from פָּרַץlemma פּרַץ missing vowel, corrected to פָּרַץ; a break (in the shore), i.e. a haven; breach.
Transliteration:miphrâts
Pronunciation:mif-rawts'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word miphrâts (`{{H4664}}`) is a masculine noun derived from the verbal root פָּרָץ (`{{H6555}}`), which fundamentally means "to break forth," "to break through," or "to burst open." This root can denote a violent breaking (e.g., a wall being breached) or a forceful breaking out (e.g., a flood breaking forth). When applied to miphrâts, the "break" refers specifically to a geographical feature: a "break in the shore." This "break" forms a natural indentation, an inlet, or a bay, which can serve as a "haven" or "port." Thus, the semantic range of miphrâts encompasses both the physical concept of a "breach" and the resulting geographical feature that offers shelter, namely an "inlet," "bay," or "haven."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word miphrâts (`{{H4664}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in the Song of Deborah and Barak:
* **[[Judges 5:17]]**: "Gilead stayed beyond the Jordan. And Dan, why did he remain in ships? Asher sat still at the seashore and stayed by his **inlets**."
In this passage, the Song of Deborah recounts the tribes who responded to the call to battle against Sisera and those who did not. The tribe of Asher is singled out for its inaction. While other tribes like Zebulun and Naphtali "jeoparded their lives unto the death" ([[Judges 5:18]]), Asher "sat still at the seashore and stayed by his inlets." The context implies that Asher's proximity to the sea and their comfortable dwelling in their secure "inlets" led to their complacency and unwillingness to participate in the divinely-ordained conflict. The "inlets" here are not merely geographical features but become emblematic of Asher's self-contained existence and their failure to join the collective struggle for Israel's freedom. This verse contrasts the sheltered existence of Asher with the perilous commitment of others, highlighting a lack of solidarity and obedience.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root verb פָּרָץ (`{{H6555}}`). This root is prolific in the Hebrew Bible, appearing in various contexts:
* Breaking out of boundaries or breaking through obstacles (e.g., [[Genesis 38:29]] where Perez gets his name, meaning "breakthrough").
* Breaking down or tearing apart (e.g., [[Nehemiah 4:7]] regarding breaches in the wall of Jerusalem).
* Breaking forth in prosperity or blessing (e.g., [[1 Chronicles 13:11]] where God "burst forth" upon Uzza, but also [[Exodus 1:12]] where the Israelites "spread out" or "broke forth").
Other words related to "haven" or "coast":
* חֹף (`{{H2348}}`): "coast" or "shore," a more general term for the land bordering the sea.
* לִמְנָה (`{{H3970}}`): Specifically denotes a "haven" or "port," as seen in [[Genesis 49:13]] describing Zebulun's dwelling place. While miphrâts describes the natural geographical feature, לִמְנָה often implies a place of docking or shelter for ships.
Concepts related to miphrâts in its sole context include:
* **Security and Shelter:** An inlet naturally provides protection from open seas.
* **Isolation and Inaction:** In [[Judges 5:17]], this security leads to a withdrawal from communal responsibility.
* **Geographic Identity:** The coastal location of Asher's tribe.
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular occurrence, miphrâts carries significant theological weight within the narrative of [[Judges 5]].
1. **The Call to Corporate Action vs. Self-Preservation:** The "inlets" of Asher symbolize a place of safety and comfort that became a hindrance to fulfilling their divine obligation. God's people are often called to step out of their secure "havens" and engage in the struggles of faith and obedience, even when it involves risk. Asher's staying by their miphrâts represents a failure to answer this call, prioritizing their own perceived security over the unity and deliverance of Israel.
2. **The Peril of Complacency:** The passage subtly critiques spiritual complacency. While a physical "haven" is beneficial, a spiritual "haven" that breeds inaction can be detrimental to the community and to one's own spiritual vitality. Asher's comfortable retreat contrasts sharply with the courageous sacrifice of other tribes, underscoring that blessings and geographical advantages do not exempt one from the demands of covenant faithfulness.
3. **Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility:** The Song of Deborah celebrates God's victory through human agents. Those who remained in their miphrâts failed to participate in God's redemptive work. This highlights the tension between God's sovereign plan and the human responsibility to respond in obedience and faith. The secure "inlet" becomes a metaphor for a life unengaged with God's purposes.
### Summary
The Hebrew word miphrâts (`{{H4664}}`), derived from פָּרָץ (`{{H6555}}`) meaning "to break forth," refers to a "break" in the shoreline, forming an "inlet" or "haven." Its sole biblical appearance in [[Judges 5:17]] describes the tribe of Asher remaining in their "inlets" during the crucial battle against Sisera. This context transforms miphrâts from a mere geographical term into a powerful symbol of complacency and a failure to participate in God's redemptive work. Asher's choice to remain in their secure "haven" underscores the theological tension between personal comfort and the corporate responsibility to answer God's call to action, serving as a subtle yet potent commentary on the dangers of spiritual inertia within the covenant community.
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