Easton's Bible Dictionary: M. G. Easton, M.A., D.D.
Used in the Authorized Version of
Dt. 19:5, 20:19; 1 Ki. 6:7, as the translation of a Hebrew word which means "chopping." It was used for felling trees (
Isa. 10:34) and hewing timber for building. It is the rendering of a different word in
Judg. 9:48, 1 Sam. 13:20,21,
Ps. 74:5, which refers to its sharpness. In
2 Ki. 6:5 it is the translation of a word used with reference to its being made of iron. In
Isa. 44:12 the Revised Version renders by "axe" the Hebrew
maatsad, which means a "hewing" instrument. In the Authorized Version it is rendered "tongs." It is also used in
Jer. 10:3, and rendered "axe." The "battle-axe" (army of Medes and Persians) mentioned in
Jer. 51:20 was probably, as noted in the margin of the Revised Version, a "maul" or heavy mace. In
Ps. 74:6 the word so rendered means "feller." (See the figurative expression in
Mt. 3:10; Lk. 3:9.)