What does מָחָה · זֵכֶר mean in the Bible?
e. e.
Hebrew · H4229, H2143
מָחָה / זֵכֶר
Properly, to stroke or rub ; by implication, to erase ; also to smooth (as if with oil), i.e. grease or make fat ; also to touch , i.e. reach to · a memento , abstractly recollection (rarely if ever); by implication, commemoration
Reading a lexicon entry
What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Where it appears: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
This lexicon entry is part of our ongoing editorial review. If you notice missing content, unclear wording, or a possible correction, please send us a note through theConnect page. Screenshots are helpful.
Words in this compound — expand to study each participant
מָחָהH4229properly, to stroke or rub ; by implication, to erase ; also to smooth (as if with oil), i.e. grease or make fat ; also to touch , i.e. reach to
Pronunciationmāḥāh
To erase or blot out; metaphorically extends to annihilation or complete removal, especially of sin or memory
Open lexicon entry →זֵכֶרH2143a memento , abstractly recollection (rarely if ever); by implication, commemoration
Pronunciationzeker
Moves from concrete memorial object to abstract recollection; emphasizes God's remembered covenant and Israel's identity.
Open lexicon entry →What does מָחָה / זֵכֶר (machah / zekher) mean in the Bible?
מָחָה · זֵכֶר is a Hebrew phrase meaning "properly, to stroke or rub ; by implication, to erase ; also to smooth (as if with oil), i.e. grease or make fat ; also to touch , i.e. reach to".
Full entry for מָחָה / זֵכֶר (H4229, H2143) · Open the biblical lexicon
Questions this entry answers
How many biblical occurrences are listed for H4229, H2143?
H4229, H2143 is connected to 59 lexical occurrence verses in the lexicon data.
Evidence Summary
Hebrew phrase. properly, to stroke or rub ; by implication, to erase ; also to smooth (as if with oil), i.e. grease or make fat ; also to touch , i.e. reach to
Source Gloss
properly, to stroke or rub ; by implication, to erase ; also to smooth (as if with oil), i.e. grease or make fat ; also to touch , i.e. reach to
Grammatical Forms
How the stem changes the meaning of this verb across the biblical text.
This verb appears through different tense, voice, mood, or stem patterns. Those forms help readers see how the action is presented in context.
Form groups4Aligned forms21
Niphalpassive or reflexive — the subject receives or experiences the action7×
ImperfectDeut 25:6 · Judg 21:17 · Ps 109:13 · Prov 6:33 · Ps 69:295×
JussiveNeh 3:37 · Ps 109:142×
Qalbasic active stem — the word in its most common, direct sense11×
ImperfectExod 17:14 · Gen 6:7 · 2Kgs 21:13 · Deut 25:194×
Perfect2Kgs 21:13 · Isa 44:22 · Ps 9:63×
Sequential imperfectPs 51:3 · Ps 51:112×
Infinitive absoluteExod 17:141×
Participle activeIsa 43:251×
Hiphilcausative active — the subject causes someone else to perform the action2×
JussiveJer 18:23 · Neh 13:142×
Pualintensive passive — intensive action received by the subject1×
Participle passiveIsa 25:61×
Word Origins
מָחָה / זֵכֶר is a primitive root - no further derivation.