### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מְבוֹאָה (mᵉbôwʼâh, `{{H3997}}`) is a feminine noun derived from the root בוא (bôʼ, `{{H935}}`), meaning "to come" or "to go in." Its base definition encompasses "a haven" and "entry." The masculine counterpart, מָבוֹא (mabôʼ, `{{H3996}}`), shares a similar semantic range, often denoting an entrance, a coming in, or even the setting of the sun (as its "going in"). The feminine form, מְבוֹאָה, specifically emphasizes a *place* of ingress or a point of arrival. As "entry," it signifies a doorway, gate, or access point. As "haven," it suggests a place of secure arrival, refuge, or rest after a journey, implying safety and shelter. The duality of "entry" and "haven" is crucial, as the former is a functional point of access, while the latter imbues that access with a quality of security or destination.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term מְבוֹאָה (mᵉbôwʼâh, `{{H3997}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in the prophetic book of Ezekiel.
* **[[Ezekiel 26:10]]**: "By reason of the abundance of his horses their dust shall cover thee: thy walls shall shake at the noise of the horsemen, and of the wheels, and of the chariots, when he shall enter into thy gates, as men enter into a city wherein is made a breach." In this vivid prophecy against Tyre, the word is translated as "gates" or "entry." The context describes the overwhelming invasion by Nebuchadnezzar, where the multitude of horses, chariots, and horsemen will cause the walls of Tyre to tremble. The "entry" here is not a welcoming haven but a point of violent penetration, a breach in the city's defenses. Ironically, what might normally function as a secured entry or a place of refuge becomes the very point of vulnerability and impending destruction. This singular usage underscores the literal, physical aspect of an access point into a fortified city, stripped of any connotation of safety in this specific context.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related term is the masculine noun מָבוֹא (mabôʼ, `{{H3996}}`), from which מְבוֹאָה (mᵉbôwʼâh, `{{H3997}}`) is derived. `{{H3996}}` is more frequently attested and refers to an entrance, a coming in, or even the west (as the place where the sun "comes in" or sets). Both words share the common root בוא (bôʼ, `{{H935}}`), which is fundamental to understanding any concept of "entering" or "coming."
Other related concepts and words include:
* שַׁעַר (sha'ar, `{{H8179}}`): "gate," a common term for a city's fortified entrance, often serving as a place of legal, social, and military activity.
* מִקְלָט (miqlat, `{{H4733}}`): "refuge," as in the cities of refuge, which were designated places of safety for those who had unintentionally killed someone.
* מַחְסֶה (machseh, `{{H4268}}`): "refuge" or "shelter," often used metaphorically to describe God as a protector.
* מִבְצָר (mibtsar, `{{H4013}}`): "fortress" or "stronghold," referring to a place of defense and security.
While מְבוֹאָה is defined as both "entry" and "haven," its solitary biblical occurrence emphasizes the former in a context where the "haven" aspect is catastrophically inverted. This highlights the contrast between human attempts at security and divine judgment.
### Theological Significance
Given its single, literal occurrence in [[Ezekiel 26:10]], the direct theological significance of מְבוֹאָה (mᵉbôwʼâh, `{{H3997}}`) is limited to the immediate context of divine judgment upon Tyre. However, the broader concepts it represents—"entry" and "haven"—carry profound theological weight throughout Scripture.
1. **Vulnerability in Judgment:** In Ezekiel, the "entry" of Tyre, typically a point of control and defense, becomes the very means of its downfall. This illustrates a recurring biblical theme: no human defense or "haven" can withstand the determined judgment of God. Cities, nations, and individuals who trust in their own strength or earthly security will find their "entries" breached when God's decree is executed.
2. **God as the True Haven:** While מְבוֹאָה in Ezekiel is a place of invasion, the concept of God as a true "haven" or "refuge" is a cornerstone of biblical theology. Numerous psalms proclaim God as a strong tower, a shelter, and a secure dwelling place (e.g., [[Psalm 46:1]], [[Psalm 91:2]], [[Psalm 62:7]]). This contrasts sharply with the false security of human fortifications, emphasizing that ultimate safety and rest are found only in divine protection.
3. **Divine Access and Entry:** The concept of "entry" is also crucial in understanding God's relationship with humanity. God "enters" into covenant with His people, and His presence "enters" the tabernacle and temple. In the New Testament, Jesus declares Himself to be the "door" or "gate" ([[John 10:9]]), the sole means of "entry" into salvation and eternal life. This spiritual "entry" is a point of grace and life, unlike the destructive "entry" described in Ezekiel. Thus, while H3997 describes a physical entry, it points to the broader theological reality that the nature of an "entry" is determined by who is entering and for what purpose—whether for judgment or for salvation.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מְבוֹאָה (mᵉbôwʼâh, `{{H3997}}`) is a feminine noun meaning "entry" or "haven," derived from the root "to come" or "to go in." Despite its dual definition, its sole biblical appearance in [[Ezekiel 26:10]] depicts an "entry" that is tragically subverted. Here, it refers to the breached "gates" or "entry points" of Tyre, through which Nebuchadnezzar's invading forces will pour, turning what should be a secure access into a conduit of destruction. This singular, powerful usage highlights the vulnerability of human defenses against divine judgment. Theologically, while mᵉbôwʼâh literally describes a physical point of access, it implicitly points to the broader biblical themes of the futility of earthly "havens" in the face of God's sovereign will, and the ultimate truth that true security and spiritual "entry" are found exclusively in God's provision and presence.
TRV