מֵ֫צַח (me.tsach)
me.tsach
forehead
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Definition
Definition
Brown-Driver-Briggs
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word me.tsach refers literally to the forehead, the visible part of the face above the eyes. In Scripture, this body part often serves as a public marker of identity or condition. It is not merely skin; it represents what is displayed openly for all to see.
For believers, this concept highlights the importance of integrity. Just as a mark on the forehead cannot be hidden, our inner character eventually shows in our outward actions. We are invited to live with such honesty that our lives reflect God’s truth without disguise.
This word reminds us that God sees what is hidden, but He also values what is openly declared. Whether in moments of judgment or grace, the forehead stands as a place where divine attention meets human reality, calling us to authenticity in our walk with Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- on/ forehead/ his2×
- forehead/ his2×
- in/ forehead/ his1×
- and/ forehead/ your1×
- and/ [the] forehead of1×
- [the] forehead of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בְּ/מִצְח֔/וֹ2×
- מֵ֣צַח1×
- מִצְח֑/וֹ1×
- מִצְח/וֹ֙1×
- וּ/מֵ֨צַח1×
- וּ/מִצְחֲ/ךָ֖1×
- בְ/מִצְח֜/וֹ1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 28:38
It shall be on Aaron’s forehead, and Aaron shall bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall make holy in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always on his forehead, that they may be accepted before Yahweh.
The golden plate on Aaron's forehead signifies that his priestly service bears the weight of Israel's holiness, making their gifts acceptable to God.
-
Isaiah 48:4
Because I knew that you are obstinate, and your neck is an iron sinew, and your brow bronze;
God describes Israel’s stubbornness as a 'bronze brow,' illustrating their hardened resistance to His guidance despite knowing His ways from the start.
-
Jeremiah 3:3
Therefore the showers have been withheld and there has been no latter rain; yet you have had a prostitute’s forehead and you refused to be ashamed.
The metaphor of a 'prostitute’s forehead' portrays shameless sin, showing how persistent rebellion leaves a visible mark of unrepentance on the people.