מִזְרָק (miz.raq)
miz.raq
bowl
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 30 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun mizrâq refers to a bowl or basin, specifically one designed for holding liquids that are poured out or sprinkled. Its meaning derives from the root zaraq, which means to scatter or sprinkle, indicating that the vessel was likely used in rituals where liquid offerings were tossed or distributed. This etymological link suggests the object was not merely a container but an instrument of action, central to ceremonial practices.
In Scripture, these bowls appear frequently in descriptions of the Tabernacle and Temple furnishings. Numbers 7 lists them among the gifts brought by tribal leaders for the dedication of the altar, showing their importance in communal worship. They are also mentioned in connection with the golden vessels used in Solomon’s Temple (1 Kings 7:40) and later restored or looted during the reigns of kings like Joash and Zedekiah (2 Chronicles 4:8; 2 Kings 25:15). Amos uses the image metaphorically, contrasting those who drink wine from large mizrâq with their lack of concern for the nation’s ruin.
While often translated simply as "bowl" or "basin," the word carries a functional nuance tied to its root. It was not a small drinking cup but a larger vessel suited for pouring, reflecting its role in sacrificial rites and temple service. The consistent use of this term across historical and prophetic books highlights the centrality of ritual purity and order in ancient Israelite worship.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word mizraq refers to a large bowl or basin used in ancient Israelite worship, particularly for holding liquids during sacrificial rites. Its root meaning connects to scattering or sprinkling, highlighting that these vessels were active instruments of ritual rather than passive containers. In the Tabernacle and Solomon’s Temple, silver and gold mizraqim held grain offerings, symbolizing the people’s dedicated resources brought before God.
For your faith life, this word reminds us that worship involves tangible acts of giving. The tribal leaders in Numbers 7 brought these bowls as part of the altar’s dedication, showing how communal devotion was expressed through specific, ordered contributions. Even when prophets like Amos used the image critically—contrasting lavish drinking with national neglect—the underlying point remained: how we handle sacred things reflects our heart toward God.
You can find encouragement in knowing that God values the details of worship. Whether in ancient Israel or today, He meets us in both the grand gestures and the careful preparations. This word invites you to consider what you are offering Him, not just in prayer, but in the practical ways you support His work and honor His presence.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 30 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a bowl12×
- the/ bowls8×
- and/ the/ bowls3×
- bowls of2×
- the/ bowl1×
- like <the>/ bowl1×
- in/ bowls of1×
- and/ bowls/ its1×
- [will be] like the/ bowls1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִזְרָ֤ק12×
- וְ/הַ/מִּזְרָק֛וֹת3×
- הַ/מִּזְרָקֹ֔ת2×
- הַ/מִּזְרָק֗וֹת2×
- מִזְרְקֵ֥י1×
- מִֽזְרְקֵי\־1×
- כַּ/מִּזְרָקִ֖ים1×
- כַּ/מִּזְרָ֔ק1×
- וּ/מִזְרְקֹתָ֔י/ו1×
- הַ/מִּזְרָקֹ֣ת1×
- הַ/מִּזְרָק֜וֹת1×
- הַ/מִּזְרָק֑וֹת\ \ס1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 7:84
This was the dedication offering of the altar, on the day when it was anointed, by the princes of Israel: twelve silver platters, twelve silver bowls, twelve golden ladles;
This verse summarizes the dedication offerings, listing twelve silver bowls as part of the collective worship that consecrated the altar.
-
Exodus 27:3
You shall make its pots to take away its ashes; and its shovels, its basins, its meat hooks, and its fire pans. You shall make all its vessels of bronze.
Here the mizraq is listed among bronze utensils for the altar, showing its essential role in the daily ritual of removing ashes and managing sacrifices.
-
I Kings 7:50
the cups, the snuffers, the basins, the spoons, and the fire pans, of pure gold; and the hinges, both for the doors of the inner house, the most holy place, and for the doors of the house, of the temple, of gold.
Solomon’s Temple included gold basins, indicating that the finest materials were reserved for vessels used in the most holy services.
-
II Chronicles 4:8
He made also ten tables, and placed them in the temple, five on the right side and five on the left. He made one hundred basins of gold.
Hezekiah or Solomon (depending on translation context) made one hundred golden basins, emphasizing the scale and glory of temple worship.
-
II Kings 25:15
The captain of the guard took away the fire pans, the basins, that which was of gold, for gold, and that which was of silver, for silver.
The Babylonian captain looted these basins, showing how their destruction marked the end of Israel’s central place of worship and divine presence.