from the same as בֶּשֶׂם; fragrant; Mibsam, the name of an Ishmaelite and of an Israelite; Mibsam.
Transliteration:Mibsâm
Pronunciation:mib-sawm'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מִבְשָׂם (Mibsâm), Strong's number `{{H4017}}`, is a proper noun derived directly from the root בֶּשֶׂם (besem), Strong's number `{{H1314}}`. The core meaning of this root is "fragrance," "sweet smell," or "spice." Thus, Mibsâm inherently carries the semantic range of "fragrant" or "sweet-smelling." As a personal name, it likely conveyed a hope or characteristic for the individual, reflecting a quality of pleasantness, desirability, or perhaps even an association with valuable aromatic substances.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Mibsâm (`{{H4017}}`) appears three times in the Hebrew Bible, exclusively as a personal name within genealogical records.
1. **Ishmaelite Mibsam:**
* In [[Genesis 25:13]], Mibsam is listed as the seventh son of Ishmael, the firstborn son of Abraham and Hagar. This places him as a progenitor within one of the twelve tribes of Ishmael, contributing to the lineage that would become a "great nation" as promised to Abraham ([[Genesis 17:20]]).
* This listing is reiterated in [[1 Chronicles 1:29]], which serves as a summary of early genealogies, confirming Mibsam's place in the Ishmaelite tribal structure. In these contexts, Mibsam is primarily an identifier within a significant ancestral line, without further narrative detail about his life or character.
2. **Israelite Mibsam:**
* In [[1 Chronicles 4:25]], Mibsam is identified as a descendant of Simeon, one of the sons of Jacob. He is listed as a son of Mishma and father of Mishma, within the intricate genealogies of the tribe of Simeon. Like his Ishmaelite counterpart, this Mibsam is a genealogical placeholder, serving to trace the lineage within the Israelite tribal system.
In all occurrences, Mibsâm functions as a name within a list, providing crucial links in the biblical record of family lines. The meaning "fragrant" is latent within the name but not explicitly expounded upon in relation to the individuals themselves.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is בֶּשֶׂם (besem), `{{H1314}}`, from which Mibsâm is derived. This root word frequently refers to aromatic spices, perfumes, and balms, often used in sacred contexts or for luxury. Examples include:
* The "finest spices" for the anointing oil and incense in the Tabernacle ([[Exodus 30:23]], [[Exodus 30:34]]).
* Spices brought by the Queen of Sheba to Solomon ([[1 Kings 10:2]], [[1 Kings 10:10]]).
* The fragrant spices used in burial preparations ([[2 Chronicles 16:14]]).
* Figuratively, the "fragrance" of the beloved in Song of Solomon ([[Song of Solomon 4:10]], [[Song of Solomon 4:14]]).
The concept of "fragrance" in the Bible extends beyond mere pleasant smell to encompass:
* **Acceptance:** Sacrifices offered to God are often described as a "pleasing aroma" (רֵיחַ נִיחֹחַ, *reyach nichoach*) to the Lord, signifying divine acceptance and favor ([[Genesis 8:21]], [[Leviticus 1:9]], [[Leviticus 1:13]], [[Leviticus 1:17]]).
* **Holiness and Consecration:** The use of fragrant anointing oils and incense for the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priests ([[Exodus 30]]) underscores their sacred purpose and separation for God.
* **Beauty and Delight:** As seen in the Song of Solomon, fragrance is associated with beauty, love, and sensory delight.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Mibsâm (`{{H4017}}`) is primarily derived from the rich theological implications of its root meaning, "fragrant." While the individuals named Mibsam are not presented with specific theological roles or narratives, the name itself subtly connects them to broader biblical themes:
* **Divine Acceptance:** The concept of a "pleasing aroma" to God is central to the sacrificial system, symbolizing atonement and reconciliation. The name Mibsam, meaning "fragrant," implicitly evokes this idea of being pleasing or acceptable.
* **Worship and Consecration:** The use of fragrant spices in the Tabernacle rituals highlights the importance of beauty, purity, and sensory experience in worship. The name Mibsam resonates with this aspect of devotion.
* **Spiritual Legacy:** Though a proper name in genealogical lists, the underlying meaning of "fragrant" can be seen as a subtle aspiration or blessing for the individual and their lineage—a hope that their lives might be pleasing to God, or that their memory might be sweet. In the New Testament, this concept is beautifully expanded, with believers being described as the "aroma of Christ" ([[2 Corinthians 2:14-16]]) and Christ's sacrifice as a "fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" ([[Ephesians 5:2]], cf. [[Philippians 4:18]]). While Mibsam predates these New Testament concepts, the underlying motif of a pleasing offering is consistent throughout Scripture.
### Summary
Mibsâm (`{{H4017}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "fragrant" or "sweet-smelling," derived from the root בֶּשֶׂם (besem, `{{H1314}}`). It appears in the biblical genealogies as the name of an Ishmaelite son of Ishmael ([[Genesis 25:13]], [[1 Chronicles 1:29]]) and an Israelite descendant of Simeon ([[1 Chronicles 4:25]]). While the individuals themselves are only identified through their lineage, the name's inherent meaning connects to a significant biblical motif: the concept of "fragrance." This motif is deeply theological, symbolizing divine acceptance, the purity of worship, and the pleasing nature of sacrifice. Thus, Mibsâm, though a simple name in a list, subtly points to the broader scriptural theme of that which is pleasing and acceptable in the sight of God.
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