from פָּשַׂע; a stride, i.e. (by euphemism) the crotch; buttocks.
Transliteration:miphsâʻâh
Pronunciation:mif-saw-aw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מִפְשָׂעָה (miphsâʻâh, `{{H4667}}`) is derived from the root פָּשַׂע (pasac, `{{H6465}}`), which signifies "to stride," "to step," or "to pass over." This etymological connection reveals the primary action associated with the word. However, in its substantive form, מִפְשָׂעָה takes on a euphemistic meaning, referring to the anatomical region involved in striding, specifically "the crotch" or "buttocks." This semantic shift from an action (striding) to a body part (the area enabling a stride) is a common linguistic phenomenon, particularly in ancient Near Eastern languages, where direct anatomical terms for sensitive areas were often avoided in favor of more indirect or descriptive euphemisms. Thus, while the root speaks of movement, the noun denotes the posterior or perineal region, often in contexts of exposure or shame.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word מִפְשָׂעָה (miphsâʻâh, `{{H4667}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Isaiah:
* **[[Isaiah 20:4]]**: "so the king of Assyria will lead away the captives of Egypt and the exiles of Cush, young and old, naked and barefoot, with their buttocks uncovered, to the shame of Egypt."
In this sole occurrence, the term is used in a vivid prophetic oracle concerning the impending humiliation of Egypt and Cush at the hands of the Assyrian king. The phrase "with their buttocks uncovered" (חֲשׂוּפֵי שֵׁת מִפְשָׂעָה, *ḥăśûfê šêṯ miphsâʻâh*) paints a stark picture of utter degradation and public shame. The nakedness and exposure of this intimate body part symbolize the complete loss of dignity, honor, and power. It is a visual representation of the abject state of conquered peoples, stripped of all possessions, status, and even personal modesty. The context is one of divine judgment, illustrating the futility of trusting in human alliances (like Egypt) rather than in the Lord. The scene is designed to evoke revulsion and pity, underscoring the severity of the impending judgment and the complete vulnerability of those subjected to it.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary root related to מִפְשָׂעָה (miphsâʻâh, `{{H4667}}`) is פָּשַׂע (pasac, `{{H6465}}`), meaning "to stride," "to step," or "to pass over." While this root generally refers to locomotion, its derived noun's euphemistic usage points to a broader biblical concept of nakedness and shame.
Other related Hebrew terms and concepts include:
* **עֶרְוָה** ('ervah, `{{H6172}}`): This word frequently denotes "nakedness," often with connotations of shame, disgrace, or sexual impropriety. The phrase "uncovering nakedness" (e.g., [[Leviticus 18]]) is a common idiom for sexual transgression or public humiliation.
* **בּוּשׁ** (bush, `{{H0954}}`): This verb means "to be ashamed" or "to be put to shame." It captures the emotional and social experience of disgrace, which is a direct consequence of the exposure described in [[Isaiah 20:4]].
* **שֵׁת** (sheth, `{{H8354}}`): This word appears alongside מִפְשָׂעָה in [[Isaiah 20:4]] as "buttocks" or "posterior." The combination reinforces the graphic nature of the description.
* **Disgrace and Humiliation**: Throughout the Old Testament, being stripped, exposed, or publicly shamed (e.g., [[2 Samuel 10:4]]; [[Micah 1:11]]) is a powerful symbol of divine judgment and the reversal of fortune for those who oppose God or rely on their own strength.
The use of מִפְשָׂעָה thus fits within a broader biblical lexicon where physical exposure, particularly of private parts, signifies profound vulnerability, disgrace, and the loss of divine favor or protection.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of מִפְשָׂעָה (miphsâʻâh, `{{H4667}}`) is deeply tied to its singular, powerful appearance in [[Isaiah 20:4]]. It serves as a stark visual metaphor for the consequences of human pride, misplaced trust, and rebellion against God's sovereignty.
1. **Divine Judgment and Humiliation**: The primary theological message is one of divine judgment. God, through the Assyrian king, demonstrates His absolute power over nations, reducing even mighty empires like Egypt and Cush to a state of utter powerlessness and indignity. The "uncovered buttocks" symbolize the stripping away of all human glory, pride, and self-sufficiency. It is a graphic depiction of the ultimate humiliation that awaits those who rely on worldly strength rather than on the Lord.
2. **Warning Against Misplaced Trust**: For Judah, the prophecy in Isaiah 20 served as a severe warning against forming alliances with Egypt to resist Assyria. The exposure of Egypt's "miphsâʻâh" illustrated that Egypt itself was vulnerable and could not provide the security Judah sought. True security, theologically, lay only in trusting Yahweh.
3. **The Sovereignty of God**: The prophecy underscores God's absolute control over history and nations. He uses human empires as instruments of His will, even to execute judgment that involves such profound public shame. This demonstrates that no human power, however great, can ultimately defy the divine decree.
4. **Symbol of Utter Vulnerability**: The term highlights the extreme vulnerability of the human condition when stripped of divine protection. Without God, humanity is exposed, defenseless, and subject to the most profound forms of indignity.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מִפְשָׂעָה (miphsâʻâh, `{{H4667}}`), derived from the root "to stride," functions as a euphemism for "the crotch" or "buttocks." Its singular, poignant appearance in [[Isaiah 20:4]] is profoundly significant. There, it describes the utter humiliation of Egyptian and Cushite captives led away "naked and barefoot, with their buttocks uncovered," symbolizing their complete disgrace and loss of dignity at the hands of the Assyrians. Theologically, this term serves as a powerful visual metaphor for divine judgment, demonstrating the consequences of human pride and misplaced trust in worldly powers rather than in the sovereign God. It underscores the ultimate vulnerability of those who stand against God's will, stripped of all honor and reduced to a state of abject shame.
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