from מִצְרַיִם; a Mitsrite, or inhabitant of Mitsrajim; Egyptian, of Egypt.
Transliteration:Mitsrîy
Pronunciation:mits-ree'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H4713}}` (מִצְרִי, Mitsrîy) functions primarily as an ethnic or national designation, meaning "Egyptian" or "an inhabitant of Egypt." It is directly derived from `{{H4714}}` (מִצְרַיִם, Mitsrayim), the proper noun for the land of Egypt itself. As such, `{{H4713}}` can serve as both an adjective (e.g., "Egyptian woman," "Egyptian army") and a noun (e.g., "an Egyptian," "the Egyptians"). Its semantic range is thus tightly bound to the geographical and cultural identity of the ancient Egyptian civilization, encompassing its people, customs, and products.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H4713}}` appears extensively throughout the Hebrew Bible, reflecting Egypt's pervasive influence on Israel's history. In Genesis, it describes individuals like Potiphar, an "Egyptian officer" ([[Genesis 39:1]]), and the "Egyptian woman" who was his wife ([[Genesis 39:7]]). It is also used to distinguish the Egyptians from the Hebrews in dietary practices ([[Genesis 43:32]]). The book of Exodus frequently employs `{{H4713}}` to refer to the people who enslaved Israel, depicting them as the objects of God's plagues ([[Exodus 7:5]]) and the vanquished army at the Red Sea ([[Exodus 14:30]]). Post-Exodus, the term appears in the context of the "mixed multitude" that left Egypt with Israel ([[Numbers 11:4]]), highlighting the diverse composition of the nascent nation. Deuteronomy contains the remarkable command not to abhor an "Egyptian," acknowledging their past role as sojourners in their land ([[Deuteronomy 23:7]]).
In the monarchical period, `{{H4713}}` refers to kings like Shishak ([[1 Kings 11:40]]) and Tirhakah ([[2 Kings 19:9]]), and to military figures like the "Egyptian" whom Benaiah slew ([[2 Samuel 23:21]]). Prophetic books, such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, frequently mention the "Egyptians" in oracles concerning alliances, judgments, and future restoration ([[Isaiah 19:2]], [[Jeremiah 46:2]], [[Ezekiel 29:19]]). Across its occurrences, `{{H4713}}` consistently identifies individuals or groups as originating from or pertaining to Egypt, often in contexts of power dynamics, conflict, or divine intervention.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related term is `{{H4714}}` (מִצְרַיִם, Mitsrayim), the land of Egypt, from which `{{H4713}}` is derived. Other significant related words include `{{H6629}}` (פַּרְעֹה, Parʿoh), Pharaoh, the title for the Egyptian king, whose actions and decrees directly impacted Israel. Concepts like slavery and oppression are intrinsically linked to the "Egyptian" identity in the Exodus narrative. Conversely, images of divine deliverance and judgment are often depicted through God's interactions with the Egyptians. Egyptian military might, often characterized by horses and chariots (e.g., `{{H5455}}` - sus, horse; `{{H7395}}` - rekhev, chariot), is frequently referenced, particularly in prophetic warnings against relying on human strength rather than God ([[Isaiah 31:1]]). The term also stands in relation to other nations and peoples, such as the Philistines, Assyrians, and Babylonians, as part of the broader geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4713}}` is profound, encompassing several key themes. Primarily, the "Egyptian" represents the archetypal oppressor and the "world system" from which God delivers His people. The Exodus narrative, centered on the conflict between Yahweh and the "Egyptians," establishes God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant. The defeat of the "Egyptians" at the Red Sea signifies the triumph of divine power over human might and idolatry.
Secondly, the presence of "Egyptians" among the "mixed multitude" ([[Numbers 11:4]]) departing with Israel serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating the potential for foreign influences and spiritual compromise within the covenant community.
Thirdly, the seemingly contradictory command in [[Deuteronomy 23:7]] not to abhor an "Egyptian" foreshadows a broader, more inclusive aspect of God's redemptive plan. This finds its most striking expression in the prophetic vision of [[Isaiah 19:23-25]], where Egypt, along with Assyria, is depicted as being blessed by God and called "My people" and "My inheritance." This eschatological vision transforms the "Egyptian" from an enemy to a recipient of divine grace, highlighting the universal scope of God's salvation beyond the confines of Israel.
Finally, "Egyptians" often symbolize worldly wisdom, wealth, and military strength. Prophets frequently condemn Israel's reliance on "Egyptian" alliances or resources as a manifestation of a lack of faith in Yahweh, underscoring the theological imperative of trusting in God alone.
### Summary
The term `{{H4713}}` (Mitsrîy), "Egyptian," is a foundational descriptor in the biblical narrative, identifying the inhabitants and attributes of the land of Egypt. Its presence spans the entirety of Israel's history, from the patriarchal sojourn and the formative period of bondage and liberation in the Exodus, through the monarchical era's political entanglements, to the prophetic pronouncements of judgment and future hope. The "Egyptian" functions as a multifaceted symbol: the oppressive power from which God delivers His people, a representation of worldly might and idolatry to be shunned, and, remarkably, a future recipient of divine blessing and inclusion in God's redemptive plan. Thus, `{{H4713}}` encapsulates a complex theological trajectory, moving from a symbol of bondage and opposition to a surprising vision of reconciliation and shared divine favor.
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