מֹצָה

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word Môtsâh, represented by H4681, is the name for Mozah, a place in Palestine. The term is defined as "drained." It appears only 1 time across 1 unique verse in the entire Bible, making it an exceedingly rare term.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The sole biblical reference to H4681 occurs in the book of Joshua. It is mentioned in a list of cities that were part of the inheritance allotted to a tribe of Israel. The verse simply lists it alongside two other towns: "And Mizpeh, and Chephirah, and Mozah" Joshua 18:26. The word does not appear in any other narrative or descriptive context.

Related Words & Concepts

Since H4681 appears only once, its context is defined by the other locations mentioned in the same verse. These related places provide a geographical and historical framework:

• H4708 Mitspeh (Mizpeh, watch tower): This was a significant location in Israel's history, mentioned as a place where Samuel judged the people 1 Samuel 7:6 and where the people of Israel gathered 1 Samuel 7:5.
• H3716 Kᵉphîyrâh (Chephirah): This name, defined as "the village," appears in several lists of cities alongside Mozah. It is mentioned in census records after the exile, such as in Ezra Ezra 2:25 and Nehemiah Nehemiah 7:29.

Theological Significance

The significance of H4681 is not derived from any direct theological teaching but from its role within the biblical record.

• Geographical Record: Its inclusion in the list of cities in Joshua serves as a historical and geographical marker, documenting the specific fulfillment of the land allotment to the tribes of Israel Joshua 18:26.
• Historical Context: While Mozah itself is not connected to any specific events, its presence in the biblical text grounds the scriptures in a real-world, historical setting alongside more prominent locations like Mizpeh.

Summary

In summary, H4681 is a specific place name, Mozah, that appears once in scripture. Its meaning is tied entirely to its singular mention in a list of cities in Joshua 18:26. Unlike its neighboring towns of Mizpeh and Chephirah, Mozah has no associated narrative, making its contribution to the biblical text a purely geographical and historical one within the record of Israel's inheritance.