מִסְגֶּ֫רֶת (mis.ge.ret)

mis.ge.ret

perimeter

H4526 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 13 verses

H:N-F

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 13 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: H:N-F

Word Overview

The noun misgereṯ refers to a boundary, rim, or enclosed area that defines a specific space. In the Hebrew Bible, it describes physical borders such as the edge of a garment or the perimeter of a city, creating a clear distinction between what is inside and what lies outside.

This word appears thirteen times in Scripture, with notable usage in Exodus 28:32 regarding the opening for the headpiece of a priestly garment, and in 1 Kings 7:23 describing the circular rim of the bronze sea. It also features in Micah 5:10, where fortified cities are described as having their "borders" or strongholds removed.

The term emphasizes containment and definition rather than mere location. By marking limits, it establishes order and separation, whether in ritual objects, architectural structures, or political territories. Translators often render it as "border," "rim," or "fastness" depending on the context, highlighting its function as a defining edge.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

This word describes the boundary that gives shape to what is inside. Whether it is the rim on a golden table or the walls around a city, misgereṯ marks the line between the sacred space and the outside world. It reminds us that God often works within defined limits, creating order out of chaos.

In our own lives, we might feel like we are wandering without direction. Yet Scripture shows us that boundaries are not just restrictions; they are protections. They define where we belong and keep us safe from the noise beyond. Like the bronze sea in Solomon’s temple, which had a clear rim to hold its water, we find stability when we stay within the path God has set for us.

This concept invites us to appreciate the structure of our faith. It is not about confinement but about finding a place where we can be fully present with God. By recognizing these edges, we learn to value the community and habits that sustain our spiritual life.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 13 verses where it appears, by frequency.

the/ rim2×
from/ strongholds/ their2×
for/ rim/ its2×
a rim of2×
to the/ rims1×
the/ rims of1×
the/ rims1×
rims/ its1×
rims1×
and/ rims/ their1×
and/ rims/ its1×
and/ rims1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

מִסְגֶּ֛רֶת2×
לְ/מִסְגַּרְתּ֖/וֹ2×
הַ/מִּסְגֶּ֔רֶת2×
מִסְגְּרֹתֶ֔י/הָ1×
מִסְגְּרֹ֣ת1×
מִ/מִּסְגְּרוֹתָֽ/ם\׃1×
מִ/מִּסְגְּרֹֽתֵי/הֶ֑ם1×
לַֽ/מִּסְגְּר֔וֹת1×
וּ/מִסְגְּרֹתֶ֖י/הָ1×
וּ/מִסְגְּרֹתֵי/הֶ֥ם1×
וּ/מִסְגְּרֹ֖ת1×
הַ/מִּסְגְּר֣וֹת1×

Key Verses

Exodus 25:25
You shall make a rim of a hand width around it. You shall make a golden molding on its rim around it.

This verse establishes the word's use for a ritual object, showing how a physical rim consecrates the table as holy ground.
I Kings 7:31
Its opening within the capital and above was a cubit. Its opening was round like the work of a pedestal, a cubit and a half; and also on its opening were engravings, and their panels were square, not round.

Here the term describes the precise opening of the bronze stand, highlighting God’s attention to detail in temple architecture.
II Samuel 22:46
The foreigners will fade away, and will come trembling out of their close places.

The word shifts to describe fortified strongholds, illustrating how boundaries can also serve as places of defense and refuge.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word misgereṯ mean?

It refers to a rim, border, or perimeter that defines the edge of an object or area. It is used for physical boundaries like the rim of a bowl or the walls of a city.

Where does this word appear in the Bible?

It appears thirteen times, notably in Exodus describing the tabernacle furniture and in Kings detailing Solomon’s temple. It also appears in poetic texts like Psalm 22 and Micah.

Why is this concept important for understanding biblical space?

It shows how ancient Israelites understood holiness through separation. By marking clear edges, they distinguished sacred spaces from ordinary ones, helping them focus their worship.

Every Occurrence (13 verses across 5 books)

Exodus 4 verses

Exodus 25:25

You shall make a rim of a hand width around it. You shall make a golden molding on its rim around it.

Exodus 25:27

The rings shall be close to the rim, for places for the poles to carry the table.

Exodus 37:12

He made a border of a hand’s width around it, and made a golden molding on its border around it.

Exodus 37:14

The rings were close by the border, the places for the poles to carry the table.

II Samuel 1 verse

I Kings 6 verses

II Kings 1 verse

Micah 1 verse