from בָּטָא; a rash utterance (hasty vow); (that which...) uttered (out of).
Transliteration:mibṭâʼ
Pronunciation:mib-taw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H4008}}` (mibṭâʼ) is derived from the root `{{H0988}}` (bāṭāʼ), which carries the primary sense of "to speak thoughtlessly," "to babble," or "to utter rashly." Consequently, `{{H4008}}` itself denotes "a rash utterance" or "a hasty vow." It describes something spoken impulsively, without due consideration, or perhaps without full awareness of its implications. The nuance is not necessarily about the content of the utterance being inherently evil, but rather the *manner* in which it is spoken – thoughtlessly or inadvertently. It signifies the product of an unconsidered verbal expression, often in the context of a solemn declaration or vow.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H4008}}` appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in [[Leviticus 5:4]]. This singular occurrence provides a precise and crucial context for understanding its meaning and theological weight:
* **[[Leviticus 5:4]]**: "Or if anyone swears thoughtlessly with his lips to do evil or to do good, in whatever matter a person may utter with an oath, and it is hidden from him, and he comes to know it, then he shall be guilty in one of these."
* Here, `{{H4008}}` is used in the phrase "מִבְטָא שְׂפָתַיִם" (mibṭâʼ sĕfātayim), meaning "utterance of the lips" or "rash utterance of the lips." The verse addresses a specific scenario within the laws of unintentional sin. It concerns a person who makes a vow or oath (`{{H7650}}`) impulsively or without full awareness, perhaps forgetting it or not realizing its implications until later.
* The context emphasizes the *thoughtlessness* or *rashness* of the utterance, which renders the speaker guilty, even if the vow itself was not inherently malicious or was even intended for good. The focus is on the lack of proper consideration and the potential for a forgotten or overlooked commitment to lead to guilt before God. This highlights the sanctity of vows and the seriousness with which God regards verbal commitments, even those made in haste or inadvertently.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root verb `{{H0988}}` (bāṭāʼ), from which `{{H4008}}` is derived. This root's meaning of "to speak thoughtlessly" or "to babble" directly informs the understanding of `{{H4008}}` as a "rash utterance."
Other related concepts and terms include:
* **Vows and Oaths**: Words like `{{H5087}}` (neder, "vow") and `{{H7650}}` (shava, "to swear, take an oath") are central to the context of `{{H4008}}`. The passage in Leviticus deals explicitly with the consequences of vows made.
* **Unintentional Sin**: The broader category of sin offerings in Leviticus 4-5, which includes `{{H4008}}` in [[Leviticus 5:4]], demonstrates God's provision for atonement even for sins committed unknowingly or unintentionally.
* **Speech and the Tongue**: The concept of `{{H4008}}` speaks to the power and responsibility of human speech, a theme echoed throughout the wisdom literature (e.g., [[Proverbs 18:21]], [[James 3:5-10]]).
* **Guilt and Atonement**: The consequence of a rash utterance is guilt, necessitating a sin offering, underscoring the seriousness of such an act in God's eyes.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of `{{H4008}}` in [[Leviticus 5:4]] carries profound theological weight. It underscores several crucial principles:
1. **The Sanctity of Speech and Vows**: God holds human words, especially vows and oaths, in extremely high regard. Even a "rash utterance" made without full intent or later forgotten is considered a serious matter that incurs guilt. This reflects the divine expectation of integrity and sincerity in all verbal commitments, particularly those made before God.
2. **Divine Accountability for All Words**: The passage reveals that God holds individuals accountable not only for intentional transgressions but also for sins of inadvertence, including thoughtless speech. This highlights God's comprehensive moral standard, which extends to the inner disposition and the seemingly minor slips of the tongue.
3. **The Need for Deliberate Communication**: The concept of `{{H4008}}` serves as a sober reminder to exercise caution and thoughtfulness in all our declarations, especially when invoking God's name or making solemn promises. It encourages intentionality over impulsiveness in our verbal interactions.
4. **God's Provision for Unintentional Sin**: While `{{H4008}}` highlights human culpability for rash words, its placement within the sin offering laws also reveals God's gracious provision for atonement. Even when we fall short due to thoughtlessness, there is a path to reconciliation through confession and sacrifice. This points to the compassionate nature of God, who provides a way for restoration even for sins not committed with malice aforethought.
5. **The Power of the Tongue**: In a broader biblical context, `{{H4008}}` contributes to the rich tapestry of teachings on the power of the tongue. It aligns with warnings about idle words ([[Matthew 12:36]]) and the destructive potential of uncontrolled speech ([[James 3:6]]), emphasizing that our words have real consequences, both before God and in the world.
### Summary
The Hebrew term `{{H4008}}` (mibṭâʼ) uniquely describes a "rash utterance" or "hasty vow," stemming from a root that signifies thoughtless speech. Its sole appearance in [[Leviticus 5:4]] is profoundly significant, illustrating God's meticulous concern for the integrity of human speech, especially in the context of vows and oaths. This verse teaches that even an unintentional or forgotten verbal commitment, made without due consideration, incurs guilt before God and requires atonement. `{{H4008}}` thus serves as a powerful reminder of divine accountability for all our words, urging believers to cultivate intentionality, reverence, and sincerity in their speech, recognizing the weighty implications of every utterance before a holy God.
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