Original Word: מַחֲלַת
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: machalath
Pronunciation: mah-khah-LATH
Phonetic Spelling: (makh-al-ath')
KJV: Mahalath
Word Origin: [from H2470 (חָלָה - To be weak)]

1. sickness
2. Machalath, probably the title (initial word) of a popular song

Mahalath

From chalah; sickness; Machalath, probably the title (initial word) of a popular song -- Mahalath.

see HEBREW chalah

Word Origin
from chalah
Definition
in psalm titles, probably the name of a tune.

מַחֲלַת noun feminine only in Psalm titles ׳עַלמֿ Psalm 53:1; Psalm 88:1; apparently a catchword in a song, giving name to tune; meaning dubious; Aq Symm. ᵑ9 מְחֹלֹת dance; see Ol^{Psalmen, p. 27} Bae^{Psalmen, p. xviii}.

III. חלה (adorn; compare Arabic adorn, (neck-) ornament).

Machalath

Biblical Occurrences

1. Psalm 53:1 – “For the choirmaster. According to Mahalath. A Maskil of David. ‘The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” ’”
2. Psalm 88:1 – “A song. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. For the choirmaster. According to Mahalath Leannoth. A Maskil of Heman the Ezrahite. ‘O LORD, the God of my salvation, day and night I cry out before You.’”

Liturgical and Musical Function

Machalath appears only in psalm headings, identifying the musical setting to which the inspired lyrics were to be sung. In the guild‐led worship of Israel, such superscriptions guided the Levitical musicians (1 Chronicles 25:1–7). Whether the term denotes a particular tune, a mode, or a specific instrument, its presence signals that the psalm’s emotional tone required a well-known melodic framework. Both occurrences are paired with the designation “maskil,” marking them as contemplative or didactic. Thus Machalath is connected with reflective worship that engages both heart and mind.

Association with Lament and Affliction

Psalm 53 exposes the moral sickness of atheistic folly; Psalm 88 embodies personal and communal suffering. The probable sense of the term, linked to the root idea of illness or weakness, harmonizes with these themes:
• Corporate sin and corruption (Psalm 53) show humanity’s spiritual disease.
• Personal affliction (Psalm 88) gives voice to the believer’s experience of physical and emotional weakness.

The juxtaposition of Machalath with “Leannoth” (“to afflict, answer”) in Psalm 88 deepens the atmosphere of desperate supplication.

Historical Setting

Psalm 53 reworks Psalm 14 in the later Davidic or post-exilic era, likely intended for renewed temple worship after national chastening. Psalm 88 is attributed to Heman the Ezrahite, a renowned wisdom singer in Solomon’s court; its preservation in the Korahite collection indicates ongoing liturgical use. Across generations, Machalath signaled a repertoire piece that led worshipers to confess sin and seek mercy within covenant worship.

Theological Themes

1. Universality of Sin – “All have turned away,” Psalm 53:3; Machalath frames total depravity in liturgy.
2. Depth of Human Suffering – Psalm 88 ends without explicit resolution, teaching that faith can endure in darkness.
3. Covenant Hope – Even in lament, the psalmist addresses “the God of my salvation” (Psalm 88:1), anticipating redemption.
4. Messianic Foreshadowing – The psalms’ portrayal of sickness and abandonment ultimately finds resolution in the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Isaiah 53:4–5; Acts 13:35 quoting Psalm 16).

Ministry Significance Today

• Worship Planning – Modern worship leaders can draw on Machalath’s example to match musical settings to textual mood, allowing congregations to lament biblically.
• Pastoral Care – Psalm 88 validates the believer who feels no immediate relief, encouraging honest prayer while maintaining covenant trust.
• Apologetics – Psalm 53 buttresses the case for Scripture’s assessment of human nature, preparing the ground for the gospel.
• Spiritual Formation – Incorporating these psalms in personal devotion teaches a rhythm of confession, petition, and hope, shaping mature disciples who can worship amid suffering.

Conclusion

Machalath stands as a divinely inspired marker within the Psalter, guiding God’s people to confront both collective sin and personal affliction through worship that is candid, theologically rich, and ultimately anchored in the steadfast love of the LORD.

מָחֲלַ֗ת מָחֲלַ֣ת מחלת mā·ḥă·laṯ machaLat māḥălaṯInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts