from דָּרַךְ; a treading, i.e. a place for stepping on; (foot-) breadth.
Transliteration:midrâk
Pronunciation:mid-rawk'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun מִדְרָךְ (midrâk, `{{H4096}}`) is derived from the verbal root דָּרַךְ (dârak, `{{H1869}}`), which primarily signifies "to tread," "to walk," "to march," or "to bend (a bow)." As a noun, midrâk refers to "a treading," "a place for stepping on," or, more specifically, "a foot-breadth." Its semantic range thus encompasses both the act of treading and the physical space occupied or covered by a foot. The term implies a specific, often minimal, measure of ground or a designated area for movement. The connection to the foot (רֶגֶל, regel, `{{H7272}}`) and its sole (כַּף, kaph, `{{H3709}}`) is intrinsic to its meaning, underscoring a precise and limited physical extent.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term מִדְרָךְ (midrâk, `{{H4096}}`) appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, yet in contexts of profound theological import.
1. **[[Deuteronomy 2:5]]**: "You are to pass through the territory of your brothers, the people of Esau, who live in Seir; and they will be afraid of you. But be very careful not to contend with them, for I will not give you any of their land, not even a foot's breadth, because I have given Mount Seir to Esau as a possession."
In this passage, מִדְרָךְ כַּף-רָגֶל (midrâk kaph-regel), translated as "a foot's breadth" or "the sole of a foot," emphasizes the absolute minimum amount of land. The divine command to Israel is clear: they are not to take *any* land from the Edomites, not even the smallest portion that a single foot could occupy. This highlights God's sovereignty over the distribution of land among nations and His precise boundaries for Israel's inheritance. It serves as a powerful reminder that all territory is ultimately under divine jurisdiction.
2. **[[Ezekiel 43:7]]**: "And he said to me, 'Son of man, this is the place of my throne and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the people of Israel forever. And the house of Israel shall no more defile my holy name, neither they nor their kings, by their whoring and by the corpses of their kings in their high places.'"
Here, מִדְרַךְ כַּפּוֹת רַגְלָי (midrâk kappôt raglay), "the place of the soles of my feet," is an anthropomorphic expression for God's dwelling place, specifically referring to the temple. This signifies the very ground where God's glorious presence is established. It denotes the most sacred space, the locus of divine immanence and perpetual indwelling. The context stresses the absolute holiness required of this place, contrasting God's desire for an undefiled sanctuary with the past defilement by Israel's idolatry and sin.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for מִדְרָךְ (midrâk, `{{H4096}}`) is its root verb דָּרַךְ (dârak, `{{H1869}}`), "to tread" or "to walk." This root is pervasive in the Hebrew Bible, often used in contexts of military marching, treading a winepress, or simply walking a path. The noun midrâk concretizes the space or effect of this action.
Other related terms include:
* רֶגֶל (regel, `{{H7272}}`), "foot," which is explicitly linked to midrâk in both occurrences, underscoring the physical dimension of stepping or standing.
* כַּף (kaph, `{{H3709}}`), "palm" or "sole," further specifying the part of the foot that touches the ground.
* Concepts of "inheritance" (נַחֲלָה, nachalah, `{{H5159}}`), "possession" (יְרֻשָּׁה, yerushshah, `{{H3425}}`), and "holy place" (קֹדֶשׁ, qodesh, `{{H6944}}`) are interwoven with the usage of midrâk, as it defines the boundaries of divine allocation and the sanctity of God's presence.
### Theological Significance
Despite its rare occurrence, מִדְרָךְ (midrâk, `{{H4096}}`) carries profound theological weight.
In [[Deuteronomy 2:5]], "not even a foot's breadth" underscores God's meticulous sovereignty over territorial claims. It teaches that even the smallest unit of land is under divine jurisdiction, and human possession is ultimately contingent upon God's decree. This highlights the principle of divine allocation and the limits of Israel's claims, demonstrating God's justice and care for other nations as well. It serves as a reminder of the Israelites' dependence on God's provision and their obligation to respect boundaries set by Him.
In [[Ezekiel 43:7]], "the place of the soles of my feet" is a potent metaphor for God's permanent and intimate presence within His temple. It signifies the absolute sanctity of the divine dwelling place, the very ground where the Creator chooses to rest among His creation. This phrase emphasizes the profound holiness required of those who approach God's presence and the defilement that human sin brings to such sacred space. It anticipates a future where God's dwelling will be forever undefiled by His people, reflecting a hope for complete restoration and purity in the relationship between God and Israel. The phrase conveys a sense of ultimate authority and settled presence.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מִדְרָךְ (midrâk, `{{H4096}}`), derived from the root "to tread," signifies a "place for stepping" or "a foot's breadth." Though appearing only twice in the biblical text, its usage is highly significant. In [[Deuteronomy 2:5]], it emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty over land distribution, limiting Israel's territorial claims to the smallest measure. In [[Ezekiel 43:7]], it serves as a powerful anthropomorphic expression for the most sacred ground of God's dwelling, the temple, highlighting the profound holiness of His presence and the necessity of an undefiled sanctuary. Thus, midrâk encapsulates theological concepts of divine control over earthly possessions and the ultimate sanctity of God's chosen dwelling place among His people.
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