also (in plural) feminine (Daniel 11:l5) מִבְצָרָה; from בָּצַר; a fortification, castle, or fortified city; figuratively, a defender; (de-, most) fenced, fortress, (most) strong (hold).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mibtsâr**, represented by `{{H4013}}`, refers to **a fortification, castle, or fortified city**. It appears **37 times** across **37 unique verses** in the Bible. While its primary meaning relates to physical defense and strongholds, it is also used figuratively to describe a person who is made into a defender by God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H4013}}` is frequently used to describe the "fenced cities" or "strong holds" that were central to a nation's defense and sense of security. These were seen as places of refuge in times of war, where people would flee for safety ([[Jeremiah 4:5]], [[Jeremiah 8:14]]). However, scripture also shows the vulnerability of these man-made defenses. The Lord, in his wrath, is depicted as throwing down the "strong holds" of Judah [[Lamentations 2:2]]. Conversely, the term is used figuratively when God appoints Jeremiah, making him a "defenced city" and an "iron pillar" to stand firm against the entire land [[Jeremiah 1:18]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to build the concept of defense and fortified structures:
* `{{H5892}}` **ʻîyr** (a city): This word is very often paired with `{{H4013}}` to form the common phrase "fenced city" or "defenced city," denoting a settlement protected by walls and fortifications ([[2 Kings 18:8]], [[Jeremiah 5:17]]).
* `{{H4581}}` **mâʻôwz** (a fortified place): This term is a close synonym for a stronghold and is used to describe God as a defense. In Daniel, it is used alongside `{{H4013}}` to describe the "most strong holds" [[Daniel 11:39]].
* `{{H2346}}` **chôwmâh** (a wall of protection): This word for a wall is directly associated with a fortified city. When God makes Jeremiah a "defenced city" `{{H4013}}`, He also makes him "brasen walls" `{{H2346}}`, linking the two concepts [[Jeremiah 1:18]].
* `{{H759}}` **ʼarmôwn** (a citadel): Often referring to a palace, this term is used alongside `{{H4013}}` to describe the key fortified structures within a city that are subject to destruction and ruin ([[Isaiah 34:13]], [[Lamentations 2:5]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4013}}` is significant, often serving as a symbol of human pride and misplaced trust.
* **Vulnerability of Human Strength:** The Bible repeatedly warns against trusting in physical fortifications. An invading army will impoverish the "fenced cities" in which the people trusted [[Jeremiah 5:17]], and a conquering king will "deride every strong hold" [[Habakkuk 1:10]].
* **Instrument of Divine Judgment:** These strongholds offer no protection from God's judgment. The Lord declares that He will "throw down all thy strong holds" [[Micah 5:11]] and bring them "to ruin" [[Psalms 89:40]] when His people are unfaithful.
* **Figurative Strength in God's Servant:** In a powerful reversal, God bestows the qualities of a fortress upon His prophet. He sets Jeremiah as a "tower and a fortress" `{{H4013}}` among the people to test their ways, making him a bastion of divine purpose [[Jeremiah 6:27]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4013}}` is a term that extends beyond its literal meaning of a fortified place. It represents the pinnacle of human-engineered security, which scripture reveals to be ultimately fragile and an object of false hope. The word serves as a powerful illustration of the contrast between the fallible strongholds of man and the unshakeable strength found in God, who alone can make a person into a true fortress for His will.
TRV