מִכְמְתָת (mikh.me.tat)
mikh.me.tat
Michmethath
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The name Michmethath, or מִכְמְתָת, translates simply to "hiding place." It refers to a specific town located in the territory of Ephraim, situated near the border with Manasseh. This location is described as lying between Shechem and Taanath-shilo, marking it as a point of geographical interest during the tribal divisions of the land.
Although the word appears only twice in Scripture (Joshua 15:30; 16:3), its significance lies in its role as a boundary marker. The sources highlight that this town helped define the northern edge of Ephraim’s inheritance, placing it strategically between two major centers. The etymology suggests a connection to concealment or shelter, perhaps reflecting the terrain or a local landmark used for cover.
Translators consistently render the name as "hiding place," preserving the literal meaning found in Hebrew lexicons like Brown-Driver-Briggs and Strong’s. This straightforward translation avoids adding theological layers, focusing instead on the geographical reality of the town within the narrative of Israel’s settlement.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Michmethath means "hiding place." It appears in Scripture as a specific town on the border between Ephraim and Manasseh. This location helped define the northern edge of Ephraim’s inheritance, placing it strategically between two major centers.
While the word itself does not carry deep theological weight, its presence reminds us that God cares about details. He assigned precise boundaries to each tribe, ensuring every family had a secure place to live and worship. This geographical marker shows His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- <the>/ Micmethath2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַֽ/מִּכְמְתָת֙1×
- הַֽ/מִּכְמְתָ֔ת1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 16:6
The border went out westward at Michmethath on the north. The border turned about eastward to Taanath Shiloh, and passed along it on the east of Janoah.
This verse uses Michmethath to mark the western boundary of Ephraim, showing how the town served as a key landmark for tribal inheritance.
-
Joshua 17:7
The border of Manasseh was from Asher to Michmethath, which is before Shechem. The border went along to the right hand, to the inhabitants of En Tappuah.
Here, Michmethath is described as being before Shechem, highlighting its role in defining the border between Manasseh and Ephraim.