### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun mishgeh (`{{H4870}}`) is derived from the root shagah (`{{H7686}}`), which carries the core meaning of "to go astray," "to err," "to wander," or "to commit a mistake." As a noun, mishgeh specifically denotes an "error" or an "oversight." Its semantic range emphasizes an unintentional deviation from a correct path, standard, or truth. It implies a mistake made due to lack of knowledge, inadvertence, or a lapse in judgment, rather than a deliberate act of rebellion or willful transgression. The term highlights the nature of a fault as being unwilled or accidental.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word mishgeh (`{{H4870}}`) is remarkably rare in the Hebrew Bible, appearing only once:
* **[[Job 19:4]]**: "And if indeed I have erred (מִשְׁגֶּה), my error remains with myself."
In this solitary occurrence, Job uses mishgeh in his lament, responding to the accusations of his friends. He contemplates the possibility that he *has* made a mistake or committed an error. The context is one of intense suffering and unjust condemnation, where Job maintains his integrity while acknowledging the universal human potential for error. His statement, "my error remains with myself," suggests that any mistake he might have made is a personal burden and consequence, not something that justifies the severe judgment and suffering he is enduring. This usage underscores the personal and internal nature of an unintentional error, distinct from a public or malicious offense. It highlights Job's recognition of human fallibility even as he defends his overall righteousness before God and his accusers.
### Related Words & Concepts
Mishgeh (`{{H4870}}`) is intrinsically linked to its verbal root shagah (`{{H7686}}`), which describes the act of erring or going astray. Understanding mishgeh requires distinguishing it from other Hebrew terms for sin or transgression:
* **Shagah (`{{H7686}}`):** The foundational verb meaning "to err," "to go astray," often implying unintentionality or a mistake made in ignorance. Mishgeh is the resulting noun, the instance of such an error.
* **Chet' (`{{H2398}}`):** A broad term for "sin," meaning "to miss the mark." It can encompass both intentional and unintentional sins, but mishgeh specifically falls under the unintentional category.
* **Pesha' (`{{H6588}}`):** "Transgression" or "rebellion." This term typically denotes a more deliberate and defiant act against authority or a covenant, implying a conscious breach. Mishgeh stands in contrast to pesha' due to its unintentional nature.
* **Avon (`{{H5771}}`):** "Iniquity" or "guilt." This word often focuses on the perversity or distortion of an act and the resulting guilt or punishment. While an avon can arise from an mishgeh, the latter specifically describes the *nature* of the initial mistake.
The distinctiveness of mishgeh lies in its emphasis on the unintentionality of the error, setting it apart from more willful forms of sin or rebellion. It points to human frailty and the capacity for mistakes even when one's intentions are not malicious.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of mishgeh (`{{H4870}}`) in [[Job 19:4]] carries significant theological weight despite its rarity:
* **Human Fallibility:** The term underscores the reality of human fallibility. Even a righteous individual like Job acknowledges the possibility of an "error" or "oversight." This speaks to the universal human condition of imperfection and the capacity for mistakes, even without malicious intent.
* **Unintentional Sin/Error:** Mishgeh highlights a category of human failing that is distinct from deliberate sin. It resonates with broader biblical concepts of unintentional sins (e.g., those requiring specific atonement rituals in the Mosaic Law, such as in [[Numbers 15:27-29]]), where the culpability is lessened due to lack of intent. While mishgeh itself is not a cultic term, it reflects the biblical understanding that not all deviations from divine standards are of the same moral weight.
* **Personal Accountability:** Job's phrasing, "my error remains with myself," suggests that even unintentional errors carry personal consequences or are a personal burden. It implies a degree of responsibility for one's actions, even if unwilled, and a recognition that one must bear the outcome of one's own mistakes.
* **Divine Understanding and Mercy:** The existence of a term like mishgeh within the biblical vocabulary implicitly points to a divine justice that differentiates between categories of human failing. God's mercy and understanding are often extended to those who err unintentionally, in contrast to the stricter judgment reserved for willful rebellion.
### Summary
Mishgeh (`{{H4870}}`) is a rare Hebrew noun derived from the root shagah (`{{H7686}}`), denoting an "error" or "oversight." Its core meaning emphasizes an unintentional mistake, a lapse in judgment, or a deviation from the correct path due to inadvertence rather than deliberate intent. Its sole occurrence in the Hebrew Bible is found in [[Job 19:4]], where Job acknowledges the possibility of his own "error," highlighting personal accountability for such a mistake. Theologically, mishgeh profoundly speaks to the inherent fallibility of humanity and the biblical recognition of unintentional errors, distinguishing them from willful transgressions. It underscores a nuanced understanding of human failing within the broader context of divine justice and mercy.
TRV