### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Mitsrayim**, represented by `{{H4714}}`, appears **681 times** across **602 unique verses**, referring to **Egypt**, the **Egyptians**, or **Mizraim**. As a dual of מָצוֹר, its name signifies Upper and Lower Egypt. In Scripture, it is a central location embodying themes of bondage, divine judgment, and powerful redemption.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H4714}}` is primarily known as the "house `{{H1004}}` of bondage `{{H5650}}`" where the children of Israel `{{H3478}}` suffered under harsh taskmasters `{{H5065}}` ([[Exodus 13:3]]; [[Exodus 3:7]]). Their affliction `{{H6040}}` and cry `{{H6818}}` ascended to God, who described the land as an "iron `{{H1270}}` furnace `{{H3564}}`" ([[Jeremiah 11:4]]; [[Exodus 3:7]]). The defining event associated with Egypt is the Exodus, where God came down `{{H3381}}` to deliver `{{H5337}}` His people with a "mighty `{{H2389}}` hand `{{H3027}}`" and with "signs `{{H226}}`" and "wonders `{{H4159}}`" ([[Exodus 3:8]]; [[Deuteronomy 4:34]]). This act of bringing Israel out of Egypt became a foundational statement of God's identity and power [[Exodus 20:2]]. The nation is also a place of sojourn, where Jacob's ancestors became a great nation and where Joseph `{{H3130}}` was sold into slavery ([[Deuteronomy 26:5]]; [[Genesis 37:28]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide deeper context for the role of Egypt in Scripture:
* `{{H6547}}` **Parʻôh** (Pharaoh): As the king `{{H4428}}` of Egypt, Pharaoh represents the human authority opposing God's will. God redeemed Israel from the "hand `{{H3027}}` of Pharaoh" [[Deuteronomy 7:8]] and sent Moses `{{H4872}}` to confront him [[Exodus 3:11]].
* `{{H5650}}` **ʻebed** (bondmen): This word describes Israel's state of servitude in Egypt. God’s deliverance is characterized as bringing them out of the "house `{{H1004}}` of bondmen" [[Deuteronomy 7:8]].
* `{{H5656}}` **ʻăbôdâh** (bondage, service): This term specifically denotes the harsh labor that caused the Israelites to sigh `{{H584}}` and cry `{{H2199}}` out to God [[Exodus 2:23]]. God promises to rid them from this bondage [[Exodus 6:6]].
* `{{H2975}}` **yᵉʼôr** (river): Often referring to the Nile, this river is a key geographical feature of Egypt. Its deeps `{{H4688}}` are subject to God's judgment, and its streams are part of the land's identity ([[Zechariah 10:11]]; [[Genesis 15:18]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4714}}` is immense, establishing patterns of enslavement, judgment, and redemption.
* **Symbol of Bondage and Sin:** Egypt is consistently referred to as the "house `{{H1004}}` of bondage `{{H5650}}`," a metaphor for the state of spiritual slavery from which God's people must be freed ([[Exodus 20:2]]; [[Deuteronomy 5:6]]). Its oppression is likened to the heat of an "iron `{{H1270}}` furnace `{{H3564}}`" [[Jeremiah 11:4]].
* **Arena of Divine Power:** God displays His supreme power by executing "great `{{H1419}}` judgments `{{H8201}}`" against Egypt and its gods `{{H430}}` ([[Exodus 6:6]]; [[Exodus 12:12]]). He brought diseases `{{H4245}}` upon the Egyptians that He promised to keep from His obedient people [[Exodus 15:26]].
* **The Paradigm of Redemption:** The deliverance from Egypt is the Old Testament's foremost example of God's salvation `{{H3444}}`. This act forms the basis of God's covenant with Israel and is the reason they are to be a holy `{{H6918}}` people ([[Exodus 14:13]]; [[Leviticus 11:45]]).
* **A Warning Against Worldly Alliances:** Scripture repeatedly warns Israel not to return to Egypt for military support, symbolizing a misplaced trust in worldly strength instead of in the LORD `{{H3068}}` ([[Deuteronomy 17:16]]; [[Isaiah 31:1]]). It is also presented as a land of idols `{{H1544}}` whose practices are to be rejected [[Ezekiel 20:7]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4714}}` **Mitsrayim** is far more than a historical nation or geographical location in the Bible. It serves as the primary backdrop for God's foundational act of redemption, representing the world's oppressive power and the state of bondage from which God calls His people. The story of Israel's deliverance from Egypt is a perpetual testimony to the LORD's power to judge the proud, save the afflicted, and establish His covenant people.
TRV