מִשְׁמַ֫עַת (mish.ma.at)
mish.ma.at
guard
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun mishma‘at refers to a group bound by obedience, typically translated as either "bodyguard" or "subjects." Its core meaning hinges on the relationship of loyalty and service; it describes those who stand ready to obey a superior’s command. In the Hebrew Bible, this term captures both the personal protectors of a king and the broader population under his rule.
The sources highlight a clear distinction in usage based on context. When applied to figures like King David or Saul, mishma‘at denotes the elite bodyguard who served as his immediate security detail (1 Samuel 22:17; 2 Samuel 15:18). However, in prophetic texts such as Isaiah, it shifts to describe foreign nations or peoples who become subjects under God’s judgment or authority (Isaiah 49:23). This duality reflects a hierarchy where proximity to power implies a duty of faithful service.
The word derives from the root shama‘, meaning "to hear." This etymology is significant because it links obedience directly to listening. To be part of the mishma‘at was not merely to exist in a territory but to actively heed the voice of the leader. The term thus emphasizes that true subjecthood involves an attentive response to authority, whether that authority is a human monarch or the divine will.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word mishma‘at comes from a root meaning “to hear,” which reveals that true loyalty begins with listening. In ancient Israel, this term described those who stood ready to obey a king’s command, whether they were elite bodyguards or the broader population under his rule. It suggests that being part of God’s people is not just about location, but about an attentive response to His voice.
For your faith, this offers a comforting picture of belonging. Just as David’s guard stood close to him for protection and service, you are invited into a relationship where hearing God leads to faithful action. It is a call to trust that when we listen to the Shepherd, we are kept safe and guided by His authority.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- bodyguard/ his2×
- bodyguard/ your1×
- [will be] subjects/ their1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִשְׁמַעְתּֽ/וֹ\׃\ \ס2×
- מִשְׁמַעְתָּֽ/ם\׃1×
- מִשְׁמַעְתֶּ֖/ךָ1×
Key Verses
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I Samuel 22:14
Then Ahimelech answered the king, and said, “Who among all your servants is so faithful as David, who is the king’s son-in-law, captain of your body guard, and honored in your house?
This verse uses mishma‘at to describe David’s elite bodyguard, highlighting the personal loyalty and protection inherent in the role.
-
II Samuel 23:23
He was more honorable than the thirty, but he didn’t attain to the three. David set him over his guard.
Here the term marks a position of high honor where David places a specific man over his guard, showing the weight of trust involved.
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I Chronicles 11:25
Behold, he was more honorable than the thirty, but he didn’t attain to the three; and David set him over his guard.
The parallel account reinforces that this duty was a recognized and respected station within the royal court structure.