Lexical Summary mappats: Hammer, war club, shatterer Original Word: מַפָּץ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance slaughter From naphats; a smiting to pieces -- slaughter. see HEBREW naphats NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom naphats Definition a shattering NASB Translation shattering (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [מַמָּץ] noun [masculine] shattering; — כְּלִי מַמָּצוֺ Ezekiel 9:2 with his shattering-weapon in his hand. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Symbolism מַפָּץ denotes a heavy striking tool or weapon capable of smashing or shattering. The noun carries connotations of blunt, forceful impact, emphasizing total destruction rather than precision. In its sole biblical occurrence the term evokes dread and finality, underscoring the certainty of divine judgment. Canonical Occurrence: Ezekiel’s Vision of Judgment Ezekiel 9:2 introduces six celestial figures “each holding a weapon for slaughter in his hand”. The word translated “weapon for slaughter” is מַפָּץ. The prophet is transported in a vision to Jerusalem where abominations have filled the land (Ezekiel 8). The men with מַפָּץ stand beside the bronze altar, the place of sacrifice, highlighting that judgment begins at the very center of worship (compare 1 Peter 4:17). Their mandate is surgical yet devastating: “Slaughter old men, young men, maidens, children, and women … but do not touch anyone who has the mark” (Ezekiel 9:6). The smashing weapon thus serves as an instrument of holy retribution against unrepentant idolatry while simultaneously preserving the faithful remnant. Historical Background of Hammer-Type Weapons Archaeological finds from the late Iron Age include bronze and iron mace heads designed to crush helmets and shields. Such weapons relied on mass and momentum rather than a sharpened blade. The term מַפָּץ likely points to that class of arms, familiar to Ezekiel’s exiled audience through Mesopotamian military hardware and temple iconography. Their presence in a prophetic vision would immediately communicate irresistible force. Theological Themes 1. Divine Sovereignty in Judgment. The wielders of the מַפָּץ act only at God’s command, reinforcing that judgment is neither random nor capricious but directed by the Lord of hosts (Ezekiel 9:1). Links to Wider Biblical Imagery Jeremiah’s designation of Babylon as “My war club (Hebrew מַפֵּץ) and weapon for battle” (Jeremiah 51:20) employs a cognate root, showing that God may raise up human or angelic agents to accomplish His purposes. Likewise, Judges 5:26 recounts Jael’s hammer blow, foreshadowing the crushing of evil powers (Romans 16:20). Pastoral and Homiletical Applications • The exclusivity of the hammer for judgment cautions against trivializing sin within worshiping communities. Christological Reflection At the cross the wrath symbolized by the מַפָּץ falls upon the sinless substitute (Isaiah 53:10), satisfying justice and making possible the seal of the Spirit (Ephesians 1:13). The smashing weapon therefore anticipates both the severity of Calvary and the final reckoning when the risen Christ “strikes the nations” (Revelation 19:15). Summary מַפָּץ appears only once yet conveys a vivid portrait of uncompromising judgment balanced by protective mercy. In Ezekiel’s vision it reminds every generation that the God who patiently marks His own will also shatter unrepentant rebellion in His perfect time. Forms and Transliterations מַפָּצוֹ֙ מפצו map·pā·ṣōw mappāṣōw mappaTzoLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezekiel 9:2 HEB: וְאִ֨ישׁ כְּלִ֤י מַפָּצוֹ֙ בְּיָד֔וֹ וְאִישׁ־ NAS: each with his shattering weapon KJV: and every man a slaughter weapon INT: each weapon his shattering his hand man 1 Occurrence |
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