### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun מִסְפָּחָה (miçpâchâh), Strong's number `{{H4555}}`, is derived from the root סָפַח (saphach), which fundamentally conveys the idea of "to join," "to cling," or "to spread out." From this base, מִסְפָּחָה (miçpâchâh) denotes something that is spread out or attached, specifically a "veil" or "kerchief." The core meaning thus points to a covering, typically for the head or face, designed to be spread over a surface. Unlike a simple piece of fabric, the etymological connection to "spreading out" suggests a garment specifically fashioned to envelop or conceal, often with a particular purpose.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word מִסְפָּחָה (miçpâchâh) appears exclusively twice in the Hebrew Bible, both within the book of Ezekiel, and both times in a highly specific and condemnatory context:
* [[Ezekiel 13:18]]: "Thus says the Lord GOD: Woe to the women who sew magic bands upon all wrists, and make veils (מִסְפָּחָה) for the heads of persons of every stature, in order to hunt souls!"
* [[Ezekiel 13:21]]: "I will tear off your magic bands and deliver my people from your hand, and they shall no longer be prey in your hand. And I will tear off your veils (מִסְפָּחָה) and deliver my people from your hand, and they shall no longer be prey in your hand. And you shall know that I am the LORD."
In these passages, Ezekiel pronounces a divine indictment against false prophetesses who engage in sorcery and spiritual manipulation. The "veils" (מִסְפָּחָה) are not ordinary articles of clothing but are explicitly linked with "magic bands" and are instruments used "to hunt souls" (לְצוֹדֵד נְפָשׁוֹת). This phrase implies a predatory spiritual activity, where the prophetesses ensnare and control people through their deceptive practices. The Lord's declaration to "tear off" (קָרַע) these veils signifies His powerful intervention to dismantle their sorcerous influence, expose their falsehood, and liberate His people from their spiritual bondage. The context reveals that these were not mere fashion accessories but tools of divination and spiritual oppression.
### Related Words & Concepts
The root of מִסְפָּחָה (miçpâchâh) is `{{H5596}}` סָפַח (saphach), which can mean to add, join, cling, or even be swept away. The sense of "spreading out" for covering is a specialized application. Other Hebrew terms for "veil" or "covering" exist, each with distinct nuances and contexts:
* `{{H6777}}` צָמָה (tzamah): A veil, often associated with a bride, as seen in [[Song of Solomon 4:1]], [[Song of Solomon 4:3]].
* `{{H7479}}` רַעַלָה (ra'alah): A thin, shimmering veil, mentioned in [[Isaiah 3:19]] among items of female adornment.
* `{{H6809}}` צָעִיף (tza'if): A more general term for a veil or shawl, famously worn by Rebekah ([[Genesis 24:65]]) and Tamar ([[Genesis 38:14]], [[Genesis 38:19]]).
* `{{H4304}}` מִטְפַּחַת (mitpachat): A shawl or wrap, as given by Boaz to Ruth ([[Ruth 3:15]]).
What distinguishes מִסְפָּחָה (miçpâchâh) from these other terms is its unique and pejorative association with magical practices and spiritual deception, found only in the condemnatory prophecies of Ezekiel. It lacks the neutral or positive connotations of modesty or beauty often associated with other types of veils.
### Theological Significance
The specific use of מִסְפָּחָה (miçpâchâh) in Ezekiel carries profound theological weight. It serves as a powerful symbol of spiritual deception and the insidious nature of false prophecy. These "veils" represent the spiritual blindness and ensnarement imposed by those who claim to speak for God but operate out of their own deceitful hearts. The phrase "to hunt souls" underscores the predatory and destructive intent behind such practices, revealing that false prophecy is not merely an error in judgment but an active pursuit to control and exploit the spiritual lives of others.
God's decisive action to "tear off" these veils signifies His righteous judgment against all forms of spiritual manipulation. It highlights His sovereignty in exposing falsehood, liberating the oppressed, and restoring clarity to those who have been spiritually blinded. This passage is a stern warning against those who would exploit religious authority for personal gain or to wield illegitimate power over others. It also emphasizes God's unwavering commitment to the freedom and spiritual well-being of His people, demonstrating that He will actively intervene to dismantle the instruments of deception and bring light where there is darkness. The narrative reinforces the critical importance of discernment within the community of faith, urging believers to test all spirits and words against the revealed truth of God.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מִסְפָּחָה (miçpâchâh), Strong's number `{{H4555}}`, denotes a "veil" or "kerchief," derived from the root meaning "to spread out" or "to attach." Its significance is almost entirely defined by its two sole occurrences in [[Ezekiel 13:18]] and [[Ezekiel 13:21]]. In this context, מִסְפָּחָה (miçpâchâh) refers not to an ordinary garment but to "magic veils" used by false prophetesses to "hunt souls" through sorcery and spiritual manipulation. Unlike other Hebrew terms for veils, this word is uniquely associated with deceptive and destructive spiritual practices. Theologically, it symbolizes the ensnaring power of false prophecy, against which God declares His judgment, promising to "tear off" these veils and liberate His people. Thus, מִסְפָּחָה (miçpâchâh) stands as a potent biblical reminder of the dangers of spiritual falsehood and God's ultimate triumph over all forms of deception.
TRV