מַהְפֵּכָה
mah.pe.khah (H4114)
overthrow
AI Word Study
# Mahpékhah: Overthrow and Reversal The Hebrew word *mahpékhah* (מַהְפֵּכָה) denotes an "overthrow"—a forceful reversal or destruction of an established state or authority. Based on its six occurrences in the biblical text, this term carries significant weight in describing dramatic transformations, particularly those involving the collapse of cities, kingdoms, or social orders. The word appears rarely enough to suggest it was reserved for moments of particular catastrophic importance rather than ordinary change or defeat. The limited frequency of this term in Scripture—only six instances—indicates it was deployed selectively to mark events of profound consequence. Rather than serving as a general word for any defeat or destruction, *mahpékhah* seems to designate a complete reversal or fundamental upheaval. This specificity of usage suggests the biblical writers understood the term as distinct from other vocabulary for destruction, reserving it for situations where not merely damage but a total overturning occurred. The word thus functioned as a rhetorical marker for events viewed as particularly transformative or catastrophic in the biblical narrative.
AI synthesis uses only provided lexicon data -- never training knowledge.
that all of its land is sulfur, salt, and burning, that it is not sown, doesn’t produce, nor does any grass grow in it, like the overthrow of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim, which Yahweh overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath.
Your country is desolate. Your cities are burned with fire. Strangers devour your land in your presence and it is desolate, as overthrown by strangers.
Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldeans’ pride, will be like when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.
As in the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah and its neighbor cities,” says Yahweh, “no man will dwell there, neither will any son of man live therein.
As when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah and its neighbor cities,” says Yahweh, “so no man will dwell there, neither will any son of man live therein.
“I have overthrown some of you, as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and you were like a burning stick plucked out of the fire; yet you haven’t returned to me,” says Yahweh.