from an unused root meaning to balance; a poising; balancing.
Transliteration:miphlâs
Pronunciation:mif-lawce'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun `{{H4657}}` (מִפְלָשׂ, *miphlâs*) is derived from an unused root that conveys the core idea of "to balance" or "to weigh." As a noun, miphlâs therefore signifies "a poising," "balancing," or "a level." It encapsulates the concept of equilibrium, careful measurement, or the state of being made level or straight. This implies a sense of precision, stability, and a deliberate ordering, whether in a physical or metaphorical sense. While the root itself is not attested in the biblical text, its meaning is clearly understood from related verbal forms and the noun's usage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H4657}}` (מִפְלָשׂ, *miphlâs*) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, specifically in [[Proverbs 5:6]]. The verse reads: "Lest she should ponder the path of life, her ways are unstable, that thou canst not know them" (KJV). Other translations render miphlâs as "level" or "make straight."
In this solitary occurrence, miphlâs is used in a negative construction, describing the actions of the adulteress: "She does not ponder the path of life" (ESV). The phrase implies a lack of careful consideration, a failure to weigh or straighten her actions according to a righteous standard. Her path is not balanced or level; it is erratic, winding, and ultimately leads away from life. This single usage highlights the importance of deliberate, righteous conduct as opposed to the unprincipled, wandering course of sin. The absence of miphlâs in her life signifies a profound moral instability and a lack of discernment regarding the consequences of her choices.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relative to `{{H4657}}` (מִפְלָשׂ, *miphlâs*) is the verb `{{H6424}}` (פָּלַס, *palas*), from which miphlâs is derived. The verb palas means "to weigh," "to make level," or "to ponder." This verbal form appears in various contexts:
* In [[Proverbs 4:26]], the wise father admonishes his son, "Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established." Here, palas emphasizes careful and deliberate consideration of one's actions and direction in life.
* [[Isaiah 26:7]] states, "The path of the just is uprightness; thou, most upright, dost make level the path of the just." Here, God is depicted as the one who levels or makes straight the path for the righteous, ensuring their stability.
* [[Psalm 78:50]] uses palas in the sense of "making a path clear" for God's wrath.
The conceptual field surrounding miphlâs and palas includes:
* **Justice and Equity:** The idea of weighing and balancing is fundamental to justice, ensuring fairness and impartiality.
* **Wisdom and Discernment:** To "ponder" or "weigh" one's path requires wisdom, careful thought, and moral discernment.
* **Moral Integrity:** A "level" or "straight" path symbolizes righteousness, consistency, and adherence to divine standards.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** God is often portrayed as the ultimate weigher of actions and the one who establishes true paths ([[1 Samuel 2:3]], [[Job 31:6]], [[Proverbs 16:11]]).
### Theological Significance
The solitary appearance of `{{H4657}}` (מִפְלָשׂ, *miphlâs*) in [[Proverbs 5:6]] carries significant theological weight by highlighting the contrast between wisdom and folly, righteousness and sin. The absence of miphlâs in the adulteress's life underscores a profound moral deficiency: she does not operate according to God's standards of balance and truth. Her ways are not carefully weighed or straightened; they are chaotic and deceptive, leading to destruction.
Theologically, miphlâs points to the divine attribute of perfect justice and discernment. God is the one who "weighs the spirits" ([[Proverbs 16:2]]) and whose "balances are just" ([[Proverbs 16:11]]). Humanity is called to emulate this divine standard in their own lives, to "ponder" their paths and ensure they are "level" and straight before God. The lack of miphlâs in [[Proverbs 5:6]] serves as a stark warning against a life lived without careful, God-centered consideration and adherence to His righteous ways. It emphasizes that true life is found on a path that is thoughtfully chosen, balanced, and aligned with divine wisdom, in contrast to the unprincipled and destructive path of the wicked.
### Summary
`{{H4657}}` (מִפְלָשׂ, *miphlâs*) is a rare but potent Hebrew noun meaning "a poising" or "balancing," derived from a root signifying "to weigh" or "to make level." Its sole appearance in [[Proverbs 5:6]] describes the adulteress's failure to "ponder" or "level" her path, indicating a lack of discernment and moral stability. This word is intrinsically linked to the verb `{{H6424}}` (palas), which frequently denotes careful consideration, weighing, or making a path straight, often in the context of righteous living. Theologically, miphlâs underscores the divine standard of justice, truth, and careful discernment, contrasting the ordered path of wisdom with the chaotic and destructive ways of sin. It serves as a call to live a life characterized by thoughtful, righteous choices, aligning one's path with God's perfect balance and truth.
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