### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun מִפְלָט (miphlâṭ, H4655) is derived from the verbal root פָּלַט (pālaṭ, H6403), which carries the primary meaning "to escape," "to slip away," or "to deliver." As a noun, מִפְלָט signifies "an escape," "a deliverance," or the act of escaping. It encapsulates the outcome or means by which one is extricated from danger, distress, or an undesirable situation. The root's active sense of "bringing forth" or "delivering" is retained, implying not merely a passive slipping away but often an active intervention, particularly when God is the agent. Thus, מִפְלָט denotes the state of having been delivered or the very act of deliverance itself, often implying a narrow or timely rescue.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term מִפְלָט (miphlâṭ, H4655) appears infrequently in the Hebrew Bible, occurring in only two distinct contexts, yet each instance powerfully illustrates its semantic range:
1. **[[Psalm 32:7]]**: "You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance (מִפְלָט)." In this verse, the psalmist expresses profound trust in Yahweh as his ultimate refuge. The "songs of deliverance" (רָנֵּי מִפְלָט, *rannê miphlâṭ*) refer to the joyful anthems sung in response to God's active rescue and protection. Here, מִפְלָט denotes the *result* or *experience* of divine deliverance, a cause for exultant praise. It highlights God's role as the active agent who provides escape from affliction and distress, transforming the experience of trouble into an occasion for worship and testimony. The context is one of a believer confessing sin and experiencing God's forgiveness and subsequent protection, demonstrating that divine deliverance extends beyond physical peril to spiritual and emotional well-being.
2. **[[Job 11:20]]**: "But the eyes of the wicked will fail, and escape (מִפְלָט) will perish from them; their hope will be a expiring of breath." In this declaration by Zophar, a friend of Job, מִפְלָט is contrasted with the fate of the wicked. Here, it refers to the *possibility* or *means* of escape from divine judgment or the consequences of their actions. The verse asserts that for the unrighteous, all avenues of escape will be closed off, and their hope will vanish like a final breath. This usage underscores the concept of divine justice, where the wicked are ultimately denied any refuge or deliverance from their deserved fate. The absence of מִפְפְלָט for the wicked serves as a stark warning, emphasizing the futility of their aspirations without God's favor.
These two occurrences, though few, provide a clear dichotomy: God is the source of deliverance for the righteous, leading to praise, while the wicked are utterly devoid of any means of escape from their impending doom.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root פָּלַט (pālaṭ, H6403), from which מִפְלָט is directly derived. This verb frequently appears in contexts of divine rescue, as seen in [[Psalm 18:48]] ("He delivers me from my enemies") or [[Psalm 40:17]] ("You are my help and my deliverer").
Other lexemes that share a thematic connection with מִפְלָט include:
* יְשׁוּעָה (yeshûʿāh, H3444), meaning "salvation" or "deliverance," a broader term encompassing spiritual and physical rescue.
* נָצַל (nāṣal, H5337), a verb meaning "to snatch away," "to deliver," or "to rescue."
* מַחְסֶה (maḥseh, H4268), "refuge" or "shelter," denoting a place of safety.
* מִקְלָט (miqlāṭ, H4733), "refuge" or "asylum," specifically referring to the cities of refuge.
* מָעוֹז (māʿôz, H4581), "stronghold" or "fortress," a place of security.
While these terms often describe the *place* or *act* of protection, מִפְלָט specifically emphasizes the *outcome* or *experience* of escape from danger, often implying a narrow or timely deliverance. It highlights the divine intervention that turns a perilous situation into one of safety.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of מִפְלָט (miphlâṭ, H4655) is profound, particularly given its limited but impactful usage. It underscores two critical aspects of biblical theology:
1. **God as the Sovereign Deliverer:** In [[Psalm 32:7]], God is unequivocally presented as the source of escape. This aligns with the pervasive biblical theme of Yahweh as the Protector and Rescuer of His people. The "songs of deliverance" are not merely expressions of relief but acts of worship that acknowledge God's active role in providing a way out of trouble. This concept reinforces divine omnipotence and faithfulness, assuring believers that in times of distress, God is their ultimate refuge and provider of escape. It speaks to the covenantal relationship where God commits to preserving and rescuing His own.
2. **Divine Justice and the Fate of the Wicked:** [[Job 11:20]] offers a stark counterpoint, revealing that for the wicked, there is no escape. This verse serves as a theological statement on divine justice, where those who reject God's ways are ultimately denied any avenue of escape from the consequences of their unrighteousness. The perishing of "escape" for the wicked signifies the absolute nature of God's judgment and the futility of seeking refuge apart from Him. It highlights the biblical truth that God's deliverance is extended to the righteous, while judgment awaits those who persist in rebellion.
Thus, מִפְלָט encapsulates both the hope of the righteous and the despair of the wicked, revealing God's character as both a merciful Savior and a just Judge.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מִפְלָט (miphlâṭ, H4655) signifies "an escape" or "deliverance," stemming from the root פָּלָט (H6403) meaning "to escape" or "to deliver." Though appearing only twice in the Old Testament, its usage is highly significant. In [[Psalm 32:7]], it describes the joyful "songs of deliverance" that arise from God's active rescue of the righteous, portraying Him as the ultimate source of refuge and protection. Conversely, [[Job 11:20]] declares that "escape" will perish for the wicked, emphasizing the certainty of divine judgment and the absence of any refuge for those who oppose God. Therefore, מִפְלָט powerfully encapsulates the theological truth that God is the sovereign Deliverer for those who trust in Him, while simultaneously revealing the inescapable consequences for the unrighteous. It speaks to God's control over destiny, providing hope and security for the faithful and underscoring the finality of His justice for the wicked.
TRV