מִתְקָה (mit.qah)
mit.qah
Mithkah
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The Hebrew word mitqah, rendered as Mithcah in English translations, is a proper noun that literally means "sweetness." It appears only twice in the Old Testament, both times within the itinerary records of Numbers 33, which list the stopping places of the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness.
As a place name, it marks one specific station in this long desert trek. The meaning likely reflects a pleasant feature of the location, such as sweet water or fertile ground, offering a moment of relief in an otherwise harsh landscape. This usage illustrates how ancient travelers often named sites based on their immediate physical experience.
The brevity of its biblical presence highlights the detailed nature of the wilderness narratives. These lists serve not just as travel logs but as theological records of God’s guidance. By naming even small stops like Mithcah, the text emphasizes that every part of the journey was known and directed.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Numbers 33 records the detailed itinerary of Israel’s journey through the wilderness, listing every campsite from Egypt to the borders of Canaan. Among these stations is Mithkah, a name meaning 'sweetness.' While the surrounding landscape was harsh and unforgiving, this stop offered a moment of relief, perhaps providing sweet water or fertile ground for the weary travelers.
This small detail reminds us that God’s guidance includes both the grand movements and the quiet pauses. Even in difficult seasons, there are moments of grace and refreshment. The text shows that every part of the journey, no matter how brief, is known and directed by Him. We can trust that He provides what we need for each step.
When we face our own long journeys, we can look for these places of sweetness. They are not accidents but part of a faithful path. May you find rest and encouragement in knowing that your steps are ordered, and that refreshment comes in His timing.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- from/ Mithcah1×
- at/ Mithcah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִ/מִּתְקָ֑ה1×
- בְּ/מִתְקָֽה\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 33:28
They traveled from Terah, and encamped in Mithkah.
This verse marks the specific moment when Israel left Terah and found rest at Mithkah, highlighting the provision of sweetness after a long stretch.
-
Numbers 33:29
They traveled from Mithkah, and encamped in Hashmonah.
This verse shows the transition from Mithkah to Hashmonah, illustrating how each stop was part of a continuous divine journey toward the promised land.