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H4211 Β· Hebrew Β· Old Testament
ΧžΦ·Χ–Φ°ΧžΦ΅Χ¨ΦΈΧ”
mazmereth
Noun, Feminine
Pruning hook, pruning knife, vine dresser's knife

Definition

From H2168 (zamar, 'to prune/trim'). Mazmereth is an agricultural tool β€” the curved blade used to prune vines and remove dead growth to promote fruitfulness. It appears in the famous eschatological passage about swords being beaten into plowshares.

Usage & Theological Significance

Isaiah 2:4 and Micah 4:3 contain one of Scripture's most beloved visions of peace: nations will 'beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into mazmeroth.' The pruning hook represents the peaceful, fruitful kingdom β€” warfare instruments repurposed for cultivation. Interestingly, Joel 3:10 reverses this ('Beat your plowshares into swords') for the day of battle β€” but the final word is always Isaiah's peace. Jesus employed the vineyard and pruning imagery in John 15: the Father is the vinedresser who prunes branches that they may bear more fruit. The mazmereth is an instrument of purposeful discipline for greater fruitfulness.

Key Bible Verses

Isaiah 2:4
...and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
Micah 4:3
And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks.
Joel 3:10
Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruninghooks into spears: let the weak say, I am strong.
Isaiah 18:5
For afore the harvest, when the bud is perfect, and the sour grape is ripening in the flower, he shall both cut off the sprigs with pruning hooks...
John 15:2
Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

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