Maktesh is a term found in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Zephaniah. The word "Maktesh" is derived from the Hebrew word "מַכְתֵּשׁ" (maktesh), which means "mortar" or "hollow place." It is often understood to refer to a specific location within the city of Jerusalem, known for its commercial activity, particularly among merchants and traders.

Biblical Reference:

The primary reference to Maktesh is found in Zephaniah 1:11, which states: "Wail, O dwellers of the Hollow, for all your merchants will be silenced; all who weigh out silver will be cut off." . In this context, Maktesh is depicted as a bustling marketplace or district within Jerusalem, where economic transactions were a central part of daily life.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In ancient Jerusalem, Maktesh was likely a significant commercial hub. The term "mortar" suggests a depression or valley-like area, possibly indicating a location where goods were traded and financial dealings took place. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative of Jerusalem as a center of religious, political, and economic activity.

The mention of Maktesh in Zephaniah comes during a prophetic declaration of judgment against Jerusalem and its inhabitants. The prophet Zephaniah warns of impending divine judgment due to the people's idolatry, complacency, and moral corruption. The reference to Maktesh underscores the extent of this judgment, as even the economic heart of the city would not be spared.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the mention of Maktesh in Zephaniah serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over all aspects of life, including economic affairs. The judgment pronounced upon Maktesh highlights the consequences of prioritizing material wealth and commerce over faithfulness to God. It serves as a call to repentance and a return to righteous living, emphasizing that no area of life is beyond the reach of divine scrutiny and correction.

Archaeological Insights:

While specific archaeological evidence directly identifying Maktesh has not been conclusively discovered, the general understanding of ancient Jerusalem's layout provides some context. The city's topography included various valleys and depressions, which could have served as natural locations for marketplaces. The identification of Maktesh with a particular area remains speculative, but it is often associated with the Tyropoeon Valley or other commercial districts within the ancient city.

Conclusion:

Maktesh, as referenced in Zephaniah, offers a glimpse into the economic life of ancient Jerusalem and serves as a poignant symbol of the broader themes of judgment and redemption found throughout the prophetic literature of the Old Testament.Maktesh

(a mortar or deep hollow), a place evidently in Jerusalem, the inhabitants of which are denounced by Zephaniah. (Zephaniah 1:11) Ewald conjectures that it was the Phoenician quarter" of the city.

Maktesh

Zephaniah 1:11, apparently in or near Jerusalem, and occupied by merchants; but we have no clue to its location.

Mortar, a place in or near Jerusalem inhabited by silver merchants (Zephaniah 1:11). It has been conjectured that it was the "Phoenician quarter" of the city, where the traders of that nation resided, after the Oriental custom. MAKTESH, THE

mak'-tesh, (ha-makhtesh, "the mortar"; compare Judges 15:19, "the mortar," English Versions of the Bible "hollow place that is in Lehi"): A quarter of Jerusalem so named, it is supposed, on account of the configuration of the ground and associated (Zechariah 1:10, 11) with the "fish gate" and MISHNEH (which see) or "second quarter." Most authorities think it was in the northern part of the city, and many consider that the name was derived from the hollowed-out form of that part of the Tyropeon just N. of the walls, where foreign merchants congregated; others have suggested a hollow farther West, now occupied by the muristan and the three long bazaars.

E. W. G. Masterman

4389. Maktesh -- a place probably in Jer.
... 4388, 4389. Maktesh. 4390 . a place probably in Jer. Transliteration: Maktesh
Phonetic Spelling: (mak-taysh') Short Definition: mortar. ...
/hebrew/4389.htm - 6k

4388. maktesh -- mortar
... 4387, 4388. maktesh. 4389 . mortar. Transliteration: maktesh Phonetic Spelling:
(mak-taysh') Short Definition: hollow. ... 4387, 4388. maktesh. 4389 . ...
/hebrew/4388.htm - 6k

Maktesh (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. MAKTESH, THE. ...Maktesh (1 Occurrence). Zephaniah
1:11 Wail, you inhabitants of Maktesh, for all the people of Canaan are undone! ...
/m/maktesh.htm - 7k

Makke'dah (8 Occurrences)
Makke'dah. Makkedah, Makke'dah. Maktesh . Multi-Version Concordance Makke'dah
(8 Occurrences). ... (See RSV). Makkedah, Makke'dah. Maktesh . Reference Bible
/m/makke'dah.htm - 8k

Undone (20 Occurrences)
... captivity. (WEB JPS ASV DBY RSV). Zephaniah 1:11 Wail, you inhabitants of
Maktesh, for all the people of Canaan are undone! All those ...
/u/undone.htm - 12k

Laden (14 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Zephaniah 1:11 Wail, ye inhabitants of Maktesh; for all the people of
Canaan are undone; all they that were laden with silver are cut off. ...
/l/laden.htm - 10k

Mishneh
... and American) "second quarter," margin "Hebrew: Mishneh"): A part of Jerusalem,
apparently not far from the FISH GATE (which see) and the MAKTESH (which see). ...
/m/mishneh.htm - 7k

Merchant (15 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV DBY WBS NAS NIV). Zephaniah 1:11 Howl, ye inhabitants of Maktesh, for all
the merchant people are cut down; all they that bear silver are cut off. ...
/m/merchant.htm - 13k

Loaded (21 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Zephaniah 1:11 Wail, you inhabitants of Maktesh, for all the people of
Canaan are undone! All those who were loaded with silver are cut off. (WEB). ...
/l/loaded.htm - 12k

Malachi (2 Occurrences)

/m/malachi.htm - 21k

Wiped (25 Occurrences)
... (See RSV NIV). Zephaniah 1:11 Wail, you inhabitants of Maktesh, for all the people
of Canaan are undone! All those who were loaded with silver are cut off. ...
/w/wiped.htm - 14k

Traders (31 Occurrences)
... Zephaniah 1:11 Wail, you inhabitants of Maktesh, for all the people of Canaan are
undone! All those who were loaded with silver are cut off. (See RSV). ...
/t/traders.htm - 15k

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