מַרְצֵעַ
𐤌𐤓𐤑𐤏
martsêaʻ
H4836 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A pointed tool or spike, primarily used for piercing, specifically referenced in the context of the ritual act of boring through an ear as a sign of servitude. The term refers explicitly to an awl, but also encompasses similar pointed piercing implements.
Semantic Range
awl, piercing tool, implement for boring through an ear
Root / Etymology
Derived from the Hebrew root רצע (ר-צ-ע), meaning 'to pierce' or 'to bore through.' The noun מַרְצֵעַ is a causative instrument noun form, signifying 'that which is used to pierce' or 'piercing instrument.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
מַרְצֵעַ (martsêaʿ) is found in Exodus 21:6 and Deuteronomy 15:17, uniquely appearing in legal contexts concerning the ritual by which a bonded servant (eved) voluntarily agrees to lifelong service; their ear is pierced with the martsêaʿ as a public, symbolic act. The object indicates not just the tool, but is bound to the social and legal customs of ancient Israelite society regarding servitude. The lexeme is specific and not interchangeable with general terms for tools or weapons; it refers to a ritual and practical implement. Later translation traditions (such as KJV 'awl') reflect the tool's basic function but can obscure its specialized, ritualized association in Israelite law. There is no evidence of semantic shift or broader metaphorical use in biblical Hebrew. The word disappears in post-biblical Hebrew, replaced by other terms or lost as the specific practice ceased.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from רָצַע; an awl; aul.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
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רצע (r-ṣ-ʿ) — pierce, bore through, perforate
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H7527 | רָצַע | and he pierced |
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4836-02 |
הַ/מַּרְצֵ֗עַ | hamaretsea | HTd/Ncmsa |
the awl | the piercing tool | 1 |
H4836-01 |
בַּ/מַּרְצֵ֔עַ | bamaretsea | HRd/Ncmsa |
with the awl | with the piercing-awl | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4836-01 |
Exodus 21:6 | בַּ/מַּרְצֵ֔עַ | bamaretsea | HRd/Ncmsa |
with the awl | with the piercing-awl |
H4836-02 |
Deuteronomy 15:17 | הַ/מַּרְצֵ֗עַ | hamaretsea | HTd/Ncmsa |
the awl | the piercing tool |