from רָפַשׂ; muddled water; that which...have fouled.
Transliteration:mirpâs
Pronunciation:meer-paws'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun mirpâs (`{{H4833}}`) is derived from the verbal root raphas (`{{H7514}}`), which signifies the action of trampling, fouling, or muddying. Consequently, mirpâs itself denotes the *result* of such an action, specifically "muddled water" or that which has been rendered turbid or defiled through agitation. The semantic range points to a state of impurity, disturbance, or defilement, often implying a loss of clarity, purity, or usability due to external interference or neglect. The imagery is visceral: clear, life-giving water transformed into an unusable, murky substance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word mirpâs (`{{H4833}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, within the prophetic book of Ezekiel:
* [[Ezekiel 34:18]]: "Is it not enough for you to feed on the good pasture, that you must trample the rest of your pasture with your feet? And is it not enough for you to drink the clear water, that you must foul the rest with your feet?" (ESV)
In this powerful indictment against the corrupt leaders of Israel, metaphorically referred to as "shepherds," the prophet Ezekiel conveys God's severe displeasure. These shepherds are accused of consuming the choicest resources ("good pasture," "clear water") for themselves, while simultaneously defiling what remains for the vulnerable flock. The mirpâs specifically refers to the water that has been made turbid and unfit for drinking by the feet of the negligent shepherds or their flocks. This act symbolizes their selfish and destructive governance, which not only deprives the people of their rightful sustenance but actively corrupts the very source of their well-being, whether it be justice, spiritual guidance, or material provision. The context underscores a profound failure of leadership and a deep injustice inflicted upon the flock.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **raphas (`{{H7514}}`):** The direct verbal root from which mirpâs is derived. This root means "to trample," "to foul," or "to muddy." Its usage in [[Ezekiel 34:18]] (the verb form is also present in the same verse) directly describes the action that produces mirpâs. Other occurrences, such as [[Ezekiel 32:2]] (describing a monster treading water) and [[Proverbs 25:26]] (a righteous man giving way to the wicked is like a muddled fountain), reinforce the concept of disturbance leading to defilement.
* **Water Imagery:** Throughout Scripture, water is a potent symbol of life, purity, divine blessing, and spiritual sustenance (e.g., [[Psalm 23:2]], [[Jeremiah 2:13]], [[John 4:10]]). The defilement of water, as implied by mirpâs, therefore signifies the corruption or denial of these vital elements, leading to spiritual or physical deprivation.
* **Shepherd Metaphor:** The broader context of [[Ezekiel 34]] employs the shepherd-flock metaphor to address leadership and governance. Related concepts include responsible stewardship, the care of the vulnerable, and the severe consequences of negligence, oppression, and self-serving authority.
* **Defilement/Impurity:** The concept of mirpâs aligns with broader biblical themes of ritual and moral impurity, where something once clean or pure becomes unfit for use or consumption due to contamination or improper handling.
### Theological Significance
The singular yet powerful occurrence of mirpâs in [[Ezekiel 34:18]] carries significant theological weight, particularly within the framework of God's covenant with Israel and His expectations for its leaders. This term vividly portrays the *sin of selfish neglect and the abuse of power*. The human shepherds, appointed by God to care for His flock, not only took the best for themselves but actively rendered the remaining resources unusable for the very people they were meant to serve. This is a stark portrayal of injustice and oppression.
The "muddled water" symbolizes the *corruption of spiritual sustenance and justice* at the hands of unfaithful leaders. When those in authority prioritize their own gain and trample upon the needs of the people, they effectively deprive the flock of the clear, life-giving "water" of righteousness, truth, and well-being that God intended for them. This passage serves as a profound prophetic warning against any form of leadership that exploits its position for personal benefit at the expense of the vulnerable. It underscores God's deep concern for the marginalized and His unwavering commitment to justice against those who oppress His people.
Ultimately, [[Ezekiel 34]] culminates in God's promise to Himself become the True Shepherd, who will seek out the lost, bind up the injured, and feed His flock with justice and pure water, in stark contrast to the failed human shepherds. This divine intervention foreshadows the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, the ultimate Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep and leads them to living waters (cf. [[John 10:11]], [[Revelation 7:17]]).
### Summary
The Hebrew term mirpâs (`{{H4833}}`), derived from the root raphas (`{{H7514}}`), refers to "muddled water" or that which has been defiled by trampling or disturbance. Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Ezekiel 34:18]] serves as a potent metaphor for the destructive consequences of corrupt and selfish leadership. In this context, the "muddled water" symbolizes the spiritual and societal resources rendered unusable by negligent shepherds who consume the best for themselves and then foul what remains for the vulnerable flock. Theologically, mirpâs highlights God's righteous indignation against injustice and the abuse of power, emphasizing His deep concern for the well-being of His people and His ultimate role as the True Shepherd who provides pure sustenance and justice.
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