The Hebrew word mibdâlâh, represented by H3995, means a separate place. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible. Derived from a root meaning "a separation," the term is used concretely to identify a specific, set-apart location.
The single biblical use of H3995 occurs during the description of the division of land among the tribes of Israel. It is used to identify the separate cities that were given to the children of Ephraim but were physically located within the inheritance of Manasseh Joshua 16:9. This highlights a specific and deliberate administrative act of setting aside territory for one group, creating a distinct enclave within the borders of another.
Two other words found in its only context help to clarify its practical meaning:
- H5892 ʻîyr (city, court (from margin), town): This word for city is paired directly with mibdâlâh in the phrase "separate cities" Joshua 16:9, defining the nature of the settlements that were set apart.
- H2691 châtsêr (court, tower, village): This term, meaning village, appears in the same verse to describe the smaller settlements connected to the main cities Joshua 16:9, indicating that entire communities were included in this special designation.
While H3995 is rare, its core idea of a "separate place" connects to broader theological concepts seen in its related terms:
- Separation for a Purpose: Its use in Joshua 16:9 demonstrates a physical separation for the purpose of fulfilling an inheritance, establishing a concrete example of a designated, set-apart area.
- Sacred Spaces: The related word for village, H2691, is also used for the holy courts of the LORD's house, a place separated for worship and communion with God Psalms 100:4.
- The Holy City: Likewise, the term for city, H5892, is used to describe the "city of God" Psalms 46:4 and the "holy city" Daniel 9:24, reinforcing the theme of a divinely separated and protected place.
In summary, H3995 serves as a precise term for a separate place. Though it is used only once to describe the specific arrangement of cities for the tribe of Ephraim, its fundamental meaning of separation is a significant biblical principle. This concept is expanded upon by related words for city H5892 and court H2691 that often refer to sacred spaces set apart for God, showing how even a single-use word can point to a larger theological theme.
TRV