or מִישֹׁר; from יָשַׁר; a level, i.e. a plain (often used (with the article prefix) as a proper name of certain districts); figuratively, concord; also straightness, i.e. (figuratively) justice (sometimes adverbially, justly); equity, even place, plain, right(-eously), (made) straight, uprightness.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mîyshôwr**, represented by `{{H4334}}`, conveys the dual meaning of a literal **plain** or level ground, and the figurative concept of **equity** or **uprightness**. It appears 23 times across 23 unique verses in the Bible. Its definition encompasses straightness, justice, and righteousness, often contrasting with things that are crooked or uneven.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H4334}}` functions both geographically and metaphorically. Geographically, it designates specific level districts or plains, such as "the **plain** country" where judgment is executed [[Jeremiah 48:21]] and the location of Bezer, a city of refuge on the **plain** [[Joshua 20:8]]. Figuratively, it describes the nature of God's work and guidance. God promises to make "the crooked... **straight**" [[Isaiah 40:4]], and the psalmist prays for God to "lead me in a **plain** path" [[Psalms 27:11]], indicating a life free from moral obstacles.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of `{{H4334}}`:
* `{{H1237}}` **biqʻâh** (plain, valley): This term, meaning a wide level valley between mountains, is used alongside `{{H4334}}` to describe a transformed landscape where rough places become a **plain** [[Isaiah 40:4]].
* `{{H6121}}` **ʻâqôb** (crooked): As a direct antonym, this word for something fraudulent or crooked is contrasted with the straightness of `{{H4334}}` in the promise that "the **crooked** shall be made straight" [[Isaiah 40:4]].
* `{{H6664}}` **tsedeq** (justice, righteousness): This word appears in parallel with `{{H4334}}`, highlighting its moral dimension. God is described as one who will "judge the poor" with **righteousness** and "reprove with **equity**" [[Isaiah 11:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4334}}` is demonstrated in its application to God's character and his relationship with humanity.
* **Divine Justice and Equity:** The word defines the character of God's reign. The sceptre of His kingdom is a "**right** sceptre" [[Psalms 45:6]], and He will "judge the people **righteously**" [[Psalms 67:4]]. This establishes His rule as one of perfect fairness.
* **God's Transforming Power:** `{{H4334}}` illustrates God's ability to overcome insurmountable obstacles. He promises that before Zerubbabel, a "great mountain... shall become a **plain**" [[Zechariah 4:7]], and that He will make "crooked things **straight**" [[Isaiah 42:16]].
* **The Path of Uprightness:** The word describes the state of moral stability and integrity. The believer's desire is to be led into "the land of **uprightness**" [[Psalms 143:10]], and to find their "foot standeth in an **even place**" [[Psalms 26:12]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4334}}` is a rich term that moves from the literal to the spiritual. It begins as a simple descriptor for a level piece of ground or a geographical **plain**, but expands to become a powerful metaphor for justice, moral integrity, and divine order. The word captures the essence of God's character, who brings equity and makes a straight path where things were once crooked.
TRV