Parapet, retaining wall

The parapet was a low stone wall built around the flat roof of a house to prevent people or things from falling off. See the illustration at House, permanent dwelling.

Most translations use a single word to render the Hebrew word ma‘aqeh, for example, “parapet” (RSV) and “railing” (GNT). NCV and CEV have “low wall,” while SPCL “protective wall” is also good. The context of DEU 22:8 makes the purpose of the parapet clear as seen in the GNT rendering of this verse: “When you build a new house, be sure to put a railing around the edge of the roof. Then you will not be responsible if someone falls off and is killed.” Where possible and necessary, it is advisable to add a note explaining the nature and uses of the roof of an Israelite house (see Roof, housetop).