from מוּשׁ; departure; Mesha, a place in Arabia; also an Israelite; Mesha.
Transliteration:Mêyshâʼ
Pronunciation:may-shaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word מֵישָׁא (Mêyshâʼ), Strong's H4331, derives from the root מוּשׁ (muwsh), which carries the core meaning of "to depart," "to remove," or "to withdraw" (cf. `{{H4185}}`). This etymological foundation directly informs the base definition of "departure." Within the biblical text, H4331 manifests in two distinct semantic ranges: as a geographical place and as a personal name. In both instances, the underlying concept of "departure" or "boundary" can be subtly discerned, whether marking a point of origin for a journey or simply serving as a descriptive element within a name, though without implying specific character traits for the individual. The word itself is primarily descriptive, denoting either a location from which one might depart or a personal identifier, rather than conveying a deep theological concept directly.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
H4331 appears in two specific contexts within the Hebrew Bible, illustrating its dual application:
1. **As a Geographical Place:**
In [[Genesis 10:30]], Mesha is mentioned as a geographical marker defining the extent of the territory inhabited by the descendants of Joktan: "And their dwelling was from Mesha as you go toward Sephar, the hill country of the east." Here, "Mesha" functions as a boundary or starting point. The meaning "departure" aligns with this usage, suggesting a place from which the territory extends or beyond which it does not reach. This verse is part of the Table of Nations, cataloging the early divisions and settlements of humanity after the Flood, emphasizing the geographical distribution ordained by God.
2. **As a Personal Name:**
In [[1 Chronicles 8:9]], Mesha is listed as a personal name within a genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin: "and by Hodesh his wife he had Jobab, Zibia, Mesha, Malcam,". This Mesha is one of the sons of Shaharaim and Hodesh. As a personal name, its etymological root "departure" or "withdrawal" is descriptive, but no further details or actions are attributed to this individual, rendering the name's specific meaning less significant than its role in tracing lineage. Genealogies in Chronicles serve to establish tribal identity, priestly lines, and the continuity of God's covenant people.
It is crucial to distinguish H4331 from מֵישַׁע (Meisha), Strong's `{{H4330}}`, which refers to Mesha, the King of Moab, famously mentioned in [[2 Kings 3:4]] and on the Mesha Stele. Although transliterated similarly, they are distinct Hebrew words with different Strong's numbers.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for H4331 is its root verb, מוּשׁ (muwsh), Strong's `{{H4185}}`, meaning "to depart," "to remove," or "to withdraw." This root appears in various forms throughout the Hebrew Bible, signifying movement away from a place or state.
Concepts related to the geographical usage of Mesha include:
* **Boundaries and Territories:** Words like גְּבוּל (gevul, `{{H1366}}`), meaning "border" or "territory," are conceptually linked to Mesha in [[Genesis 10:30]], as it delineates a region.
* **Settlement and Migration:** The broader context of the Table of Nations in Genesis 10 involves the dispersion and settlement of peoples, a theme connected to words like נָסַע (nasa', `{{H5265}}`), "to journey" or "to pull up stakes."
Regarding the personal name, Mesha stands among countless biblical names that are descriptive rather than explicitly theological or prophetic. Unlike names like יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (Yehoshua, "Yahweh is salvation," `{{H3091}}`) or אֵלִיָּהוּ (Eliyahu, "My God is Yahweh," `{{H452}}`), Mesha's meaning is largely observational, reflecting a common practice of naming based on circumstances or simple description rather than divine revelation.
### Theological Significance
While H4331 itself does not carry profound theological weight in the manner of divine names or covenant terms, its occurrences contribute to the broader biblical narrative in subtle ways:
1. **Divine Order in Creation and History:** The mention of Mesha as a geographical boundary in [[Genesis 10:30]] underscores the biblical emphasis on God's sovereign ordering of the world. Even after the confusion at Babel, God meticulously defines the territories and dwelling places of the nations (cf. [[Acts 17:26]]). This demonstrates God's providential hand in human history and geography, ensuring that all aspects of creation are under His meticulous oversight.
2. **Preservation of Lineage and Identity:** The inclusion of Mesha in the genealogies of [[1 Chronicles 8:9]] highlights the theological importance of lineage in ancient Israel. These detailed records were not merely historical archives; they served to affirm tribal identity, establish rights to land, and, most significantly, trace the covenant line leading to the Messiah. Even seemingly minor names within these lists attest to God's faithfulness in preserving His people and His plan through generations. The very act of naming and recording each individual, regardless of their prominence, speaks to God's intimate knowledge and care for every person within His divine economy.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מֵישָׁא (Mêyshâʼ), Strong's H4331, is rooted in the concept of "departure" or "withdrawal" from מוּשׁ (muwsh, `{{H4185}}`). This word appears in the biblical text in two primary contexts: as a geographical boundary in [[Genesis 10:30]], defining the extent of the Joktanite dwelling, and as a personal name within the Benjamite genealogy in [[1 Chronicles 8:9]]. In both instances, the word serves a descriptive function, either marking a spatial limit or identifying an individual within a lineage. While H4331 does not inherently possess deep theological significance, its occurrences contribute to the biblical narrative by illustrating God's meticulous ordering of the nations and their territories, and His faithful preservation of the genealogies of His covenant people, underscoring His sovereignty over all creation and history. It is distinct from Mesha, King of Moab (`{{H4330}}`).
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