the same as מִפְקָד; assignment; Miphkad, the name of a gate in Jerusalem; Miphkad.
Transliteration:Miphqâd
Pronunciation:mif-kawd'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מִפְקָד (Miphqâd, `{{H4663}}`) is derived from the root פָּקַד (pāqad, `{{H6486}}`), which carries a rich semantic range encompassing "to visit, to attend to, to muster, to number, to appoint, to assign, to command, or to oversee." As a noun, מִפְקָד can signify a "muster," "census," "appointed place," or "assignment." While the lemma itself can denote these abstract concepts, its most prominent usage in the Hebrew Bible is as a proper noun, "Miphkad," referring specifically to a gate in Jerusalem. This proper noun usage suggests a place that may have been associated with mustering, official assignments, or a designated gathering point, reflecting the underlying meaning of its root.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The primary biblical occurrence of מִפְקָד (Miphqâd, `{{H4663}}`) as a proper noun is found in [[Nehemiah 3:31]]. In this passage, it refers to the "Gate of Miphkad" (שַׁעַר הַמִּפְקָד), which is mentioned during the detailed account of the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and gates under Nehemiah. The verse states, "After him Malchijah, one of the goldsmiths, repaired as far as the house of the temple servants and of the merchants, in front of the Gate of Miphkad, and to the upper room of the corner."
This context is crucial. The book of Nehemiah meticulously records the communal effort in restoring the physical infrastructure of Jerusalem, which was vital for the re-establishment of the post-exilic Jewish community's identity and security. The mention of the "Gate of Miphkad" alongside other significant gates (e.g., Sheep Gate, Fish Gate, Old Gate, Fountain Gate, Horse Gate, East Gate) indicates its specific geographical location within the city's defenses. The fact that goldsmiths and merchants were responsible for its repair might suggest its proximity to commercial districts or areas associated with specific trades, or perhaps simply a division of labor among various guilds. Its inclusion in this detailed list underscores its functional importance in the restored city.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the verbal root פָּקַד (pāqad, `{{H6486}}`), from which מִפְקָד (Miphqâd, `{{H4663}}`) is derived. This root is highly significant in biblical theology, conveying concepts of:
* **Divine Visitation:** God "visiting" His people for blessing ([[Genesis 21:1]]) or judgment ([[Exodus 32:34]]).
* **Appointment/Commission:** God "appointing" individuals to specific roles or duties ([[Numbers 27:16]]).
* **Muster/Census:** The "numbering" or "mustering" of people, often for military or administrative purposes ([[Numbers 1:3]]).
* **Oversight/Responsibility:** The act of taking charge or being responsible for something or someone.
Other related nouns from this root include:
* מִפְקָד (mifqād, `{{H4662}}`), a noun also meaning "muster" or "census," indicating the close semantic connection and shared etymology. Indeed, the definition of `{{H4663}}` notes it is "the same as מִפְקָד," suggesting a direct identity or very close relationship.
* פָּקִיד (pāqîd, `{{H6485}}`), meaning "overseer" or "officer."
* פְּקֻדָּה (pĕqûddāh, `{{H6487}}`), meaning "oversight, charge, appointment, or punishment."
The concept of "gates" in Jerusalem also holds significant meaning, serving as points of entry and exit, defense, commerce, and even judicial proceedings. Each gate often bore a name reflecting its function, location, or a notable event. The "Gate of Miphkad" thus fits into this broader symbolic landscape of Jerusalem's gates.
### Theological Significance
While primarily a proper noun for a physical gate, the underlying etymology of מִפְקָד (Miphqâd, `{{H4663}}`) imbues it with subtle theological resonance.
1. **Divine Order and Oversight:** The root פָּקַד (pāqad, `{{H6486}}`) frequently describes God's active involvement in human affairs. He is the one who "visits," "appoints," and "numbers." The "Gate of Miphkad" could, by its very name, subtly evoke this divine principle of order, divine assignment, and meticulous oversight, even within the mundane task of rebuilding. It suggests that even the physical infrastructure of the holy city was subject to divine appointment and purpose.
2. **Rebuilding and Restoration:** The context in Nehemiah is one of profound restoration—not just of walls, but of the covenant community's identity and security. The meticulous detail in listing each gate and its repairers highlights the divine guidance and human diligence involved in this process. The "Gate of Miphkad" represents a specific, divinely purposed point within this larger work of restoration, symbolizing the re-establishment of order and function within the holy city.
3. **Human Responsibility and Commission:** The name "Miphkad" (assignment/muster) also points to human responsibility. The goldsmiths and merchants were "assigned" their portion of the wall to repair. This gate, perhaps a place of "assignment" or "muster," becomes a tangible reminder of the individual and communal responsibility in fulfilling God's directives. It underscores that God's grand plan for His people often unfolds through the faithful, diligent execution of specific, even seemingly ordinary, tasks by His servants.
### Summary
מִפְקָד (Miphqâd, `{{H4663}}`) is primarily identified as the "Gate of Miphkad" in Jerusalem, a significant landmark mentioned in [[Nehemiah 3:31]] during the post-exilic rebuilding efforts. Its name is derived from the Hebrew root פָּקַד (pāqad, `{{H6486}}`), meaning "to visit, appoint, muster, or assign." This etymological connection suggests that the gate may have served as a place for official gatherings, a census, or the assignment of duties. Theologically, the "Gate of Miphkad" subtly points to the divine order and oversight inherent in God's plan for His people, particularly in the context of Jerusalem's restoration. It also underscores the importance of human responsibility and faithful execution of divinely assigned tasks, symbolizing the meticulous and purposeful rebuilding of both the physical city and the spiritual community under God's watchful eye.
TRV