The Hebrew word miphreqeth, represented by H4665, refers to the neck, specifically the joint or vertebrae. The base definition indicates it is derived from the word פָּרַק and means "a fracture, i.e. joint (vertebrae) of the neck." This term is exceptionally rare, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible, marking a singular and specific event.
The sole use of H4665 is found in the historical account of Eli's death in 1 Samuel 4:18. Upon hearing the news concerning the ark of God, Eli, who was described as an old and heavy man, fell backward off his seat by the gate. The fall resulted in his neck H4665 breaking, which caused his death. This verse concludes a significant period in Israel's history, noting that Eli had judged Israel for forty years.
The primary related word is the verb used to describe the action that befell the neck:
- H7665 shâbar (to burst; break): This primitive root describes the breaking of Eli's neck 1 Samuel 4:18. Its meaning extends beyond literal breaking to include crushing or destroying. It is used to describe the "brokenhearted" Isaiah 61:1, the "broken cisterns" that cannot hold water Jeremiah 2:13, and the "broken spirit" that is a sacrifice to God Psalms 51:17.
While H4665 itself has a limited context, the associated verb for breaking, shâbar H7665, carries significant thematic weight.
- Physical and Spiritual Consequences: The breaking of the neck is linked to judgment. Proverbs 29:1 warns that a man who "hardeneth his neck" will suddenly be destroyed H7665, creating a parallel between the physical event in 1 Samuel and the spiritual consequence of stubbornness.
- Divine Judgment: The action of breaking is often an expression of divine judgment. The Lord breaks the "arms of the wicked" Psalms 37:17, and forsaking God is compared to hewing out "broken cisterns" that are useless Jeremiah 2:13.
- Valued Humility: In a spiritual sense, being "broken" is portrayed as a positive state of humility before God. The Lord is near to those with a "broken heart" Psalms 34:18, heals them Psalms 147:3, and accepts a "broken spirit" as a true sacrifice Psalms 51:17.
In summary, miphreqeth H4665 is a precise anatomical term whose single biblical appearance marks a dramatic and final judgment. Its significance is deepened by the related verb shâbar H7665, which expands the concept of "breaking" from a physical event into a powerful theological metaphor for judgment, consequence, and the humble spiritual state that God honors. The story of the broken neck in 1 Samuel 4:18 serves as a stark, literal anchor for this broader biblical theme.
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