### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mᵉzûwzâh**, represented by `{{H4201}}`, translates to **door-post** or **side post**. It appears **19 times** across **17 unique verses** in the Bible. Defined as a prominent post of a door, this term refers to the essential vertical framework of an entryway, whether for a house `{{H1004}}` or a temple `{{H1964}}`.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H4201}}` is used in several critical contexts. Its most significant appearance is in the Passover account, where the Israelites were commanded to strike `{{H5414}}` the blood `{{H1818}}` of a lamb on the two **side posts** `{{H4201}}` and the lintel `{{H4947}}` of their houses `{{H1004}}` as a sign for the LORD `{{H3068}}` to pass over `{{H6452}}` and protect them from the destroyer `{{H7843}}` [[Exodus 12:23]]. It is also the site of a permanent covenant, where a servant `{{H5647}}` choosing to remain with his master `{{H113}}` would have his ear `{{H241}}` bored `{{H7527}}` against the **door post** `{{H4201}}` [[Exodus 21:6]]. Furthermore, the **posts** of houses and gates `{{H8179}}` were designated as the place where God's commandments were to be written `{{H3789}}` [[Deuteronomy 6:9]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the architectural and spiritual context of the **mᵉzûwzâh**:
* `{{H1817}}` **deleth** (door): This word for a swinging **door** is often paired with **mᵉzûwzâh**, as the post is the fixed frame that holds the **door** [[Isaiah 57:8]].
* `{{H4947}}` **mashqôwph** (lintel): The **lintel** is the upper beam of a doorway. It is mentioned with the two side **posts** in the Passover story, where both were marked with blood for protection [[Exodus 12:7]].
* `{{H1004}}` **bayith** (house): This term for a **house** or family provides the primary setting for the **mᵉzûwzâh**. The **posts** are key features of a **house**, where God's laws were to be inscribed as a constant reminder [[Deuteronomy 11:20]].
* `{{H8179}}` **shaʻar** (gate): The **mᵉzûwzâh** is also a component of a larger **gate**, such as those for a city or temple court. Samson `{{H8123}}` famously took the doors `{{H1817}}` of the city **gate**, along with the two **posts** `{{H4201}}` [[Judges 16:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4201}}` is significant, representing a place of transition, covenant, and divine instruction.
* **Protection and Salvation:** During the first Passover, the **posts** of the house became the location for the blood `{{H1818}}` that marked a home for divine protection, making the entryway a symbol of God's saving power [[Exodus 12:23]].
* **Covenant and Service:** The ceremony of boring a servant's ear at the **door post** established a permanent, voluntary bond, turning the threshold into a place of lifelong covenant between a master `{{H113}}` and his servant `{{H5647}}` [[Exodus 21:6]].
* **Sacred Boundaries:** In Ezekiel's temple vision, the proximity of the people's **post** to God's **posts** is cited as an act that defiled `{{H2930}}` His holy `{{H6944}}` name `{{H8034}}`, highlighting the role of the post as a marker of sacred space [[Ezekiel 43:8]].
* **Visible Reminder of Law:** The commandment to write `{{H3789}}` God's words on the **door posts** transformed a simple architectural feature into a constant, public declaration of faith and obedience to God's covenant [[Deuteronomy 6:9]].
### Summary
In summary, **mᵉzûwzâh** is more than a simple architectural term. It serves as a focal point for some of the most profound events and commands in the Bible. From being the sign of God's deliverance in Egypt to serving as a permanent record of His law, the **door-post** marks the boundary between the home and the world, and represents a place of covenant, remembrance, and divine protection.
TRV