
Definition
a plait (of hair)
NASB Translation
locks (3).

[מַחֲלָפָה] noun feminine plait (of hair; so called from intertwining, passing through each other, of the strands) — Plural construct מַחְלְפוֺת ראֹשִׁי Judges 16:13, compare Judges 16:19.

Word Origin: Derived from the root חָלַף (chalaf), which means "to change" or "to pass through."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • The corresponding Greek entry in Strong's Concordance is G4577, πλέγμα (plegma), which refers to something that is plaited or braided. This Greek term is used in the New Testament to describe braided hair, as seen in 1 Peter 3:3, where it advises women on modesty in adornment: "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes."

This lexical entry provides a comprehensive understanding of the Hebrew term מַחְלָפָה, its origins, usage, and cultural significance, as well as its connection to similar concepts in the Greek New Testament.

Usage: The term מַחְלָפָה is used in the context of describing hair, specifically referring to a braid or lock. It is a noun that appears in the Hebrew Bible to denote a specific style or arrangement of hair.

Context: • The Hebrew word מַחְלָפָה appears in the context of describing the hair of individuals, often highlighting the cultural and aesthetic significance of hair in ancient Israelite society. The term is used to describe the distinctive style of hair that is braided or arranged in ringlets, which was a common practice in ancient times for both decorative and practical purposes.
• In the Berean Standard Bible, מַחְלָפָה is referenced in the context of the story of Samson, where his hair is described as being in seven locks or braids. This is found in Judges 16:13, where Delilah speaks to Samson: "Then Delilah said to Samson, 'Until now you have mocked me and told me lies. Tell me how you can be tied up.' He replied, 'If you weave the seven braids of my head into the fabric on the loom and tighten it with a pin, I will become as weak as any other man.'"
• The use of מַחְלָפָה in this narrative underscores the symbolic strength and identity associated with Samson's hair, as well as the cultural practice of hair braiding in ancient Israel.

מַחְלְפ֣וֹת מַחְלְפ֥וֹת מחלפות machleFot maḥ·lə·p̄ō·wṯ maḥləp̄ōwṯInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts