or מִשְׁלֹחַ; also מִשְׁלָח; from שָׁלַח; a sending out, i.e. (abstractly) presentation (favorable), or seizure (unfavorable); also (concretely) a place of dismissal, or a business to be discharged; to lay, to put, sending (forth), to set.
Transliteration:mishlôwach
Pronunciation:mish-lo'-akh
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H4916 (מִשְׁלוֹחַ, transliterated as *mishlôwach* or *mishlōaḥ*) is derived from the common verbal root שָׁלַח (shalach, `{{H7971}}`), which fundamentally means "to send," "to send away," "to stretch out," or "to dismiss." Building upon this foundational meaning, mishlôwach encompasses a semantic range that can be understood in both abstract and concrete terms.
Abstractly, it denotes "a sending out." This can manifest in a "favorable presentation," implying something sent forth as an offering or gift, or conversely, as a "seizure," suggesting an action of sending forth a hand to take or grasp, or even a punitive "sending out" (e.g., of judgment).
Concretely, mishlôwach can refer to "a place of dismissal," indicating a point from which something or someone is sent away. More commonly, it signifies "a business to be discharged" or "an undertaking," referring to a task or enterprise that is "sent out" or initiated by an individual. The definition also includes verbal extensions like "to lay," "to put," "sending (forth)," and "to set," highlighting the active nature implied by the root.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term mishlôwach appears relatively few times in the Hebrew Bible, yet its occurrences provide significant insight into its usage:
* **Deuteronomy 15:10**: "You shall surely give to him, and your heart shall not be grieved when you give to him, because for this thing the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in all the **undertaking** of your hand." [[Deuteronomy 15:10]] Here, mishlôwach (often translated as "undertaking" or "enterprise") refers to the entirety of one's labor or business. The context is about generosity towards the poor, where obedience to God's command is promised blessing in all one's endeavors.
* **Deuteronomy 23:20**: "You may charge interest to a foreigner, but to your countryman you shall not charge interest, so that the LORD your God may bless you in all **that you undertake** in the land which you are entering to possess." [[Deuteronomy 23:20]] Similar to [[Deuteronomy 15:10]], this verse uses mishlôwach to denote one's economic activities and labor, emphasizing that adherence to covenant stipulations leads to divine blessing upon these "undertakings."
* **Psalm 144:7**: "Stretch out Your hand from on high; rescue me and deliver me from great waters, from the hand of aliens." [[Psalm 144:7]] In this plea for divine intervention, mishlôwach is used in conjunction with "hand" (יָד, *yad*), signifying the "sending forth" or "stretching out" of God's hand. This illustrates the active, powerful intervention of God.
* **Isaiah 32:20**: "How blessed will you be, you who sow beside all waters, who let the ox and the donkey range free." [[Isaiah 32:20]] Here, mishlôwach describes the action of "sending forth" or "allowing to range free" the working animals (ox and donkey) for agricultural purposes. This depicts a scene of agricultural prosperity and ease, where the animals are sent out to graze freely, implying abundance and peace.
From these occurrences, two primary applications emerge:
1. **Human Enterprise/Labor:** In Deuteronomy, it consistently refers to human "undertakings" or the "work of one's hand," particularly in an economic or agricultural context, often with a promise of divine blessing tied to obedience.
2. **Sending Forth/Stretching Out:** In Psalms and Isaiah, it denotes the direct action of "sending forth" or "stretching out," whether it be God's hand in intervention or the release of animals for labor.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the root verb שָׁלַח (shalach, `{{H7971}}`), from which mishlôwach is derived. This root is pervasive in the Hebrew Bible, conveying a wide array of actions related to sending, stretching, dismissing, and letting go.
Other important derivatives of שָׁלַח include:
* שֶׁלַח (shelach, `{{H7973}}`): "a missile" or "weapon," something that is "sent forth."
* מִשְׁלַחַת (mishlachath, `{{H4917}}`): "a sending," "mission," or "delegation," often referring to a group of people sent on a task. This word is particularly close in form and meaning to mishlôwach, highlighting the shared concept of dispatch.
* שִׁלּוּחִים (shilluchim, `{{H7979}}`): "dismissal," especially in the context of divorce, or "sending away gifts."
Conceptually, mishlôwach is linked to themes of:
* **Action and Agency:** Both divine and human.
* **Purpose and Dispatch:** The idea of initiating an action or task with a specific goal.
* **Labor and Enterprise:** Particularly human work and economic endeavors.
* **Providence and Blessing:** The divine response to human actions, especially when aligned with God's will.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of mishlôwach is multifaceted, touching upon divine sovereignty, human responsibility, and the nature of blessing.
When applied to God's actions, as in [[Psalm 144:7]], the "sending forth" of His hand underscores His active, powerful, and sovereign intervention in human affairs. It signifies His ability to rescue, protect, and execute His will, demonstrating His immanence and care for His people. This portrays a God who is not distant but intimately involved in the world, dispatching His power for specific purposes.
In the context of human "undertakings" in Deuteronomy ([[Deuteronomy 15:10]], [[Deuteronomy 23:20]]), mishlôwach highlights the theological principle that human labor and enterprise are not merely secular activities but are deeply integrated into the covenant relationship with God. The promise of blessing upon "all that you undertake" is contingent upon obedience to God's commands (e.g., generosity, ethical financial practices). This teaches that diligence and ethical conduct in one's work are honored by God and are channels through which divine blessing flows. It elevates daily labor to a sphere of spiritual significance, where faithfulness in mundane tasks can lead to divine favor.
Furthermore, the image in [[Isaiah 32:20]] of sending forth animals for agricultural work speaks to God's provision and the blessing of agricultural abundance. This ties into the broader theme of God's sustenance for His people, often mediated through their diligent labor and the fruitfulness of the land.
In essence, mishlôwach bridges the gap between divine action and human endeavor, showing how God's power is "sent forth" and how human "sendings forth" (i.e., undertakings) are subject to His blessing or judgment.
### Summary
H4916 (מִשְׁלוֹחַ, *mishlôwach*) is a Hebrew term derived from the root שָׁלַח (to send). Its core meaning revolves around "a sending out," which extends to both abstract concepts like "presentation" or "seizure" and concrete applications such as "a place of dismissal" or, most notably, "a business to be discharged" or "an undertaking." Biblical occurrences demonstrate its use in referring to the direct "sending forth" of God's hand in intervention ([[Psalm 144:7]]) or the release of animals for labor ([[Isaiah 32:20]]). Crucially, in Deuteronomy ([[Deuteronomy 15:10]], [[Deuteronomy 23:20]]), it describes human "undertakings" or "work of the hand," emphasizing that such endeavors, when conducted in obedience to God's commands, are subject to divine blessing. Theologically, mishlôwach underscores God's active involvement and power in the world, as well as the significant connection between human labor, obedience, and divine favor. It highlights a worldview where both divine and human actions are purposed and have significant consequences.
TRV