The Hebrew word miqqâch, represented by H4727, means reception or taking. It appears only 1 time across 1 unique verse in the Bible, highlighting a very specific application of the term. Derived from the root for 'to take', it specifically refers to the act of accepting something, particularly in a context of judgment or influence.
The single use of H4727 is found in a command regarding justice and integrity. In 2 Chronicles 19:7, Jehoshaphat instructs judges to act carefully, reminding them that with God there is no iniquity, partiality, or the taking of gifts. This places the word at the center of a warning against judicial corruption, defining it as an act contrary to God's nature.
Several related words from its sole context illuminate its meaning:
- H7810 shachad (a donation (venal or redemptive); bribe(-ry), gift, present, reward): This is the object being received in 2 Chronicles 19:7. The concept of a corrupting gift is frequently condemned, as it blinds the wise and perverts judgment Deuteronomy 16:19.
- H5766 ʻevel ((moral) evil; iniquity, perverseness, unjust(-ly), unrighteousness(-ly); wicked(-ness)): The act of taking bribes is set in direct opposition to God's character, who is "without iniquity" Deuteronomy 32:4. The warning in 2 Chronicles 19:7 establishes that such actions are a form of iniquity.
- H4856 massôʼ (from נָשָׂא; partiality (as a lifting up); respect): Paired with H4727 in 2 Chronicles 19:7, this word refers to showing partiality. God's justice is defined by an absence of both respect of persons and the taking of gifts.
- H8104 shâmar (properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.; beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man)): This command to take heed precedes the warning against the taking of gifts, emphasizing the need for vigilance in maintaining judicial purity 2 Chronicles 19:7.
The theological weight of H4727 is tied directly to the nature of divine justice.
- Standard of Divine Justice: The prohibition against the taking of gifts is rooted in the very character of God. Scripture declares there is no iniquity H5766 with the LORD, nor respect H4856 of persons, making this the foundation for all human judgment 2 Chronicles 19:7.
- Corruption of Integrity: The act of taking H4727 a gift H7810 is presented as a direct path to injustice. It is an action that perverts righteousness and is condemned alongside showing partiality and committing iniquity 2 Chronicles 19:7.
- A Call to Vigilance: The context couples the warning with a command to take heed H8104 and do H6213 what is right. This implies that avoiding the taking of bribes requires active, conscious effort and obedience to God's law Joshua 1:8.
In summary, while miqqâch H4727 is a rare word, its singular appearance carries significant weight. It defines a specific act of corruption—the taking of a bribe—that stands in stark contrast to the perfect justice of God. Its placement in scripture serves as a powerful reminder that true righteousness requires impartiality and a refusal to be swayed by gifts, reflecting the very nature of God himself.
TRV