from קָשָׁה in the sense of knotting up round and hard; something turned (rounded), i.e. a curl (of tresses); [idiom] well (set) hair.
Transliteration:miqsheh
Pronunciation:mik-sheh'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H4748}}` (מִקְשֶׁה, *miqsheh*) derives from the root `{{H7185}}` (קָשָׁה, *qashah*), which fundamentally conveys the sense of "to be hard," "to be severe," or "to be difficult." From this root, `{{H4748}}` carries the nuance of something that has been "hardened," "turned," or "rounded." The base definition provided suggests a primary application to "a curl (of tresses)" or "well (set) hair," implying hair that is not naturally flowing but rather structured, firm, or elaborately styled through some hardening or shaping process. This points to a semantic range encompassing things that are shaped, formed, or made firm, whether naturally or by design. While the etymological link to "hard" or "firm" is clear, its specific manifestation in the biblical text requires careful examination.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H4748}}` (מִקְשֶׁה, *miqsheh*) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, which makes its interpretation highly dependent on this singular context.
* **[[1 Kings 7:36]]**: "And on the plates of the ledges thereof, and on the borders thereof, he graved cherubims, lions, and palm trees, according to the proportion of every one, and additions round about."
In this verse, *miqsheh* describes a feature of the lavers in Solomon's Temple. The phrase "additions round about" (וּמִקְשֶׁה סָבִיב, *u-miqsheh saviv*) refers to the decorative work on the panels of these bronze vessels. While the base definition provided points to "hair," scholarly consensus and the immediate context of Temple craftsmanship indicate that *miqsheh* here denotes a type of "turned work," "wreathed work," or "border" crafted from metal. This aligns with the root's sense of something being shaped, hardened, or intricately formed, applied to metalwork rather than human hair. The "rounded" or "turned" aspect of the word perfectly describes the intricate, possibly relief-like, decorative elements that encircled the lavers, contributing to their grandeur and beauty within the sacred space.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root verb `{{H7185}}` (קָשָׁה, *qashah*), meaning "to be hard, difficult, severe." This root is prolific in the Hebrew Bible and gives rise to several concepts:
* **Hardness/Firmness**: As seen in `{{H4748}}`, something made firm or solid, whether hair or metalwork.
* **Difficulty/Severity**: Often used to describe a "hard" situation or "severe" treatment.
* **Stiff-neckedness**: A common idiom (קְשֵׁה־עֹרֶף, *qesheh-oref*) for stubbornness or spiritual obstinacy, literally "hard of neck," reflecting a resistance to bending or yielding.
In the context of `{{H4748}}` as decorative work in the Temple, related concepts include:
* **Craftsmanship**: The skill and artistry involved in creating intricate and beautiful objects for divine worship.
* **Temple Furnishings**: The various objects within the Tabernacle and Temple that were meticulously designed and constructed according to divine specifications.
* **Beauty and Order**: The aesthetic and structural perfection intended for God's dwelling place, reflecting His glory and holiness.
### Theological Significance
While `{{H4748}}` appears only once and refers to a specific architectural detail, its theological significance can be drawn from its context within Solomon's Temple. The meticulous detail and exquisite craftsmanship of the Temple furnishings, including the *miqsheh* or "turned work" on the lavers, underscore several theological principles:
1. **God's Worthiness of the Finest**: The use of precious materials and skilled artistry in the Temple's construction signifies that only the best is fitting for the worship and dwelling place of the Almighty. Every detail, no matter how seemingly minor, was to reflect His glory and perfection.
2. **Sacred Space and Divine Presence**: The beauty and order of the Temple were not merely aesthetic but served to set apart the sacred space, preparing the worshiper for an encounter with God's holy presence. The *miqsheh* contributed to this atmosphere of reverence and awe.
3. **Divine Instruction and Human Obedience**: The construction of the Temple, like the Tabernacle before it, followed precise divine instructions. The execution of details like the *miqsheh* demonstrates human obedience and dedication to God's revealed will, translating divine blueprints into tangible reality.
4. **Symbolism of Creation and Order**: The intricate patterns, including cherubim, lions, and palm trees, often found in Temple decorations, echo the beauty and order of God's creation, bringing elements of the created world into the sacred space.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H4748}}` (מִקְשֶׁה, *miqsheh*) derives from the root `{{H7185}}` (קָשֶׁה, "to be hard"), conveying the sense of something "turned," "rounded," or "firmly shaped." While its etymological definition suggests "curls" or "well-set hair," its sole biblical occurrence in [[1 Kings 7:36]] applies to the intricate "turned work" or "wreaths" adorning the lavers in Solomon's Temple. This usage highlights the word's capacity to describe finely crafted, hardened, or shaped objects, particularly in the realm of metalwork. Theologically, the presence of such meticulous detail as *miqsheh* within the Temple underscores the reverence, dedication, and artistic excellence deemed appropriate for God's dwelling place, reflecting His glory, order, and the meticulousness required in His worship.
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