apparently from גּוּף or נָגַף and עָשׁ; exterminator of (the) moth; Magpiash, an Israelite; Magpiash.
Transliteration:Magpîyʻâsh
Pronunciation:mag-pee-awsh'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun מַגְפִּיעָשׁ (Magpîyʻâsh, `{{H4047}}`) is understood etymologically to mean "exterminator of (the) moth." This interpretation is derived from a proposed compound structure. The first element is likely related to the verbal root נָגַף (nagaph, `{{H5062}}`), meaning "to strike, smite, plague, wound, defeat," which conveys the sense of destruction or eradication. The second element is עָשׁ (ʻash, `{{H6211}}`), meaning "moth." While the specific form "Magpîyʻâsh" is unique as a proper name, its constituent parts suggest a vivid and active meaning. As a personal name, its semantic range is limited to identifying an individual, but the *meaning of the name* itself carries symbolic weight, alluding to one who actively combats or destroys something insidious and destructive, like a moth.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Magpîyʻâsh (`{{H4047}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in [[Nehemiah 10:21]]. In this passage, Magpiash is listed among the leaders and prominent individuals who "sealed the covenant" (literally, "were sealing") during the time of Nehemiah's reforms in post-exilic Judah. This covenant renewal, detailed in [[Nehemiah 9]] and [[Nehemiah 10]], represented a solemn commitment by the people to walk in God's law, to avoid intermarriage, to observe the Sabbath, and to support the temple and its services. Magpiash's inclusion in this list signifies his personal participation and agreement with this critical spiritual and social reformation. While the text provides no further narrative details about Magpiash himself, his presence among those who formally pledged allegiance to God's covenant underscores the widespread and collective nature of this renewal movement. He is presented as one of the faithful remnant committed to re-establishing the foundational principles of their relationship with Yahweh.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymological roots of Magpîyʻâsh (`{{H4047}}`) connect it to significant biblical concepts. The root נָגַף (nagaph, `{{H5062}}`), "to strike" or "smite," is frequently used in contexts of divine judgment, military defeat, or the infliction of plagues (e.g., [[Exodus 12:23]], [[Numbers 14:45]]). This imparts a sense of decisive action and eradication to the name. The word עָשׁ (ʻash, `{{H6211}}`), "moth," is consistently used in Scripture to symbolize decay, transience, and the destructive power of time or corruption (e.g., [[Job 13:28]], [[Psalm 39:11]], [[Isaiah 50:9]], [[Isaiah 51:8]]). Moths destroy garments and consume wealth, representing that which is fleeting and vulnerable to ruin. The combination of these elements in "exterminator of the moth" evokes a figure who actively combats decay or corruption.
Conceptually, Magpiash's name resonates with themes of:
* **Purity and Preservation:** Combating the "moth" implies a desire to preserve that which is valuable and prevent its decay.
* **Covenant Fidelity:** His presence in [[Nehemiah 10:21]] aligns him with the collective effort to maintain the integrity of the covenant against spiritual and moral erosion, much like combating a destructive pest.
* **Spiritual Vigilance:** The name can be seen as a metaphorical call to vigilance against the subtle, destructive forces that undermine faith and community.
### Theological Significance
The name Magpîyʻâsh (`{{H4047}}`), meaning "exterminator of the moth," carries a subtle yet profound theological significance, particularly in the context of its sole biblical appearance. In a period of national restoration and spiritual renewal, a name signifying the eradication of decay and corruption is highly symbolic. The "moth" in biblical thought often represents the ephemeral nature of human wealth, strength, and even life, as well as the destructive power of sin or divine judgment upon unrighteousness. To be an "exterminator of the moth" could thus metaphorically describe one who actively works against spiritual decay, moral compromise, or the transient nature of worldly pursuits.
Magpiash's inclusion in the list of those who sealed the covenant in Nehemiah underscores the importance of individual commitment to collective spiritual health. His name, whether intentionally chosen for its meaning or prophetically significant, points to the ideal of a faithful Israelite who stands against the forces that would undermine God's covenant and the purity of His people. It suggests a proactive role in preserving the integrity of the community's relationship with God, protecting it from the insidious "moths" of idolatry, disobedience, and spiritual indifference that had plagued Israel in the past. Thus, Magpiash represents not just a signatory, but potentially a symbol of the vigilant spirit required to maintain the sanctity of the renewed covenant.
### Summary
Magpîyʻâsh (`{{H4047}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun, a personal name occurring once in [[Nehemiah 10:21]]. Its etymological meaning, "exterminator of (the) moth," is derived from the roots נָגַף (nagaph, `{{H5062}}`), "to strike/smite," and עָשׁ (ʻash, `{{H6211}}`), "moth." In the biblical context, Magpiash is listed among the individuals who formally sealed the covenant during the post-exilic reforms led by Nehemiah, signifying his personal commitment to the spiritual renewal of the community. The name's symbolic weight suggests a role in combating decay, corruption, or spiritual erosion, akin to protecting valuable garments from destructive moths. Theologically, Magpiash's name and his participation in the covenant renewal highlight the importance of individual vigilance and active commitment to preserving the purity and integrity of God's people and their relationship with Him against the insidious forces of spiritual decay.
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