מִבְצָר (miv.tsar)
miv.tsar
fortification
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 32 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun mibtsar refers to a fortified structure, whether a literal stronghold or a metaphorical position of safety. Rooted in the verb for "to besiege" or "cut off," it describes a place that is secure against attack. In the historical narratives of Kings and Chronicles, it commonly denotes fortified cities like those built by Jeroboam or Rehoboam to protect Israel’s borders.
Prophetic literature often employs this image with greater theological weight. Jeremiah uses the term to describe his own prophetic calling, stating that God has made him "a fortified city" (Jeremiah 1:18). This means he is protected from the hostility of his people, unable to be shaken by their opposition. The word appears frequently in contexts where human defenses are either praised for their strength or critiqued for being insufficient against divine judgment.
Translators typically render mibtsar as "fortress," "stronghold," or "fenced city." While the physical sense is clear in passages about military strategy, the metaphorical use highlights God’s role as a protector. The term underscores the contrast between human-made security and the ultimate safety found in divine presence.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word mibtsar describes a fortified city or stronghold, a place built for security against attack. In the Old Testament, these structures were vital for survival in ancient warfare. Kings like Rehoboam strengthened their borders with high walls and gates to protect their people from enemies. This physical reality gives us a clear picture of what safety looked like in biblical times.
Yet the prophets often used this image to speak about God’s protection. In Jeremiah 1:18, God tells the prophet He has made him a fortified city against the hostility of his people. This means that even when surrounded by opposition, God provides an unshakeable safety. It reminds us that our true security does not come from walls or armies, but from His presence.
When we face uncertainty or fear, this word invites us to look beyond human defenses. While we may build our own strongholds, they can fail. But the Lord remains a refuge for those who trust in Him. We can find peace knowing that He is our ultimate protection, steady and reliable through every season of life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 32 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- fortification10×
- <the>/ fortification5×
- fortress2×
- to/ [the] fortresses of1×
- strongholds/ your1×
- strongholds1×
- in/ fortresses1×
- fortresses/ your1×
- fortifications/ your1×
- fortifications/ their1×
- fortifications/ its1×
- fortifications1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִבְצָר֙2×
- מִבְצָֽר\׃\ \פ2×
- מִבְצָ֖ר2×
- מִבְצָ֑ר2×
- מִבְצַר\־2×
- הַ/מִּבְצָֽר\׃2×
- הַ/מִּבְצָ֖ר2×
- מִבְצָרָֽיִ/ךְ\׃1×
- מִבְצָרָ֑י/ו1×
- מִבְצָרֶ֣י/ךָ1×
- מִבְצָרֶ֗י/ךָ1×
- מִבְצָרִ֛ים1×
Key Verses
-
Jeremiah 1:18
For behold, I have made you today a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, against its princes, against its priests, and against the people of the land.
This verse uses mibtsar metaphorically to show God strengthening Jeremiah with divine protection against opposition.
-
Numbers 32:17
but we ourselves will be ready armed to go before the children of Israel, until we have brought them to their place. Our little ones shall dwell in the fortified cities because of the inhabitants of the land.
The Reubenites and Gadites propose using fortified cities as safe havens for their families while they fight.
-
Jeremiah 5:17
They will eat up your harvest and your bread, which your sons and your daughters should eat. They will eat up your flocks and your herds. They will eat up your vines and your fig trees. They will beat down your fortified cities in which you trust with the sword.
Here the word highlights how human trust in physical strongholds fails when God allows judgment to come.
-
Joshua 10:20
When Joshua and the children of Israel had finished killing them with a very great slaughter until they were consumed, and the remnant which remained of them had entered into the fortified cities,
This occurrence shows the strategic importance of fortified cities as places where fleeing enemies sought shelter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does mibtsar mean in the Bible?
How is mibtsar used metaphorically?
What is the difference between mibtsar and other words for fortress?
Where does this word appear most often?
Every Occurrence (32 verses across 13 books)
Numbers 3 verses
and what the land is that they dwell in, whether it is good or bad; and what cities they are that they dwell in,…
Numbers 32:17but we ourselves will be ready armed to go before the children of Israel, until we have brought them to their place.…
Numbers 32:36Beth Nimrah, and Beth Haran: fortified cities and folds for sheep.