מִשְׁנֶה (mish.neh)
mish.neh
Second [Quarter]
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 34 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun mishneh primarily denotes "second" in terms of order, rank, or location. It describes something that follows first in a sequence, such as a second district within a city or the next person in a line of authority. This usage appears frequently in historical books like 1 Samuel and Chronicles, where it identifies secondary priests or officials who serve immediately after their superiors.
Beyond simple sequencing, the word carries the sense of duplication or doubling. It can refer to a copy of a document, as seen when King Josiah’s reforms involved producing a written copy of the Law (2 Kings 22:8). In other contexts, it signifies a double portion or amount, such as the extra share of food commanded in Exodus 16:5 or the restoration of "double" for those who suffered shame in Isaiah 61:7.
The term’s flexibility allows it to describe both people and objects. It identifies individuals like David’s second brother (1 Chronicles 2:13) or vessels of a secondary order (Ezra 1:10). This dual capacity to mean "next in line" and "duplicate in quantity" reflects its root meaning of repetition, linking ordinal position with material doubling.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word mishneh often appears in lists of names or ranks, marking someone as the second in line. This simple ordinal term reminds us that community life is built on order and shared responsibility. In ancient Israel, being the 'second' was not a demotion but a vital role of support and continuity. When leaders served, their deputies ensured that justice and worship continued without interruption. We see this in the way priests and officials were organized, showing that God values structure and teamwork in His people.
Beyond hierarchy, mishneh carries a powerful sense of doubling or restoration. In Exodus, it describes the double portion of manna given on the sixth day, preparing Israel for rest. Later, prophets use this idea to speak of God’s generous return: those who suffered shame would receive a double portion in their land. This reflects a heart that does not just replace what was lost but multiplies grace. It is a reminder that God’s provision often exceeds our immediate needs, offering abundance where there was once scarcity.
Whether referring to a second chariot or a duplicate copy of the Law, this word points to reliability and sufficiency. Christians can find comfort in knowing that God’s plans are orderly and His promises are substantial. The double portion signifies not just enough, but more than enough, inviting us to trust in His faithful care rather than our own limited resources.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 34 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- double7×
- the/ second rank2×
- in the/ second district2×
- and/ double2×
- and/ [was] second/ his2×
- [was] second in command2×
- <the> copy of2×
- to/ double1×
- the/ second in rank1×
- the/ second district1×
- the/ second1×
- second/ his1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִשְׁנֶ֔ה3×
- הַ/מִּשְׁנֶ֑ה3×
- מִשְׁנֶה֙2×
- מִשְׁנֶ֣ה2×
- מִשְׁנֶ֖ה2×
- וּ/מִשְׁנֵ֣/הוּ2×
- הַ/מִּשְׁנֶה֮2×
- בַּ/מִּשְׁנֶ֑ה2×
- מִשְׁנֶֽה\׃\ \פ1×
- מִשְׁנֶֽה\׃1×
- מִשְׁנֶ֑ה1×
- מִשְׁנֵה֙1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 16:5
It shall come to pass on the sixth day, that they shall prepare that which they bring in, and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily.”
This verse uses the concept of doubling to establish a rhythm of preparation and rest, showing how God’s provision anticipates human need before it arises.
-
Genesis 41:43
He made him ride in the second chariot which he had. They cried before him, “Bow the knee!” He set him over all the land of Egypt.
Here, the second chariot signifies high honor and authority, illustrating that being 'second' can denote a position of immense trust and power under the king.
-
II Kings 22:14
So Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Achbor, Shaphan, and Asaiah went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe (now she lived in Jerusalem in the second quarter); and they talked with her.
The reference to the 'second quarter' grounds the narrative in specific geography, showing how this term helps locate events within the daily life of Jerusalem.
-
I Samuel 8:2
Now the name of his firstborn was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah. They were judges in Beersheba.
By naming Abijah as the second son, the text highlights family lineage and succession, a common context for this word in historical records.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does mishneh mean in the Bible?
How is mishneh different from sheni?
Why is there a double portion of manna in Exodus?
Where else does this word appear?
Every Occurrence (34 verses across 17 books)
Genesis 3 verses
He made him ride in the second chariot which he had. They cried before him, “Bow the knee!” He set him over all the…
Genesis 43:12and take double money in your hand, and take back the money that was returned in the mouth of your sacks. Perhaps it…
Genesis 43:15The men took that present, and they took double money in their hand, and Benjamin; and got up, went down to Egypt, and…