מִשְׁפְּתַ֫יִם (mish.pat)
mish.pat
sheepfold
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun mishpatayim is a dual form that appears only twice in the Old Testament, in Genesis 37:12 and Judges 1:7. Its exact meaning has long been debated by scholars, with two primary candidates emerging from the lexical data: either "fireplaces" or "ash-heaps," or alternatively "sheepfolds" or even "saddlebags." The uncertainty stems from the word’s rarity and the lack of clear contextual clues in both occurrences.
In Genesis, Jacob sends his sons to tend sheep near Shechem, where they encounter Joseph. If mishpatayim refers to sheepfolds, it paints a picture of pastoral life; if it means fireplaces or ash-heaps, it might suggest a place where travelers rested or cooked meals along the way. In Judges 1:7, Barak’s curse upon Meroz is less dependent on this word’s precise sense but still hinges on whether the location was associated with livestock enclosures or hearth-sites.
The dual form itself hints at paired objects—perhaps two fireplaces side by side, or two folds for sheep. While translators often settle on "sheepfolds" for simplicity, the ambiguity reminds us that some ancient Hebrew terms resist definitive translation, leaving room for thoughtful reflection rather than rigid certainty.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word mishpatayim appears in only two places in the Old Testament, and scholars still debate whether it means sheepfolds or saddlebags. In Genesis 49:14, Jacob describes Issachar as a strong donkey lying between these items. This image captures the quiet strength of someone who bears heavy loads without complaint. It reminds us that faithful service often happens in the background, away from the spotlight.
In Judges 5:16, the song of Deborah asks why some stayed among the sheepfolds while others went to battle. This question highlights a choice between comfort and courage. Staying in the fold offers safety, but stepping out requires faith. The text does not condemn those who remained; it simply notes their decision.
For your life today, this word invites reflection on where you find your security. Are you content in the familiar places that protect you? Or are you called to step into uncertain territory for a greater purpose? Both positions have value, and God meets us wherever we are.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ two campfires1×
- the/ fire-places1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַֽ/מִּשְׁפְּתָֽיִם\׃1×
- הַֽ/מִּשְׁפְּתַ֔יִם1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 49:14
“Issachar is a strong donkey, lying down between the saddlebags.
This verse uses the dual form of mishpatayim to describe where Issachar lies, suggesting a place of rest or burden-bearing that defines his character.
-
Judges 5:16
Why did you sit among the sheepfolds? To hear the whistling for the flocks? At the watercourses of Reuben, there were great searchings of heart.
Here the word contrasts those who stayed in the safety of the sheepfolds with those who joined the fight, highlighting a choice between comfort and duty.