מֵשָׁא

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word Mêshâʼ, represented by H4852, is a proper name for Mesha, a place in Arabia. Described as being of foreign derivation, its appearance in scripture is highly specific. It appears only 1 time across 1 unique verse, where it serves a singular role as a geographical marker.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The sole use of H4852 is found in Genesis 10:30, where it defines the boundary of a settlement. The text states, "And their dwelling was from Mesha, as thou goest unto Sephar a mount of the east" Genesis 10:30. In this context, Mesha functions as the starting point of a described territory, providing a precise geographical reference within the biblical account of the nations.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words from its only appearance help to establish its geographical context:

• H4186 môwshâb (dwelling): This word establishes the context of habitation and is used to describe the area being defined as a dwelling or abode for a population Genesis 10:30.
• H5611 Çᵉphâr (Sephar): Also a place in Arabia, this name serves as the other endpoint of the boundary line that begins at Mesha Genesis 10:30.
• H2022 har (mount): This term, meaning a mountain or range of hills, describes the landmark associated with Sephar, adding topographical detail to the boundary description Genesis 10:30.
• H6924 qedem (east): This word provides the directional orientation for the territory, specifying its location as being in the east Genesis 10:30.

Theological Significance

The significance of H4852 is rooted in its geographical and historical function rather than in theological symbolism.

• Geographical Boundary: The primary role of Mesha is to serve as a precise and unambiguous starting point for defining a territory in the Table of Nations.
• Context of Habitation: Its use is inseparable from the concept of a dwelling H4186, anchoring the geographical location to the people who inhabited that land Genesis 10:30.
• Defining a Path: The name is part of a directional phrase, "as thou goest" H935, which maps out a clear line from Mesha to another landmark, Sephar H5611, illustrating its role in creating a specific and understandable map.

Summary

In summary, H4852 is a highly specific geographical term. While it lacks the broad theological weight of other Hebrew words, its importance lies in its singular function: to provide clarity and definition to the boundaries of a people's dwelling place. Its appearance in Genesis 10:30 demonstrates a biblical emphasis on precise historical and geographical detail.