from an unused root meaning to collect; fodder; provender.
Transliteration:miçpôwʼ
Pronunciation:mis-po'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H4554}}` (מִסְפּוֹא, *miçpôwʼ*) denotes "fodder" or "provender," specifically referring to food prepared or gathered for livestock. Its etymology traces to an unused root meaning "to collect" or "to gather," which aptly describes the nature of animal feed that is harvested or brought together for consumption. Unlike general terms for food, `{{H4554}}` is exclusively applied to the sustenance of animals, particularly beasts of burden. Its semantic range is quite focused, emphasizing the provision of necessary nourishment for working or traveling animals, distinguishing it from human victuals.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H4554}}` appears six times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in narrative contexts concerning travel and hospitality.
1. **[[Genesis 24:25]]**: In the account of Abraham's servant seeking a wife for Isaac, Rebekah offers to provide "straw" (קַשׁ, `{{H7177}}`) and "fodder" (מִסְפּוֹא, `{{H4554}}`) for the camels. This demonstrates a customary act of hospitality, recognizing the need to care for a traveler's animals as well as the traveler himself.
2. **[[Genesis 24:32]]**: Following Rebekah's offer, Laban, her brother, brings the "straw" and "fodder" for the camels, reinforcing the practical and essential nature of this provision for weary animals after a long journey.
3. **[[Genesis 42:27]]**: During their first journey to Egypt, Joseph's brothers open their sacks at the lodging place and discover "provender" (מִסְפּוֹא, `{{H4554}}`) for their donkeys. The presence of this feed within their sacks highlights the foresight and necessity of carrying provisions for their animals on such expeditions.
4. **[[Genesis 43:24]]**: On their second journey, Joseph's steward brings the brothers into the house and gives "provender" (מִסְפּוֹא, `{{H4554}}`) to their donkeys. This again underscores the host's responsibility to ensure the well-being of the guests' animals.
5. **[[Judges 19:19]]**: The Levite traveler, seeking lodging in Gibeah, explains that he has "straw" (תֶּבֶן, `{{H8401}}`) and "fodder" (מִסְפּוֹא, `{{H4554}}`) for his donkeys, indicating his self-sufficiency in providing for his animals, though he still requires human hospitality.
6. **[[Isaiah 30:24]]**: In a prophetic context describing a future time of abundance and blessing, it is declared that "the oxen and the young donkeys that work the ground will eat savory fodder" (מִסְפּוֹא בָּלִיל, `{{H4554}}` `{{H1098}}`). Here, `{{H4554}}` is qualified by `{{H1098}}` (בָּלִיל, *bālîl*), meaning "mixed" or "savory," suggesting a rich, high-quality, or prepared feed. This imagery contrasts with typical dry fodder, painting a picture of extraordinary prosperity and divine provision extending even to the animal kingdom.
Across these occurrences, `{{H4554}}` consistently refers to the prepared food given to pack animals, essential for their strength and endurance during travel and work. The pairing with "straw" (`{{H7177}}`, `{{H8401}}`) suggests a common practice of providing both roughage and more nutritious feed.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related terms are those often found in conjunction with `{{H4554}}`:
* `{{H7177}}` (קַשׁ, *qaš*): "straw," specifically stubble or dried stalks.
* `{{H8401}}` (תֶּבֶן, *teben*): Also "straw," often referring to chopped straw used as fodder or for brick-making.
These terms denote complementary components of animal feed in the ancient Near East, with straw providing bulk and `{{H4554}}` representing more substantial, perhaps grain-based, nourishment.
The adjective `{{H1098}}` (בָּלִיל, *bālîl*), meaning "mixed" or "savory," when applied to `{{H4554}}` in Isaiah 30:24, highlights the concept of a prepared or enriched feed, indicative of careful animal husbandry and abundance.
Conceptually, `{{H4554}}` is linked to:
* **Hospitality:** The provision of `{{H4554}}` was a fundamental aspect of extending hospitality to travelers.
* **Provision:** It speaks to the general concept of supplying necessities, whether by humans for their animals or by God for His creation.
* **Animal Care:** It underscores the importance of tending to the needs of livestock, which were vital for transport, labor, and wealth in ancient Israel.
### Theological Significance
While `{{H4554}}` describes a mundane aspect of daily life, its biblical occurrences carry subtle but profound theological implications:
1. **Divine Providence and Care for Creation:** The very existence and provision of `{{H4554}}` speak to God's meticulous care for all living things. As the Creator, God sustains not only humanity but also the animal kingdom. The prophetic image in Isaiah 30:24, where even working animals consume "savory fodder," illustrates a future state of holistic blessing where God's abundance overflows to every part of His creation, signifying a restored Edenic harmony.
2. **Human Responsibility and Stewardship:** The consistent portrayal of humans providing `{{H4554}}` for their animals (and those of their guests) underscores the biblical principle of responsible stewardship. Humans are entrusted with the care of God's creation (e.g., [[Genesis 1:28]]), and this includes providing for the needs of animals under their dominion. The acts of Rebekah, Laban, and Joseph's steward exemplify this ethical obligation.
3. **The Ethics of Hospitality:** In a culture where travel was arduous and dangerous, the provision of `{{H4554}}` for a guest's animals was not merely practical but a deeply ethical and religious act. It demonstrated compassion, generosity, and adherence to the sacred duty of welcoming the stranger. This reflects the broader biblical mandate to care for the vulnerable and those in need.
4. **Symbol of Abundance and Peace:** In Isaiah's prophecy, the image of animals eating "savory fodder" becomes a powerful symbol of the Messianic age, a time of unprecedented peace, prosperity, and well-being. It suggests a world where labor is eased, and even the humblest creatures enjoy the fruits of God's blessing, a stark contrast to the toil and scarcity often experienced in the fallen world.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H4554}}` (מִסְפּוֹא, *miçpôwʼ*) precisely defines "fodder" or "provender," specifically animal feed. Its occurrences in Genesis and Judges consistently depict its use as essential sustenance for traveling pack animals (camels and donkeys), often provided as an act of hospitality. The term highlights the practical necessities of ancient life and the diligent care required for livestock. In the prophetic vision of Isaiah 30:24, `{{H4554}}` takes on a deeper theological significance, symbolizing God's overflowing abundance and comprehensive blessing, which extends even to the well-being of working animals in a future era of peace. Thus, `{{H4554}}` subtly reinforces themes of divine providence, human stewardship, the ethics of hospitality, and the holistic nature of God's redemptive plan.
TRV