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.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **migrâsh**, represented by `{{H4054}}`, primarily refers to a **suburb** or open country. It appears 111 times across 67 unique verses in the Bible. Its core meaning relates to the open pasture land surrounding a city, often designated for livestock and sustenance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H4054}}` is used overwhelmingly in the context of the cities allocated to the Levites. Since the Levites received no tribal land inheritance, the LORD commanded the children of Israel to give them cities to live in with **suburbs** for their cattle and substance [[Numbers 35:2]], [[Joshua 14:4]]. This provision was a direct commandment from God through Moses [[Joshua 21:2]]. The term is also used prophetically in Ezekiel to describe measured lands around a future city and sanctuary [[Ezekiel 45:2]], and uniquely to refer to the shores or "margins of the sea" that shake [[Ezekiel 27:28]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the function and nature of a **migrâsh**:
* `{{H5892}}` **ʻîyr** (city): This is the most common association, as a `migrâsh` is almost always the open land belonging to a **city** [[Numbers 35:2]].
* `{{H7704}}` **sâdeh** (field): This word specifies the agricultural nature of the suburbs, as seen in the phrase "the **field** of the **suburbs** of their cities" [[Leviticus 25:34]].
* `{{H4057}}` **midbâr** (pasture, wilderness): This term shares the concept of open land for grazing. The definition of `migrâsh` includes country for **pasture**, and a city like Bezer is described as being in the **wilderness** with her **suburbs** [[1 Chronicles 6:78]].
* `{{H272}}` **ʼăchuzzâh** (possession): The suburbs are explicitly designated as the Levites' **possession**, underscoring their status as a divine inheritance [[Leviticus 25:34]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4054}}` is significant, highlighting God's faithfulness to those set apart for ministry.
* **Divine Provision:** The allocation of **suburbs** demonstrates God's direct provision for the tribe of Levi. Because they were dedicated to the service of the LORD and had no tribal inheritance, God ensured their material needs were met through these lands [[Numbers 35:2]].
* **Perpetual Inheritance:** The land of the **suburbs** was not to be sold, as it was considered a "perpetual possession" for the Levites [[Leviticus 25:34]]. This speaks to the permanence and inalienable nature of God's provision for His ministers.
* **Ordered and Defined Space:** The LORD gave specific instructions for measuring the **suburbs** around the Levitical cities [[Numbers 35:5]]. This act of measuring and setting apart land underscores the principles of divine order and the establishment of dedicated spaces within the promised land.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4054}}` is far more than a simple geographical term. While it literally means a suburb or pasture land, its primary biblical function is to define the sacred inheritance of the Levites. It stands as a testament to God's detailed and perpetual provision for those who serve Him, ensuring they had a place and sustenance within the nation of Israel.
TRV