Berean Strong's Lexicon melechah: Work, occupation, craftsmanship, service Original Word: מְלָאכָה Word Origin: Derived from the root verb מָלַךְ (malak), meaning "to send a messenger" or "to dispatch." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: - G2041 (ἔργον, ergon): Often translated as "work" or "deed," used in the New Testament to describe both physical labor and spiritual acts. - G2038 (ἐργάζομαι, ergazomai): A verb meaning "to work" or "to labor," reflecting the action of performing work. Usage: The Hebrew word "melechah" primarily refers to work or labor, often in the context of craftsmanship or skilled labor. It encompasses a wide range of activities, from everyday tasks to specialized trades. In the biblical context, "melechah" is frequently associated with the work required for the construction of the Tabernacle, as well as the daily tasks of life. It is also used to describe the work that is to be ceased on the Sabbath, highlighting its importance in the rhythm of work and rest ordained by God. Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Israel, work was an integral part of life, deeply connected to one's identity and community role. The concept of "melechah" was not merely about economic activity but was also tied to religious observance and social responsibility. The Sabbath commandment to cease from "melechah" underscored the belief that work is a divine mandate, yet it must be balanced with rest and worship. Skilled labor, such as that of artisans and craftsmen, was highly valued, especially in the construction of sacred spaces like the Tabernacle and the Temple. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as melach Definition saltiness, barrenness NASB Translation salt (1), salt land (1), salt waste (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מְלֵחָה noun feminine saltness, barrenness; — Job 39:6 ("" עֲרָבָה) as dwelling-place of wild ass, salt-plain; אֶרֶץ מְלֵחָה Jeremiah 17:6 ("" לֹא תֵשֵׁב); Psalm 107:34 (opposed to אֶרֶץ מְּרִי). Strong's Exhaustive Concordance barren land, salt land From malach (in its denominative sense); properly, salted (i.e. Land ('erets being understood)), i.e. A desert -- barren land(-ness), salt (land). see HEBREW malach see HEBREW 'erets Forms and Transliterations לִמְלֵחָ֑ה למלחה מְלֵֽחָה׃ מְלֵחָ֖ה מלחה מלחה׃ lim·lê·ḥāh limleChah limlêḥāh mə·lê·ḥāh meLechah məlêḥāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Job 39:6 HEB: בֵית֑וֹ וּֽמִשְׁכְּנוֹתָ֥יו מְלֵֽחָה׃ NAS: for a home And the salt land for his dwelling place? KJV: the wilderness, and the barren land his dwellings. INT: A home his dwelling and the salt Psalm 107:34 Jeremiah 17:6 3 Occurrences |