from טָפַח; a wide cloak (for a woman); vail, wimple.
Transliteration:miṭpachath
Pronunciation:mit-pakh'-ath
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word מִטְפַּחַת (miṭpachath, `{{H4304}}`) is derived from the root טָפַח (ṭāphaḥ, `{{H2946}}`), which carries the primary meaning "to spread out," "to extend," or "to clap" (as in spreading hands). This etymological connection suggests that miṭpachath refers to something that is spread out or extended, consistent with its definition as a wide piece of cloth. The base definition provided specifies it as "a wide cloak (for a woman); vail, wimple." This indicates a garment of considerable size, typically worn by women, serving as a covering. The semantic range thus encompasses various forms of female outer garments, from a large cloak or shawl that covers a significant portion of the body to a more specific head or face covering like a veil or wimple. The emphasis on "wide" is crucial, distinguishing it from smaller or more fitted garments.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word מִטְפַּחַת (miṭpachath) appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, each instance offering a distinct and significant contextual usage:
1. **[[Ruth 3:15]]**: "Also he said, Bring the *vail* that thou hast upon thee, and hold it; and when she held it, he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her: and she went into the city." In this pivotal passage, Boaz instructs Ruth to hold out her miṭpachath so he can fill it with six measures of barley. The fact that it could contain such a substantial quantity of grain (estimated to be 30-50 pounds) strongly supports the definition of a "wide cloak" or large mantle, rather than merely a small head covering. Here, the miṭpachath functions as a practical carrying device, symbolizing Boaz's abundant provision and his commitment to Ruth. It is a garment associated with work, provision, and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Its use highlights Ruth's humility and Boaz's generosity, serving as a tangible sign of his future actions on her behalf.
2. **[[Isaiah 3:22]]**: "The changeable suits of apparel, and the *mantles*, and the wimples, and the crisping pins," In this prophetic oracle, Isaiah enumerates the luxurious and ostentatious items of clothing and adornment worn by the "daughters of Zion" (the women of Jerusalem). The miṭpachath is listed alongside other items of finery, such as "changeable suits of apparel," "wimples," and "crisping pins," which are associated with vanity, pride, and social status. In this context, the miṭpachath appears to be an item of fashionable attire, indicative of wealth and self-indulgence. The prophet condemns this outward display of luxury, which stands in stark contrast to the spiritual barrenness and impending judgment upon the people. Here, it represents human pride and the ephemeral nature of worldly possessions.
These two occurrences showcase the versatility of the miṭpachath: a practical garment of provision in Ruth, and a symbol of vanity and luxury in Isaiah. The "wideness" of the garment is consistent with both roles, whether for carrying heavy loads or for ostentatious display.
### Related Words & Concepts
The miṭpachath is part of a broader category of garments and coverings in the ancient Near East, particularly those associated with women.
* **Etymological Root**: Its direct linguistic ancestor is טָפַח (ṭāphaḥ, `{{H2946}}`), "to spread out," which provides the conceptual basis for a wide, extended piece of cloth.
* **Other Veils/Coverings**:
* צָעִיף (tsa'iph, `{{H6809}}`): Often translated "veil," as seen with Rebekah in [[Genesis 24:65]]. This term typically implies a covering for the head or face, often associated with modesty or betrothal.
* רָדִיד (radid, `{{H7289}}`): Also translated "veil" or "shawl," found in [[Song of Solomon 5:7]]. It suggests a lightweight, flowing covering.
* **General Garments/Cloaks**:
* שָׂמְלָה (simlah, `{{H8071}}`): A very general term for an outer garment or cloak, worn by both men and women.
* מְעִיל (me'il, `{{H4598}}`): A "robe" or "mantle," often a more formal or ceremonial garment, such as the robe of the high priest.
* אֶדֶר (eder, `{{H145}}`): Another term for a "mantle" or "cloak," suggesting a wide, flowing garment.
The concept of covering, whether for modesty, protection, or display, is a recurring theme in biblical anthropology and social customs. The miṭpachath fits within this broader semantic field, distinguishing itself by its specific emphasis on "wideness" and its particular usage contexts.
### Theological Significance
The limited but potent appearances of miṭpachath offer significant theological insights, primarily through its contrasting symbolism:
* **Symbol of Divine Provision and Covenantal Faithfulness (Ruth):** In the book of Ruth, the miṭpachath transcends its mere material function to become a powerful symbol of Boaz's covenantal loyalty (ḥesed) and his generous provision. The six measures of barley, carried in Ruth's miṭpachath, signify not just sustenance but a full, abundant measure of blessing and security. This act foreshadows Boaz's role as kinsman-redeemer, ensuring Ruth's future and integrating her into the lineage of David and ultimately, Christ. The miṭpachath here represents God's faithful care working through human agents, transforming a vulnerable widow into a recipient of grace and an heir of promise. It is a garment that bears the weight of divine favor and human faithfulness.
* **Symbol of Human Vanity and Impending Judgment (Isaiah):** Conversely, in Isaiah, the miṭpachath is stripped of any positive connotation and becomes an emblem of the pride, materialism, and spiritual barrenness of the women of Jerusalem. Listed among other luxurious adornments, it points to a people more concerned with outward show and social status than with inward righteousness and devotion to God. Isaiah's prophecy of stripping away these garments signifies God's judgment against their arrogance and idolatry of self. The miṭpachath here serves as a stark reminder that external displays of wealth and beauty are fleeting and ultimately meaningless in the face of divine reckoning. It represents the vanity of human endeavor when detached from true piety.
The miṭpachath thus illustrates how an ordinary object can acquire profound theological meaning depending on its context and the moral disposition of its user. It highlights the biblical tension between God's gracious provision for the humble and His judgment against human pride.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מִטְפַּחַת (miṭpachath, `{{H4304}}`), derived from the root טָפַח (ṭāphaḥ, `{{H2946}}`) meaning "to spread out," refers to a wide cloak, veil, or wimple, typically a garment worn by women. Its two distinct biblical occurrences provide rich, contrasting theological insights. In [[Ruth 3:15]], the miṭpachath functions as a practical, capacious garment, used to carry Boaz's abundant provision of barley. In this context, it symbolizes divine provision, covenantal faithfulness, and the secure future offered through a kinsman-redeemer, embodying grace and blessing. Conversely, in [[Isaiah 3:22]], the miṭpachath is enumerated among the luxurious and ostentatious attire of the haughty daughters of Zion. Here, it represents human vanity, pride, and a reliance on outward show, serving as a symbol of the superficiality that God will strip away in judgment. Thus, the miṭpachath encapsulates a dual theological significance: a garment of divine generosity and grace when received with humility, and a garment of human pride and a target of divine judgment when worn with arrogance. Its study reveals the nuanced ways in which everyday objects can bear profound spiritual meaning within the biblical narrative, reflecting either God's blessing or humanity's folly.
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