מִצְחָה (mits.chah)
mits.chah
greave
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun mitschah refers specifically to a greave, a piece of protective armor worn over the lower leg. It is a singular feminine noun that appears only once in the entire Old Testament, found in the detailed description of Goliath’s equipment in 1 Samuel 17:6.
This rare word highlights the sheer scale and professional nature of the Philistine champion’s gear. The text lists it alongside bronze helmets and heavy coats of mail, painting a picture of a warrior heavily shielded from head to toe. By mentioning this specific leg armor, the narrative emphasizes the physical disadvantage David faced as he approached the giant with only a sling and stones.
Because the term is so scarce in Scripture, its single occurrence carries significant descriptive weight. It serves as a concrete detail that grounds the story in historical reality, reminding readers of the tangible danger David confronted. The presence of such specialized military equipment underscores why the victory was seen not as a feat of strength, but as an act of divine intervention.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word mitschah appears only once in Scripture, describing the bronze greaves worn by Goliath. These protective plates covered his lower legs, completing a suit of armor that made him appear invincible. When David faced this giant, he stood before a warrior fully shielded from head to toe. The presence of such heavy gear highlights just how impossible the task seemed to human eyes.
This detail reminds us that God often works through unlikely means. David did not have bronze greaves or a sword; he had a sling and faith. Yet, the same God who equipped Goliath with professional armor chose to use a young shepherd to defeat him. Your struggles may feel as daunting as facing a giant in full battle gear. Remember that divine strength does not depend on human protection.
When you face challenges that seem too large to overcome, look to this story. It shows that no amount of armor can stand against God’s purpose. You are never alone in your battles, and victory often comes through trust rather than strength.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ leg armor of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/מִצְחַ֥ת1×
Key Verses
-
I Samuel 17:6
He had bronze shin armor on his legs and a bronze javelin between his shoulders.
This verse explicitly mentions the bronze shin armor, grounding the narrative in the physical reality of Goliath's intimidating equipment.