מִשְׁתֶּה (mish.teh)
mish.teh
feast
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 43 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun mish.teh refers to a feast, banquet, or the act of drinking itself. Derived from a root meaning "to drink," it describes both the liquid consumed and the social gathering centered around it. In Genesis 19:3 and 26:30, hosts offer food and drink as a gesture of hospitality, while in Esther, these events mark significant moments of royal celebration and political maneuvering.
Its usage often highlights communal bonding or status. In Daniel 1, the term distinguishes between the king’s rich provisions and the simpler diet chosen by Daniel, showing how meals reflect identity and conviction. The word appears frequently in Esther to describe the lavish banquets that drive the narrative forward, from Mordecai’s refusal to bow at the first feast to the final celebrations of Purim.
Translators render mish.teh variously as "feast," "banquet," or "drink" depending on context. When paired with wine, it emphasizes the celebratory nature of the event, as seen in Esther 1:3 and 2:18. The term captures not just consumption but the shared experience that defines these gatherings in biblical culture.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word mish.teh describes more than just a meal; it captures the full experience of a feast or banquet. In biblical times, sharing food and drink was a primary way to build trust and community. When hosts offered a mish.teh, they were extending hospitality and creating space for relationships to grow. This simple act reminded people that they belonged to something larger than themselves.
For your faith life, this word invites you to see gathering together as a spiritual practice. Whether it is a family dinner or a church celebration, these moments are opportunities to reflect God’s generosity. The Bible shows us that breaking bread together can strengthen bonds and provide comfort in difficult seasons. It is a tangible reminder of God’s provision for our daily needs.
Consider how you use meals in your own life. They can be times of stress or distraction, but they also hold potential for connection and grace. By approaching shared meals with intention, you create space for peace and understanding. This word encourages us to value the simple joy of being present with others, trusting that God is at work in these ordinary moments.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 43 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a feast17×
- the/ feast9×
- feast3×
- a feast of3×
- feast/ their2×
- drink/ his2×
- at/ [the] feast of2×
- [the] feast of2×
- like/ [the] feast of1×
- from/ [the] feast of1×
- drink/ your1×
- drink/ their1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִשְׁתֶּ֔ה6×
- מִשְׁתֶּ֥ה4×
- מִשְׁתֶּ֖ה4×
- מִשְׁתֵּ֣ה4×
- הַ/מִּשְׁתֶּ֖ה4×
- מִשְׁתֶּ֣ה3×
- מִשְׁתֶּֽה\׃2×
- מִשְׁתֵּי/הֶ֑ם2×
- הַ/מִּשְׁתֶּה֙2×
- בְּ/מִשְׁתֵּ֣ה2×
- מִשְׁתָּ֔י/ו1×
- מִשְׁתָּ֑י/ו1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 19:3
He urged them greatly, and they came in with him, and entered into his house. He made them a feast, and baked unleavened bread, and they ate.
This verse shows mish.teh as an act of hospitality where Lot offers protection and care to his guests through a shared meal.
-
Esther 5:6
The king said to Esther at the banquet of wine, “What is your petition? It shall be granted you. What is your request? Even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.”
Here the feast serves as the setting for Esther’s bold petition, highlighting how communal gatherings can become pivotal moments for change.
-
Genesis 21:8
The child grew and was weaned. Abraham made a great feast on the day that Isaac was weaned.
Abraham’s great feast marks a significant family milestone, using celebration to honor God’s promise of a child in his old age.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does mish.teh mean in the Bible?
How is mish.teh different from other words for meal?
Why are feasts important in the Book of Esther?
Every Occurrence (43 verses across 13 books)
Genesis 5 verses
He urged them greatly, and they came in with him, and entered into his house. He made them a feast, and baked…
Genesis 21:8The child grew and was weaned. Abraham made a great feast on the day that Isaac was weaned.
Genesis 26:30He made them a feast, and they ate and drank.
Genesis 29:22Laban gathered together all the men of the place, and made a feast.
Genesis 40:20On the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, he made a feast for all his servants, and he lifted up the head of the…