from בָּדַל; a separation, i.e. (concretely) a separate place; separate.
Transliteration:mibdâlâh
Pronunciation:mib-daw-law'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H3995}}` (מִבְדָּלָה, *mibdâlâh*) is a noun derived from the root `{{H914}}` (בָּדַל, *badal*), which signifies "to divide," "to separate," or "to distinguish." As a concrete noun, *mibdâlâh* specifically refers to a "separate place" or a physical structure that effects a "separation." Its semantic range thus encompasses the idea of a distinct area, a demarcation, or a barrier that creates a division. It emphasizes the *result* or *means* of separation rather than the act itself.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H3995}}` appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, making its sole context particularly potent for understanding its meaning and theological weight.
* **[[Ezekiel 42:20]]**: "He measured it on the four sides; it had a wall all around, five hundred reeds long and five hundred wide, to make a separation between the holy and the common."
In this verse, *mibdâlâh* refers to the outer wall of the visionary temple described in Ezekiel's prophecy. The explicit purpose of this wall is stated as "to make a separation between the holy and the common" (לְהַבְדִּיל בֵּין הַקֹּדֶשׁ לַחֹל). This wall, therefore, is not merely a boundary but a divinely ordained *instrument of separation*. It physically delineates the sacred precinct of God's dwelling from the ordinary, common space, emphasizing the absolute distinction required for His presence. The wall serves as a tangible barrier that safeguards the holiness of the temple, preventing the common from encroaching upon or defiling the holy.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root `{{H914}}` (בָּדַל, *badal*), from which `{{H3995}}` is derived. This root is foundational to understanding the concept of separation in the Old Testament, used in contexts such as:
* God's creative acts of separation (e.g., light from darkness [[Genesis 1:4]], waters above from waters below [[Genesis 1:6-7]]).
* The separation of Israel as a distinct people unto God ([[Leviticus 20:24]], [[Deuteronomy 4:37]]).
* The separation of the Levites for sacred service ([[Numbers 8:14]]).
* The broader theme of distinguishing between the clean and the unclean, the holy and the profane, which is central to the Mosaic Law ([[Leviticus 10:10]]).
Other related concepts include:
* **Holiness (קֹדֶשׁ, *qodesh*) and Profanity (חֹל, *chol*):** The *mibdâlâh* in Ezekiel 42:20 directly addresses this fundamental theological polarity. The wall exists to maintain the integrity of the holy by separating it from the common.
* **Boundaries and Demarcation:** The concept of defining sacred space through physical limits, as seen in the tabernacle and temple layouts, and even the boundaries around Mount Sinai during the giving of the Law.
* **Sanctification (קָדַשׁ, *qadash*):** The act of setting something apart as holy, which inherently involves a process of separation from common use or defilement.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of `{{H3995}}` in Ezekiel's vision of the temple carries profound theological weight.
1. **Divine Holiness and Transcendence:** The *mibdâlâh* serves as a powerful symbol of God's absolute holiness and transcendence. The wall visually and functionally represents the infinite chasm between the Creator and creation, and specifically between the sacred presence of God and the ordinary, fallen world. It underscores that God's dwelling place demands a distinct, unblemished environment, reflecting His pure and unapproachable nature.
2. **Order and Purity in Worship:** The concept of a *mibdâlâh* speaks to God's meticulous desire for order and purity in all aspects of His worship. The separation ensures that the sacred is not defiled by the common, thereby preserving the integrity of divine encounter. This resonates deeply with the extensive laws of purity and impurity found throughout the Torah, which aim to maintain a holy people for a holy God.
3. **Mediated Access:** While the wall creates a separation, it also implicitly defines the space within which God is present and accessible, albeit under specific divine conditions. It signifies that access to God's presence is not arbitrary but is governed by His divine decree and established boundaries.
4. **Eschatological Ideal:** In the context of Ezekiel's prophetic vision, the *mibdâlâh* points to an ideal future state of perfect purity and order in God's presence. It reflects a renewed covenant relationship where holiness is perfectly maintained, serving as a reminder of the ultimate separation between God's kingdom and the fallen world, and His eventual establishment of a perfectly sanctified dwelling among His people.
### Summary
The Hebrew term `{{H3995}}` (מִבְדָּלָה, *mibdâlâh*), derived from the root `{{H914}}` (בָּדַל, "to separate"), denotes a "separate place" or a concrete means of "separation." Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Ezekiel 42:20]] is highly significant, where it describes the outer wall of the visionary temple, built explicitly "to make a separation between the holy and the common." This single usage powerfully encapsulates a core theological principle: the absolute distinction and demarcation required between the sacred presence of God and the profane world. The *mibdâlâh* functions as a tangible embodiment of God's transcendent holiness, His unwavering demand for purity in worship, and the divinely ordained boundaries that govern access to His dwelling. It underscores the profound importance of maintaining spiritual and physical distinctions in the pursuit of holiness, reflecting a fundamental aspect of God's character and His relationship with humanity.
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