מַצְהָלָה
𐤌𐤑𐤄𐤋𐤄
matshâlâh
H4684 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A whinnying or neighing, specifically the vocalization made by horses. In biblical usage, it often refers to the characteristic sound of excited or restless horses, particularly in the context of war or heightened agitation. The term conveys not only the animal sound but also, by extension, the tumult or agitation associated with horses in motion or anticipation.
Semantic Range
neighing or whinnying of horses, agitated or excited outcry (specifically of horses), tumult or commotion caused by horses in battle
Root / Etymology
Root: צהל (ts-h-l), meaning 'to neigh, cry out (as a horse)', with the noun מַצְהָלָה formed by the nominal pattern indicating an act or result. The root is onomatopoeic, imitating the sound made by horses.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Used in poetic and prophetic contexts to evoke imagery of horses in agitation, often associated with preparation for battle or intense commotion. The word appears in passages highlighting the military might or approaching tumult marked by the sound of restless horses. While traditional translations often use 'neighing,' the term also carries connotations of excitement or agitation, especially in martial contexts. In contrast to other terms for animal sounds, מַצְהָלָה is specific to horses. There is no evidence of a shift in meaning over time, but its use is generally limited to evocative descriptions rather than ordinary references to animal behavior.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from צָהַל; a whinnying (through impatience for battle or lust); neighing.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
צהל (ṣ-h-l) — to neigh, to cry out as a horse, to exult
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H6670 | צָהַל | to cause to shine forth |
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4684-02 |
וּ/מִצְהֲלוֹתַ֨יִ/ךְ֙ | umitsehalotayikhe | HC/Ncfpc/Sp2fs |
and your lustful neighings | and your neighings | 1 | |
H4684-01 |
מִצְהֲל֣וֹת | mitsehalot | HNcfpc |
of the neighing | neighings of | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4684-01 |
Jeremiah 8:16 | מִצְהֲל֣וֹת | mitsehalot | HNcfpc |
of the neighing | neighings of | |
H4684-02 |
Jeremiah 13:27 | וּ/מִצְהֲלוֹתַ֨יִ/ךְ֙ | umitsehalotayikhe | HC/Ncfpc/Sp2fs |
and your lustful neighings | and your neighings |