The Hebrew word mâzôwn, represented by H4202, is a term for food, meat, or victual. It appears only 2 times in 2 unique verses in the Bible. Its rarity suggests a specific application, often referring to provisions or sustenance provided in a particular context.
In the biblical narrative, H4202 is used to describe specific provisions. In one instance, it is part of a large gift sent by Joseph to his father. Joseph sends asses laden with the good things of Egypt, including corn, bread, and meat H4202 for the journey Genesis 45:23. In another context, a king dealt wisely by dispersing his children to every fenced city, giving them victual H4202 in abundance 2 Chronicles 11:23. In both cases, it signifies supplied sustenance.
Several related words appear alongside H4202, painting a fuller picture of sustenance and provision:
- H3899 lechem (food, especially bread): This is a common word for food and is sent with the H4202 meat to Jacob Genesis 45:23. It often represents staple food, as in the promise that the righteous will not be left begging for bread Psalms 37:25.
- H1250 bâr (grain of any kind; corn, wheat): This term for grain is another provision sent to Jacob Genesis 45:23. It signifies raw agricultural produce, a foundational element of sustenance, as when the valleys are described as "covered over with corn" Psalms 65:13.
- H2898 ṭûwb (good, goodness): This term describes the overall quality of the provisions sent from Egypt, which were "the good things of Egypt" Genesis 45:23. It carries a broader sense of welfare and goodness, such as the good of the land promised to the obedient Isaiah 1:19.
The significance of H4202 lies in its specific contexts of deliberate provision.
- Provision as a sign of reconciliation and care: The meat H4202 sent by Joseph is part of a larger gift that demonstrates his care for his father, enabling Jacob's journey Genesis 45:23.
- Provision as a tool of wise rule: The king's distribution of victual H4202 is described as part of a wise strategy to secure his kingdom by supporting his children in fortified cities 2 Chronicles 11:23.
- A Component of Abundant Blessing: In both its uses, H4202 is part of a larger, abundant supply, whether it is "the good things of Egypt" Genesis 45:23 or victual "in abundance" 2 Chronicles 11:23, highlighting it as a component of significant blessing.
In summary, H4202 mâzôwn is a specific term for food or victual that, while rare, carries a distinct meaning of prepared sustenance. It is not just general food, but a provision supplied for a specific purpose, whether as a gift of care for a father's journey or as a strategic supply from a king to his children. It illustrates a theme of deliberate and abundant provision within the biblical narrative.
TRV