מִשְׂרְפוֹת מַיִם (mis.r.phot ma.yim)
mis.r.phot ma.yim
Misrephoth-maim
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
Misrephoth-maim is a proper noun appearing only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both within the book of Joshua. The name translates literally to "burnings of water," identifying a specific locality in northern Palestine situated near Sidon.
Its primary significance lies in its role as a geographical marker defining the borders of the land promised to Israel. In Joshua 13:6, it is listed among the territories still held by the Phoenicians at the time of the tribal allotments. The name likely refers to local thermal springs or geothermal features, where heat from the earth met the water supply.
Because the term appears in a boundary list rather than a narrative story, it serves as a concrete anchor for understanding the extent of ancient Israelite territory. It reminds readers that the biblical land promises were tied to real, named places on the map, even those that remained under different control during the initial conquest period.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Misrephoth-maim appears in only two verses, yet it carries a quiet weight. The name means "burnings of water," likely referring to hot springs near Sidon. In Joshua 13:6, God tells Joshua to include this area in the inheritance for Israel, even though the Sidonians still held it at that time. This detail reminds us that God’s promises often extend beyond what we can immediately see or possess.
When life feels uncertain or when boundaries seem unclear, this verse offers comfort. God includes places and people in His plan even before they are fully realized. We can trust that He is working out His purposes in ways we may not yet understand. His faithfulness does not depend on our ability to map every detail.
This word invites us to rest in the certainty of God’s promises. Even when circumstances seem incomplete, He remains faithful to His word. We can look forward with hope, knowing that He will bring about what He has said.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Misrephoth2×
- Maim2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַ֙יִם֙1×
- מַ֔יִם1×
- מִשְׂרְפֹ֥ת1×
- מִשְׂרְפ֣וֹת1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 13:6
all the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon to Misrephoth Maim, even all the Sidonians. I will drive them out from before the children of Israel. Just allocate it to Israel for an inheritance, as I have commanded you.
This verse shows God including Misrephoth-maim in Israel's inheritance despite current occupation, highlighting the future fulfillment of His promise.
-
Joshua 11:8
Yahweh delivered them into the hand of Israel, and they struck them, and chased them to great Sidon, and to Misrephoth Maim, and to the valley of Mizpah eastward. They struck them until they left them no one remaining.
Here the name marks a geographical limit of Israel's victory, showing how far their reach extended under God's direction.