### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **miphtân**, represented by `{{H4670}}`, refers to a **threshold** or sill. It appears **8 times** across **8 unique verses** in the Bible. This term designates a critical boundary or entryway, often associated with a house, temple, or gate. Its meaning extends beyond a simple architectural feature to a place of significant spiritual activity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H4670}}` marks a location of divine encounter and judgment. In the vision of Ezekiel, the glory of the LORD moves to the **threshold** of the house before judgment begins ([[Ezekiel 9:3]], [[Ezekiel 10:4]]) and later departs from that same **threshold** [[Ezekiel 10:18]]. It is also the point from which life-giving waters flow from the house [[Ezekiel 47:1]]. In a starkly different context, the idol Dagon is found broken upon the **threshold** before the ark of the LORD, with his head and hands cut off [[1 Samuel 5:4]]. This event leads to a tradition where Dagon’s priests refuse to tread on the **threshold** of his house [[1 Samuel 5:5]]. Furthermore, Zephaniah foretells punishment for those who "leap on the **threshold**," filling their masters' houses with violence and deceit [[Zephaniah 1:9]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the architectural and symbolic context of the threshold:
* `{{H1004}}` **bayith** (house): This term for a **house** or family dwelling is frequently the location of a **threshold**. It is at the **threshold** of the **house** of the LORD that His glory is seen, and at the **threshold** of Dagon's **house** that the idol is judged ([[Ezekiel 10:4]], [[1 Samuel 5:5]]).
* `{{H1869}}` **dârak** (to tread): This word means to **tread** or walk. Its significance is highlighted in the account of Dagon, where his priests specifically avoid treading on the **threshold** after the idol's humiliation, marking it as a place of judgment [[1 Samuel 5:5]].
* `{{H8179}}` **shaʻar** (gate): A **gate** or opening is another primary location for a **threshold**. In Ezekiel's vision, the prince is to worship at the **threshold** of the **gate**, indicating its function as a formal place of access and worship [[Ezekiel 46:2]].
* `{{H4201}}` **mᵉzûwzâh** (door-post): As a prominent **door-post**, this word denotes the vertical frame of an entryway. It appears alongside the **threshold** where the prince stands by the **post** of the gate to worship, illustrating the key components of a sacred entrance [[Ezekiel 46:2]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4670}}` is evident in its use as a spiritual boundary.
* **A Stage for Divine Glory:** The **threshold** serves as a focal point for the movement of God's presence. The glory of the LORD is positioned over the **threshold** of the house before departing, marking it as the final point of contact between God and the sanctuary ([[Ezekiel 10:4]], [[Ezekiel 10:18]]).
* **A Place of Judgment:** The **threshold** is where divine power confronts and overcomes pagan deities. Dagon's destruction upon the **threshold** demonstrates the supremacy of the LORD over false gods right at the entrance to their own domain [[1 Samuel 5:4]].
* **A Site of Consecrated Action:** The proper crossing of a **threshold** is linked to worship and reverence, as when the prince worships there [[Ezekiel 46:2]]. Conversely, acts like "leaping on the **threshold**" are associated with sin and violence, showing that how one navigates these boundaries has moral and spiritual consequences [[Zephaniah 1:9]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4670}}` is far more than a physical sill. It functions as a potent symbol in Scripture, representing a critical transitional space. Whether as the location where God's glory dwells and departs, where false idols are broken, or where acts of worship and desecration occur, the **threshold** is a boundary where the sacred and profane meet, and where divine judgment and presence are made manifest.
TRV