מִסְתָּר (mis.tar)

mis.tar

hiding

H4565 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 9 verses

H:N-M

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 9 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: H:N-M

Word Overview

The noun mistar means a hidden or secluded spot, often serving as a refuge. In the Hebrew Bible it appears nine times, primarily in poetic and prophetic books like Psalms and Jeremiah. It describes a physical location where one can withdraw from view, whether to find safety or to conceal an action.

Its usage carries two distinct nuances depending on context. In the Psalms, it is a place of divine protection, where the faithful seek shelter under God’s care (Psalm 31:20). Conversely, in Jeremiah and Lamentations, it can denote a dark corner used for deceit or crime, highlighting how secrecy can serve both preservation and corruption.

This duality reflects the word’s root sense of concealment. It does not inherently judge the intent behind hiding; rather, it describes the state of being unseen. Translators often render it as "secret place" or "hiding place," capturing the physical reality without imposing a moral verdict on the act itself.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The Hebrew word mistar describes a secluded spot where one withdraws from view. In the Psalms, this hiding place becomes a sanctuary under God’s care. Psalm 31:20 speaks of a secret place where God hides believers safe from human plots. This imagery offers comfort when life feels exposed or threatening. We can trust that our refuge is not just physical but spiritual, grounded in divine protection.

Yet the word also appears in Jeremiah to describe places used for deceit. Here, hiding reflects an attempt to escape accountability. Jeremiah 23:24 asks if anyone can hide in secret places from God’s sight. The answer is no. This contrast reminds us that while we may seek safety in isolation, true peace comes from walking openly with God.

Understanding mistar helps us see how context shapes meaning. It does not judge the act of hiding but reveals its purpose. Whether for refuge or concealment, our hearts are known to God. We can bring our fears and secrets into His light, finding rest in His presence rather than in isolation.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.

in/ hiding places2×
in <the>/ hiding places2×
secret places1×
in/ secret places1×
in the/ secret place1×
in <the>/ hiding place1×
hiding places/ its1×

Forms in the text

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

מִסְתָּרָ֔י/ו1×
מִסְתָּרִ֑ים1×
בַּֽ֭/מִּסְתָּרִים1×
בַּ/מִּסְתָּרִ֛ים1×
בַּ/מִּסְתָּֽר\׃1×
בַּ/מִּסְתָּ֨ר\׀1×
בְּ/מִסְתָּרִֽים\׃1×
בְּ/מִסְתָּרִֽים\׃1×
בְּ/מִסְתָּרִ֥ים1×

Key Verses

Psalms 10:9
He lurks in secret as a lion in his ambush. He lies in wait to catch the helpless. He catches the helpless when he draws him in his net.

This verse uses mistar to depict a predator lurking in secret places, illustrating how secrecy can enable harm against the vulnerable.
Jeremiah 23:24
Can anyone hide himself in secret places so that I can’t see him?” says Yahweh. “Don’t I fill heaven and earth?” says Yahweh.

Here God questions whether anyone can hide in secret places from His sight, emphasizing His omnipresence and inability to be evaded.
Isaiah 45:3
I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that it is I, Yahweh, who calls you by your name, even the God of Israel.

God promises to give treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, showing that even concealed things are known and provided for by Him.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word mistar mean?

Mistar means a hiding place or secluded spot. It can refer to a physical location where someone withdraws from view, either for safety or to conceal actions.

How is mistar used differently in Psalms and Jeremiah?

In Psalms, mistar often describes a place of divine protection and refuge. In Jeremiah, it can denote a hidden spot used for deceit or to escape accountability.

Does mistar always have a negative connotation?

No, its meaning depends on context. It can be positive when describing God’s protective shelter or neutral when referring to any secluded place.

Every Occurrence (9 verses across 5 books)

Psalms 3 verses

Psalms 10:8

He lies in wait near the villages. From ambushes, he murders the innocent. His eyes are secretly set against the…

Psalms 10:9

He lurks in secret as a lion in his ambush. He lies in wait to catch the helpless. He catches the helpless when he…

Psalms 17:12

He is like a lion that is greedy of his prey, as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.

Isaiah 1 verse

Jeremiah 3 verses

Lamentations 1 verse

Habakkuk 1 verse