also (in plural) feminine (Ezekiel 27:28) מִגְרָשָׁה; from גָּרַשׁ; a suburb (i.e. open country whither flocks are driven from pasture); hence, the area around abuilding, or the margin of the sea; cast out, suburb.
Transliteration:migrâsh
Pronunciation:mig-rawsh'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H4054 (מִגְרָשׁ, *migrâsh*) is a noun derived from the verb גָּרַשׁ (garash, `{{H1644}}`), meaning "to drive out, expel, divorce." This etymological root is crucial for understanding the semantic range of *migrâsh*. Primarily, *migrâsh* signifies an "open pasture land" or "suburb" immediately adjacent to a walled city. The underlying concept is a place where flocks are "driven out" to graze, or an area that is "driven from" or "set apart" from the central habitation.
Its core meaning thus points to an "out-lying" or "marginal" area, specifically a common land used for pasturage. Beyond this primary sense, the term can extend to mean the general open area surrounding a building or, in a more expansive and perhaps metaphorical sense, the margin or shore of the sea, as seen in [[Ezekiel 27:28]]. The plural form is typically *migrashim*, but a rare feminine plural *migrashah* appears in [[Ezekiel 27:28]], possibly indicating a specific nuance or dialectal variation. The consistent thread is that of a defined, open, and functional space connected to a more structured or central entity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H4054 occurs most frequently and significantly in the context of the Levitical cities. As the tribe of Levi received no territorial inheritance like the other tribes, God ordained that they be given cities to dwell in, along with surrounding pasturelands for their livestock. This provision is meticulously detailed in:
* [[Numbers 35:2-3]]: "Command the people of Israel that they give to the Levites, from the inheritance of their possession, cities for them to dwell in, and you shall give to the Levites *pasturelands* (migrâsh) around the cities." This passage further specifies the dimensions of these pasturelands, extending 1,000 cubits from the city wall.
* [[Numbers 35:4-5]]: Provides precise measurements, indicating that the *migrâsh* was a carefully defined area, not merely an undefined open space.
* [[Joshua 14:4]] and [[Joshua 21:2ff]]: Elaborate on the fulfillment of this command, listing the specific cities and their associated *migrâsh* allocated to the Levitical clans.
* [[1 Chronicles 6:39-66]]: Reaffirms the allocation of these cities and their *migrâsh* to the Levites.
These occurrences highlight that the *migrâsh* was essential for the Levites' sustenance, allowing them to maintain flocks and thus support themselves while dedicated to their sacred duties. It was a divinely ordained economic base.
Beyond the Levitical context, *migrâsh* appears in:
* [[Ezekiel 27:28]]: "At the sound of the cry of your pilots, the *pasturelands* (migrâshâh, feminine plural) will tremble." Here, the term seems to refer to the open areas or plains, perhaps coastal, that would be affected by the tumult. This suggests a broader application to any open, outlying territory.
* [[Ezekiel 45:2]] and [[Ezekiel 48:17]]: In Ezekiel's vision of the new temple and land distribution, precise dimensions are given for the *migrâsh* surrounding the holy district or the new city. This reinforces the concept of *migrâsh* as a defined, functional, open space, serving as a buffer or common ground around significant structures or settlements.
Across its uses, *migrâsh* consistently denotes an open, often productive, and usually defined area adjacent to a more central, built, or significant location.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding *migrâsh* is enhanced by considering its relationship to other Hebrew terms for land and space:
* גָּרַשׁ (garash, `{{H1644}}`): The verbal root, "to drive out," directly informs the meaning of *migrâsh* as a place where flocks are driven for pasture, or an area that is "driven out" from the core settlement.
* חָצֵר (chatzer, `{{H2691}}`): "Courtyard, village, settlement." While chatzer can refer to an open area, it often implies an enclosed space (courtyard) or a cluster of unwalled dwellings. *Migrâsh* is distinct in being a larger, open, often uncultivated pastureland immediately outside a walled city.
* שָׂדֶה (sadeh, `{{H7704}}`): "Field, country." This is a general term for open agricultural land. A *migrâsh* is a specific type of *sadeh* – one specifically designated as common pastureland adjacent to a city. Not all fields are *migrâsh*, but a *migrâsh* functions as a particular kind of field.
* מִדְבָּר (midbar, `{{H4057}}`): "Wilderness, desert." This term refers to vast, uncultivated, often uninhabited regions. *Migrâsh* is a much smaller, defined, and functional area directly tied to a human settlement, serving a specific purpose.
* The concept of "common land" or a "green belt" in modern urban planning aligns well with the function of *migrâsh*, providing resources, a buffer, and open space for the community.
### Theological Significance
The concept of *migrâsh* carries several layers of theological significance:
* **Divine Provision and Care:** The meticulous allocation of *migrâsh* to the Levites underscores God's detailed and faithful provision for His chosen ministers. Since the Levites were not to engage in agriculture, the pasturelands ensured their economic viability through livestock, allowing them to dedicate themselves fully to their priestly and teaching duties. This demonstrates God's comprehensive care for those who serve Him, ensuring their physical needs are met.
* **Order and Boundaries:** The precise dimensions given for the *migrâsh* in the Law (e.g., [[Numbers 35:4-5]]) and in Ezekiel's vision (e.g., [[Ezekiel 48:17]]) speak to God's desire for order, clear boundaries, and functional spaces within His covenant community. It reflects a divine blueprint for organized life, resource management, and communal well-being, where every part has its designated place and purpose.
* **Interconnectedness of Sacred and Sustenance:** While the *migrâsh* itself was not "holy" in the cultic sense, it was an integral part of the divinely ordained infrastructure that supported those who served in the holy place. This highlights the practical connection between physical sustenance and the ability to perform spiritual service. God's plan encompassed both the sacred duties and the practical means by which His servants could fulfill them.
* **Communal Welfare:** The *migrâsh* served as a common resource for the city, particularly for the Levites, demonstrating a model of shared resources and communal support within God's people. It was a space for the common good, contributing to the overall health and prosperity of the Levitical cities.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H4054 (מִגְרָשׁ, *migrâsh*) denotes an "open pasture land" or "suburb" immediately adjacent to a city, deriving from the root "to drive out." It signifies a defined, functional, open space used primarily for pasturing flocks. Biblically, its most prominent usage is in the detailed allocation of cities and their surrounding *migrâsh* to the Levites, as recorded in [[Numbers 35]], [[Joshua 21]], and [[1 Chronicles 6]]. This provision was crucial for the Levites' sustenance, enabling them to fulfill their sacred duties. The term also appears in Ezekiel's prophetic vision, describing precise open areas around the holy district. Theologically, *migrâsh* powerfully illustrates God's meticulous provision for His servants, His divine ordering of space and resources within the covenant community, and the essential link between physical well-being and spiritual service. It represents a vital, divinely ordained common land, ensuring both the practical needs and the orderly functioning of God's people.
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