xlit miphreketh corrected to miphreqeth; from פָּרַק; properly, a fracture, i.e. joint (vertebrae) of the neck; neck.
Transliteration:miphreqeth
Pronunciation:mif-reh'-keth
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word מִפְרֶקֶת (miphreqeth, `{{H4665}}`) is derived from the root פָּרַק (paraq, `{{H6561}}`), which carries the primary meaning "to break," "to tear," or "to pull off." Consequently, מִפְרֶקֶת (miphreqeth) properly denotes "a fracture" or "a breaking point." In an anatomical context, it refers specifically to the "joint" or "vertebrae" of the neck. This highlights the neck not merely as a body part, but as a critical and vulnerable juncture where the head connects to the torso, a place susceptible to separation or breaking. Thus, while it can simply mean "neck," its etymological root imbues it with a connotation of fragility, vulnerability, or a point of severance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term מִפְרֶקֶת (miphreqeth, `{{H4665}}`) is notably rare in the Hebrew Bible, appearing directly in only one verse:
* [[Judges 5:30]]: In the Song of Deborah, Sisera's mother and her wise ladies anticipate the spoils of war, saying, "Are they not finding and dividing the spoil?—A girl or two for every man; spoil of dyed garments for Sisera, spoil of dyed embroidered garments, a dyed embroidered garment for the necks of the spoil." Here, מִפְרֶקֶת (miphreqeth) is used in its plural form, referring to "necks" as the anatomical location for wearing valuable garments taken as plunder. This usage emphasizes the neck as a place of adornment and status, rather than directly highlighting its vulnerability or a breaking point.
While the direct usage of `{{H4665}}` is limited to this context, the underlying concept of "breaking the neck" is significant in other biblical passages, often employing the related verb עָרַף ('arap, `{{H6202}}`). For instance, in [[Exodus 13:13]] and [[Exodus 34:20]], an unredeemed firstborn ass is to have its neck broken. Similarly, in the ritual for an unsolved murder in [[Deuteronomy 21:4]] and [[Deuteronomy 21:6]], the neck of a heifer is broken as an act of atonement. These instances, while not using `{{H4665}}` directly, illustrate the "fracture" aspect inherent in the root of מִפְרֶקֶת (miphreqeth) and underscore the neck as a critical point of life and death.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **פָּרַק (paraq, `{{H6561}}`):** This is the verbal root from which מִפְרֶקֶת (miphreqeth) is derived, meaning "to break," "to tear," or "to pull off." Understanding the root is crucial for grasping the full semantic range of the noun, even if its direct biblical occurrence does not fully express the "breaking" aspect.
* **עָרַף ('arap, `{{H6202}}`):** This verb specifically means "to break the neck" and is used in contexts of ritual sacrifice or judgment, as seen in Exodus and Deuteronomy. It highlights the vulnerability and the fatal consequence associated with the neck.
* **צַוָּאר (tsavvar, `{{H6677}}`):** This is the more common and general Hebrew word for "neck." While both `{{H4665}}` and `{{H6677}}` can be translated as "neck," מִפְרֶקֶת (miphreqeth) carries the more specific nuance of the neck as a joint or a point of potential fracture, even if its single occurrence in Judges uses it more broadly.
### Theological Significance
The concept of the "neck" in biblical thought carries significant theological weight, often symbolizing submission, stubbornness, or vulnerability. While מִפְרֶקֶת (miphreqeth) itself is used in a relatively mundane context in [[Judges 5:30]], its inherent meaning derived from "breaking" allows for deeper theological reflection:
* **Vulnerability and Life's Fragility:** The neck, as the point where life can be severed, underscores the fragility of human existence and the ultimate power of God over life and death. The "breaking point" aspect of מִפְרֶקֶת (miphreqeth) subtly points to this ultimate vulnerability.
* **Judgment and Atonement:** Though employing a different verb, the ritualistic breaking of the neck (e.g., of the heifer in Deuteronomy 21) serves as a powerful symbol of judgment and the need for atonement. The neck, as the site of this breaking, becomes a focal point for understanding the gravity of sin and the cost of expiation.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The ability to "break" or "allow to be broken" the neck of an animal or, metaphorically, a people, speaks to God's absolute sovereignty and His power to bring about judgment or deliverance.
### Summary
מִפְרֶקֶת (miphreqeth, `{{H4665}}`) is a unique Hebrew term, derived from the root "to break," which specifically denotes the "joint" or "vertebrae" of the neck. While its sole direct appearance in [[Judges 5:30]] uses it simply to refer to the "necks" of spoil for adornment, its etymology strongly suggests a deeper connotation of vulnerability and a breaking point. This underlying meaning resonates with other biblical passages that speak of "breaking the neck" as an act of judgment, atonement, or the consequence of unredeemed life. Thus, while rare, מִפְרֶקֶת (miphreqeth) subtly contributes to the biblical understanding of the neck as a critical anatomical locus, symbolizing both human fragility and the profound power of God over life and death.
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