Original Word: מַחְשָׁךְ
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: machshak
Pronunciation: makh-shak'
Phonetic Spelling: (makh-shawk')
Definition: Darkness
Meaning: darkness, a dark place

darkness, place

From chashak; darkness; concretely, a dark place -- dark(-ness, place).

see HEBREW chashak

Word Origin
from chashak
Definition
dark place
NASB Translation
dark place (1), dark places (4), darkness (2).

מַחְשַׁךְ noun masculine dark place (poetry) — absolute ׳מ Isaiah 29:15; Isaiah 42:16; מַחְשָׁ֑ךְ Psalm 88:19; plural מַחֲשַׁכִּים Psalm 88:7; Psalm 143:3 = Lamentations 3:6 construct מַחֲשַׁכֵּי Psalm 74:20; — dark place:

a. = hiding-place אֿרץ׳מח Psalm 74:20.

b. dark region, in which men may lose their way Isaiah 42:16.

c. = grave, or שׁאול Psalm 88:19 (see Che); of dark place of God's wrath (like She' ô l) Psalm 88:7; compare Psalm 143:3 = Lamentations 3:6.

d. = secret place, secrecy (of plots) Isaiah 29:15.

Word Origin: Derived from the root חָשַׁךְ (chashak), which means "to be dark" or "to grow dim."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • G5004 (ταρταρόω • tartaroō): While not a direct equivalent, this Greek term is related to the concept of darkness in the New Testament, particularly in the context of Tartarus, a place of darkness and punishment. The thematic connection lies in the portrayal of darkness as a realm of separation from divine light and presence.

This lexical entry provides a comprehensive understanding of the Hebrew term מַחְשָׁךְ, exploring its usage, implications, and connections within the broader biblical narrative.

Usage: The term מַחְשָׁךְ is used in the Hebrew Bible to denote physical darkness or a metaphorical dark place, often symbolizing obscurity, ignorance, or adversity.

Context: • Occurrences in Scripture: The word מַחְשָׁךְ appears in various contexts within the Hebrew Bible, often associated with the absence of light or the presence of gloom. It is used to describe both literal and figurative darkness.
• Literal Usage: In some passages, מַחְשָׁךְ refers to the physical absence of light, such as in descriptions of night or shadowy places. It can denote the natural darkness that occurs at night or in unlit areas.
• Figurative Usage: Metaphorically, מַחְשָׁךְ is employed to convey a sense of spiritual or moral darkness. It can represent ignorance, confusion, or the presence of evil. In prophetic literature, darkness often symbolizes judgment or the absence of God's favor.
• Theological Implications: Darkness, as represented by מַחְשָׁךְ, contrasts with the biblical theme of light, which often symbolizes God's presence, truth, and salvation. The interplay between light and darkness is a recurring motif in Scripture, highlighting the struggle between good and evil, knowledge and ignorance, and divine revelation versus human misunderstanding.
• Example in Scripture: While specific verses from the Berean Standard Bible (BSB) are not provided here, מַחְשָׁךְ can be found in contexts where darkness is used to describe a state of despair or divine judgment.

בְ֝מַחֲשַׁכִּ֗ים בְּ֝מַחֲשַׁכִּ֗ים בְּמַחֲשַׁכִּ֥ים בְמַחְשָׁךְ֙ במחשך במחשכים מַחְשָֽׁךְ׃ מַחְשָׁ֨ךְ מַחֲשַׁכֵּי־ מחשך מחשך׃ מחשכי־ bə·ma·ḥă·šak·kîm ḇə·ma·ḥă·šak·kîm ḇə·maḥ·šāḵ bemachashakKim bəmaḥăšakkîm ḇəmaḥăšakkîm ḇəmaḥšāḵ ma·ḥă·šak·kê- machashakkei machShach maḥ·šāḵ maḥăšakkê- maḥšāḵ vemachashakKim vemachshoChInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts