### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mitsʻâd**, represented by `{{H4703}}`, refers to a **step** or **going**. It appears only **3 times** in **3 unique verses**, yet it carries significant weight. Its definition encompasses not just a physical step, but figuratively also a person's life journey and even **companionship**, illustrating a path that is walked or directed.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H4703}}` is applied in both theological and political contexts. In Psalms, it is used to describe how the **steps** of a good man are ordered by the LORD [[Psalms 37:23]]. Proverbs expands on this theme of divine sovereignty, stating that a man's **goings** are of the LORD and questioning how a person can truly understand their own path [[Proverbs 20:24]]. In a different context, Daniel uses the term to describe conquered nations being "at his **steps**," implying they are under the control and direction of a powerful ruler [[Daniel 11:43]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concept of a divinely guided path:
* `{{H3068}}` **Yᵉhôvâh** (the Lord): This is the Jewish national name of God, the self-Existent or Eternal One who directs man's steps. His guidance is a central theme, as seen in the call to "Trust in the **LORD** with all thine heart" [[Proverbs 3:5]].
* `{{H3559}}` **kûwn** (to be erect, to set up, order): This word describes the action of establishing or directing. In the context of a person's life, it is the LORD who **directeth** his steps [[Proverbs 16:9]].
* `{{H1870}}` **derek** (a road, a course of life): This word for "way" is often used alongside `{{H4703}}` to describe the path of one's life. The LORD promises to lead His people "by the **way** that thou shouldest go" [[Isaiah 48:17]].
* `{{H995}}` **bîyn** (to separate mentally, understand): This word is used to highlight the limitation of human perception in contrast to God's sovereignty. Solomon prayed for an understanding heart to **discern** between good and bad [[1 Kings 3:9]], a faculty man lacks when trying to fully grasp his own divinely ordered path [[Proverbs 20:24]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4703}}` is centered on God's sovereignty over the lives of individuals.
* **Divine Ordering:** The primary theological point is that a person's life path is not random but is established and made firm by a higher power. The **steps** of a good man are explicitly "ordered" by the LORD [[Psalms 37:23]].
* **Sovereignty and Human Understanding:** The word is used to pose a fundamental question about the nature of free will and divine will. If a man's **goings** are from the LORD, the ability for that man to **understand** his own way is limited [[Proverbs 20:24]].
* **The Path of the Righteous:** The promise of divinely ordered steps is specifically linked to the "good man" `{{H1397}}`, in whose way the LORD "delighteth" `{{H2654}}`. This connects a righteous life to a divinely guided one [[Psalms 37:23]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4703}}` **mitsʻâd**, while rare, provides a concise and powerful illustration of a life journey. It is not merely about physical movement but about the entire course of a person's existence. The word's usage in scripture emphasizes that this journey is ultimately under the direction of the LORD, whose plans and purposes establish the path a person walks, often beyond their own comprehension. It portrays life as a series of steps that are either ordered by God or compelled by worldly power.
TRV