מִקְוָה (miq.vah)
miq.vah
reservoir
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 miqveh refers to a reservoir or a cistern where water is collected and stored. In the single verse where it appears in the Old Testament, Isaiah 22:11, the word describes a practical effort to secure a water supply for Jerusalem during a time of impending siege.
Its root meaning relates to a "collection" or "accumulated mass," specifically of liquid. The context shows leaders reinforcing the city’s defenses by looking toward this stored resource, highlighting how vital controlled water reserves were for survival in an ancient, arid landscape.
This term underscores the physical reality of relying on stored provisions. It serves as a concrete image of preparation and security, contrasting with the spiritual reliance that the prophet ultimately calls for from the people.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word miqveh describes a reservoir or cistern where water is gathered and stored. In Isaiah 22:11, this term highlights a practical effort to secure Jerusalem’s water supply during a siege. The people reinforced their defenses by preparing these physical reserves, recognizing the vital importance of stored provisions for survival in an ancient landscape.
Yet the prophet points out a deeper need. While securing resources is wise, true security comes from trusting God, who planned everything long ago. This word reminds us that while preparation has its place, our ultimate hope should rest in Him. We are invited to balance practical steps with faith, looking to the Creator rather than just our own efforts.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ a reservoir1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/מִקְוָ֣ה\׀1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 22:11
You also made a reservoir between the two walls for the water of the old pool. But you didn’t look to him who had done this, neither did you have respect for him who planned it long ago.
This verse uses miqveh to describe the physical reservoir built between walls, contrasting human preparation with the failure to trust God.