### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Môwrashtîy**, represented by `{{H4183}}`, is a patrial term identifying a **Morashtite or inhabitant of Moresheth-Gath**. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. This designation is used exclusively to identify the prophet Micah, grounding his message in a specific geographic and historical context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H4183}}` serves to introduce the prophet Micah. The book of Micah opens by identifying him as "Micah the **Morasthite**," who received the word `{{H1697}}` of the LORD `{{H3068}}` concerning Samaria `{{H8111}}` and Jerusalem `{{H3389}}` during the reigns of the kings of Judah `{{H3063}}`: Jotham `{{H3147}}`, Ahaz `{{H271}}`, and Hezekiah `{{H3169}}` [[Micah 1:1]]. Centuries later, this same identifier is used by the elders of Judah who recall the words of "Micah the **Morasthite**" who prophesied `{{H5012}}` in the days of Hezekiah `{{H2396}}` [[Jeremiah 26:18]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help establish the context of the Morasthite's ministry:
* `{{H4318}}` **Mîykâh** (Micah): This is the proper name of the prophet who is identified as the Morasthite. His identity is directly tied to this description in the opening of his prophetic book [[Micah 1:1]].
* `{{H5012}}` **nâbâʼ** (to prophesy): This word describes the primary action of Micah the Morasthite. In [[Jeremiah 26:18]], it is specifically stated that he prophesied in the days of Hezekiah.
* `{{H2396}}` **Chizqîyâh** (Hezekiah): This king of Judah is mentioned in both verses where "Morasthite" appears, anchoring the prophet's ministry to a specific and pivotal reign in Judah's history ([[Micah 1:1]], [[Jeremiah 26:18]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4183}}` is tied to the identity and message of the prophet it describes.
* **Prophetic Authenticity:** Designating the prophet as "the Morasthite" grounds his message in a specific, identifiable human origin. It establishes him as a real historical figure, lending authenticity to the divine word `{{H1697}}` he delivered concerning Samaria and Jerusalem [[Micah 1:1]].
* **Historical Anchor:** The title connects Micah's ministry directly to the timeline of the kings `{{H4428}}` of Judah `{{H3063}}`. This provides a concrete historical setting for his prophecies of judgment against the nation's high places `{{H1116}}` and sins [[Micah 1:1]].
* **A Message Remembered:** The later citation in Jeremiah demonstrates the lasting impact of the Morasthite's prophecy. His warning that Zion `{{H6726}}` would be plowed `{{H2790}}` like a field `{{H7704}}` and Jerusalem `{{H3389}}` would become heaps `{{H5856}}` was recalled as a historical precedent for divine judgment [[Jeremiah 26:18]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4183}}` **Môwrashtîy** is more than a simple geographical label. It serves as a crucial anchor, tying the prophet Micah and his divine revelations to a specific time and place in Israel's history. Its use in both the book of Micah and the book of Jeremiah underscores the enduring weight of a prophet's identity, providing historical context and lending authority to the prophetic word across generations.
TRV