### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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.
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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