from שָׁמַר; a guard (the man, the post or the prison); a deposit (figuratively); also (as observed) a usage (abstractly), or an example (concretely); diligence, guard, office, prison, ward, watch.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mishmâr**, represented by `{{H4929}}`, is derived from the root `{{H8104}}` shâmar, meaning to guard. It appears **22 times** across **20 unique verses** in the Bible. The word encompasses a range of related meanings, including a physical **guard** or **watch**, a place of confinement like a **prison** or **ward**, and abstract concepts such as **diligence** or a sacred **office**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H4929}}` is used in several distinct contexts. It frequently refers to a place of physical confinement. For instance, Joseph's brothers were put into **ward** `{{H4929}}` for three days [[Genesis 42:17]], and earlier, Joseph himself was placed in **ward** `{{H4929}}` in the captain of the guard's house [[Genesis 40:3]]. The term also denotes a literal watch or guard post, as when Nehemiah set a **watch** `{{H4929}}` against his enemies during the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall [[Nehemiah 4:9]]. In a more figurative sense, `{{H4929}}` signifies a duty or role, such as the **offices** of the house of God [[Nehemiah 13:14]] or the profound instruction to keep one's heart with all **diligence** [[Proverbs 4:23]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of guarding, custody, and duty:
* `{{H8104}}` **shâmar** (to guard; protect, attend to): As the primitive root of `{{H4929}}`, this word is the foundational action of guarding or keeping. In Nehemiah, porters were described as **keeping** `{{H8104}}` the **ward** `{{H4929}}` at the gates [[Nehemiah 12:25]].
* `{{H4931}}` **mishmereth** (watch, charge, ordinance): This is the feminine form of `{{H4929}}` and often refers to the act of watching or an observance of duty. Both words are used together in Nehemiah's instructions to "appoint **watches** `{{H4931}}` of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, every one in his **watch** `{{H4929}}`" [[Nehemiah 7:3]].
* `{{H2876}}` **ṭabbâch** (guard): This word, also meaning butcher or executioner, denotes the person of the guard. It appears in conjunction with `{{H4929}}` in the account of Joseph, who was put in **ward** `{{H4929}}` in the house of the captain of the **guard** `{{H2876}}` [[Genesis 41:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4929}}` is demonstrated in its varied applications.
* **Vigilance and Protection:** The concept of a physical **watch** `{{H4929}}` established for security is a recurring theme, seen during the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls [[Nehemiah 4:9]]. The command for Ezekiel to be a **guard** `{{H4929}}` to the assembled companies also carries this weight [[Ezekiel 38:7]].
* **Confinement and Divine Counsel:** The word is used for a **ward** `{{H4929}}` where men were held while awaiting a divine decision, such as when the LORD's mind needed to be shewed [[Leviticus 24:12]] or when it was not declared what should be done [[Numbers 15:34]].
* **Internal Spiritual Guarding:** The most profound application of `{{H4929}}` is its call for internal watchfulness. Proverbs instructs believers to guard their heart with all **diligence** `{{H4929}}`, indicating that the most critical post to maintain is one's own spiritual core, from which life's issues flow [[Proverbs 4:23]].
* **Sacred Office and Responsibility:** The term defines the holy duties and **offices** `{{H4929}}` in service to God's house and the organized **ward** against **ward** system of the Levites, highlighting an appointed, structured responsibility ([[Nehemiah 12:24]]; [[Nehemiah 13:14]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4929}}` is a multifaceted term that progresses from the concrete to the abstract. It moves from a literal **prison** cell or a sentry post to the spiritual realms of **diligence** and sacred duty. The word illustrates how the Bible uses the tangible concept of a physical guard to teach the crucial, intangible need for guarding one's heart, maintaining order in worship, and ensuring security for God's people.
TRV