מִיכָל (mi.khal)
mi.khal
brook
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun miḵal is a rare term appearing only once in the Old Testament, found in 2 Samuel 17:20. Its primary gloss is "brook" or "stream," suggesting a small, flowing body of water.
Lexicographers note that the meaning of this word is uncertain. It is classified as a dubious entry because its usage outside this single verse is nonexistent, leaving scholars without comparative context to confirm its precise definition. In the narrative, it refers to the water source where Absalom’s messages were intercepted.
This scarcity makes miḵal a linguistic curiosity rather than a theological key. Its sole occurrence highlights how specific geographical features are woven into biblical history, even when the exact nature of those features remains obscure to modern readers. The word serves as a reminder of the limited vocabulary available for describing local terrain in ancient texts.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word miḵal appears only once in Scripture, marking a small stream where messengers were turned back. This single mention reminds us that God uses ordinary places and simple details to steer history. In 2 Samuel 17:20, a clever woman sends Ahimaaz and Jonathan across this brook to safety, showing how everyday geography can become part of divine protection.
When you face uncertainty or hidden dangers, remember that God sees the small things too. He knows the paths you walk and the streams you cross. Even when circumstances seem unclear, His care remains steady. Trust that He guides your steps through both open roads and narrow turns, using what is near to bring you safely forward.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] brook of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִיכַ֣ל1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 17:20
Absalom’s servants came to the woman to the house; and they said, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” The woman said to them, “They have gone over the brook of water.” When they had sought and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem.
This verse uses miḵal to describe the specific water crossing where messengers were deceived, allowing David’s allies to escape.