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מָחוֹל

𐤌𐤇𐤅𐤋

Machol

H4235 noun

SILEX Entry

Root חול to whirl, circle, twist, writhe

Definition

A round dance, typically accompanied by music or singing; denotes both the act and the formation or group engaged in the dance. Used in biblical texts to describe communal festive dancing, often in celebratory or ritual contexts. In rare cases, it refers to a personal or place name (Machol).

Semantic Range

a round dance, communal circle dance, the act of joyous dancing, a group or band engaged in dance, (rarely) a personal or place name (Machol)

Root / Etymology

From the root חול (ח-ו-ל), meaning 'to whirl, twist, writhe,' from which the idea of circular or whirling dancing derives. The noun מָחוֹל directly describes a dance characterized by a circular motion, stemming from the root's sense of moving in a circle or spinning.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In the Hebrew Bible, מָחוֹל most frequently refers to festive communal dances performed during times of celebration (e.g., after a military victory, Psalm 149:3; 150:4), and is most often associated with joy, collective rites, or thanksgiving. These dances typically feature group participation, sometimes with musical accompaniment (e.g., timbrel, lyre, drums). The usage is distinct from regular or individual movement; it specifically evokes the cultural practice of circle dance. In later biblical Hebrew and post-biblical literature, the term continues as a poetic or symbolic expression for joy and praise. Occasionally, מָחוֹל serves as a proper noun, identifying an Israelite (1 Kings 4:31, 'Machol'), though this use is rare. English translations such as 'dance' generally capture the basic meaning, though may miss the collective and circular nature implied by the original term. The word is distinct from other terms for dance in Hebrew (e.g., רָקַד 'to skip, leap'; פָּזַז 'to leap, spring'), which convey different styles or movements. מָחוֹל's use in texts from different periods shows continuity of joyous communal dance in Israelite ritual and celebration.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

the same as מָחוֹל; dancing; Machol, an Israelite; Mahol.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

חול (ḥ-w-l) — to whirl, circle, twist, writhe

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H2341 חֲוִילָה Whirling Region
H2342 חוּל we writhed
H2343 חוּל and Whirl
H2344 חוֹל in whirling sand
H2426 חֵיל encircling rampart

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H4235-01 מָח֑וֹל machol HNp Mahol Round-Dance 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 total occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H4235-01 1 Kings 5:11 מָח֑וֹל machol HNp Mahol Round-Dance
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