feminine of מַלְכוּ; enumeration; Mispereth, an Israelite; Mispereth. Compare מֶלְתָּחָה.
Transliteration:Miçpereth
Pronunciation:mis-peh'-reth
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H4559, *Miçpereth* (מִסְפֶּרֶת), is primarily a proper noun, identifying an individual. According to the provided base definition, it is described as "feminine of מַלְכוּ; enumeration; Mispereth, an Israelite; Mispereth. Compare מֶלְתָּחָה." While the derivation from מַלְכוּ (malku, meaning "kingdom" or "royalty") appears incongruous with the meaning "enumeration," the more widely accepted and contextually appropriate etymology links *Miçpereth* to the Hebrew root סָפַר (sapar, `{{H5608}}`), meaning "to count, number, recount, or tell." Thus, the name *Miçpereth* itself signifies "enumeration" or "counting." Its semantic range is therefore confined to its identity as a proper noun, yet its inherent meaning points to concepts of precise record-keeping, order, and the act of numbering.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The proper noun *Miçpereth* (H4559) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Nehemiah.
* [[Nehemiah 7:7]]: "These are the men of the province who came up out of the captivity of those who had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away, and who returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to his own town. They came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:"
In this sole occurrence, Mispereth is listed among the twelve prominent leaders who returned from the Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel. This list serves as a crucial historical and genealogical record, documenting those who were instrumental in the re-establishment of the Jewish community in Judah. The context of this verse is a detailed census of the returning exiles, meticulously enumerating families, cities, and professions. It is highly fitting that an individual named "Enumeration" or "Counting" would be associated with such a vital and precise task of documentation and organization for the nascent post-exilic community. This name underscores the importance of accurate records and the divine Providence in gathering and identifying the scattered remnant of Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary conceptual links for H4559 stem from its etymological root and its contextual usage:
* **Root:** סָפַר (sapar, `{{H5608}}`): This verb is foundational, meaning "to count, number, recount, tell, or write." It is widely used across the Old Testament in contexts of census-taking, narrating events, and recording information.
* **Noun:** מִסְפָּר (mispar, `{{H4557}}`): This noun directly means "number" or "quantity." It is a common term for numerical counts and totals. Notably, the parallel passage in [[Ezra 2:2]] lists "Mispar" instead of "Mispereth" among the returning leaders, suggesting either a variant spelling of the same name or a direct use of the common noun "number" as a proper name. This reinforces the strong connection between *Miçpereth* and the concept of counting.
* **Concepts:** The name *Miçpereth* evokes broader biblical concepts such as:
* **Census and Genealogy:** The meticulous record-keeping of lineages (e.g., Numbers, Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah) was crucial for establishing identity, tribal affiliation, and priestly legitimacy in ancient Israel.
* **Divine Knowledge and Providence:** The idea that God "numbers" His people ([[Psalm 147:4]], [[Matthew 10:30]]) signifies His intimate knowledge, care, and sovereign oversight over each individual and the collective community.
* **Order and Organization:** The act of counting implies structure and order, essential for the rebuilding of a society and the re-establishment of religious practices.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H4559, *Miçpereth*, though tied to a single proper noun, is profound when viewed through the lens of its etymological meaning within its biblical context. The very name "Enumeration" or "Counting" for a leader in the post-exilic community highlights several key theological themes:
1. **God's Meticulous Care and Preservation:** The detailed lists of returning exiles, including a leader named "Mispereth," underscore God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people. Even after generations of exile and dispersion, God knew and accounted for those who would return to rebuild Jerusalem. This reflects a divine omniscience and meticulous care, ensuring the continuity of the chosen lineage and the fulfillment of His promises.
2. **The Importance of Identity and Lineage:** In the post-exilic period, establishing clear genealogies was paramount for land claims, tribal affiliations, and especially for priestly service. The name *Miçpereth* serves as a symbolic reminder of the critical importance of these records in maintaining the purity and identity of the restored community, which ultimately points towards the lineage of the Messiah.
3. **Divine Order in Restoration:** The return from exile was not chaotic but an ordered, divinely orchestrated event. The presence of leaders and the meticulous numbering of the returnees signify God's hand in bringing order out of disorder, laying the groundwork for a renewed covenant relationship and the rebuilding of the temple and city walls. The name *Miçpereth* embodies this principle of divine organization.
4. **The Value of Each Individual:** While a census might seem impersonal, the biblical emphasis on numbering often conveys God's personal knowledge and value of each person within the community. Just as God numbers the stars, He numbers His people, demonstrating that no one is forgotten in His grand plan of redemption.
### Summary
H4559, *Miçpereth* (מִסְפֶּרֶת), is a unique proper noun appearing solely in [[Nehemiah 7:7]]. It designates one of the twelve prominent leaders who returned from Babylonian captivity with Zerubbabel, instrumental in the re-establishment of the Jewish community in Judah. While the provided base definition includes an unusual link to מַלְכוּ, its consistent meaning and etymology derive from the Hebrew root סָפַר (`{{H5608}}`), meaning "to count" or "to number." Thus, the name *Miçpereth* itself signifies "enumeration" or "counting," a fitting appellation for an individual involved in the crucial task of documenting the returning exiles. Theologically, this name, within its context of a detailed census, underscores God's meticulous care, His preservation of His people, the vital importance of identity and lineage in the covenant community, and the divine order inherent in the restoration of Israel.
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