from the same as שֹׁעַל; a hollow, i.e. a narrow passage; path.
Transliteration:mishʻôwl
Pronunciation:mish-ole'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מִשְׁעוֹל (mishʻôwl, `{{H4934}}`) derives from a root connected to שֹׁעַל (shoʻal), which conveys the idea of a "hollow" or a "palm of the hand," suggesting a concave or constricted space. Consequently, the primary meaning of mishʻôwl is "a hollow," which extends semantically to denote "a narrow passage" or "a constricted path." Unlike more general terms for "way" or "road," mishʻôwl specifically emphasizes the confined, perhaps winding, or difficult nature of the passage. It describes a way that is not broad or open, but rather limited by its surroundings.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word mishʻôwl is remarkably rare in the Hebrew Bible, appearing only once. This singular occurrence is found in:
* **[[Numbers 22:24]]**: "Then the angel of the Lord stood in a narrow path [מִשְׁעוֹל] between the vineyards, with a wall on this side and a wall on that side."
In this pivotal narrative, Balaam is on his way to curse Israel, accompanied by his donkey. The angel of the Lord positions himself in a mishʻôwl, a "narrow path," specifically described as being "between the vineyards, with a wall on this side and a wall on that side." This description perfectly illustrates the core meaning of the word: a confined, constricted passage. The narrowness of the path is crucial to the unfolding events, as it forces the donkey to turn aside, unable to pass the angel, leading to Balaam's frustration and the subsequent divine revelation. The physical constraint of the mishʻôwl becomes the setting for a supernatural intervention, highlighting God's ability to use the environment to direct human actions and reveal His will.
### Related Words & Concepts
While mishʻôwl is unique in its specific emphasis on narrowness, it exists within a broader semantic field of words related to "paths" and "ways" in Hebrew:
* דֶּרֶךְ (derekh, `{{H1870}}`): The most common and comprehensive term for "way," "road," "journey," often used metaphorically for a course of life or conduct.
* נָתִיב (natiyb, `{{H5410}}`): Refers to a beaten path, a track, often implying a well-worn or established way.
* אֹרַח (orakh, `{{H734}}`): Denotes a path or a way, often associated with a traveler's route or a course of life.
* The distinctiveness of mishʻôwl lies in its inherent sense of physical limitation and confinement, setting it apart from these more general terms. Its root connection to שֹׁעַל (shoʻal) further underscores this notion of a "hollow" or restricted space.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of mishʻôwl in [[Numbers 22:24]] imbues it with profound theological significance. The "narrow path" is not merely a topographical detail but a divinely chosen locus for confrontation and redirection.
1. **Divine Obstruction and Sovereignty**: The mishʻôwl serves as the precise point where God, through His angel, physically blocks Balaam's sinful intent. It demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty, His ability to intervene directly in human affairs, and His capacity to use even the most mundane physical settings to achieve His divine purposes. The narrowness of the path leaves no room for deviation, forcing a direct encounter with the divine will.
2. **A Place of Revelation**: It is within this confined space that the donkey perceives the angel, and eventually Balaam's eyes are opened. The mishʻôwl thus becomes a place of revelatory insight, where spiritual blindness is overcome, and the true nature of God's opposition to Balaam's mission is made clear.
3. **Symbolic Resonance**: While not directly linked linguistically, the concept of a "narrow path" resonates with New Testament teachings about the "narrow gate" and "difficult way" that leads to life ([[Matthew 7:13-14]]). In the case of mishʻôwl, the narrow path is not chosen by the individual but is divinely imposed, serving as a barrier to disobedience and a conduit for God's protective plan for His people. It highlights that God can constrain human freedom for a greater, righteous purpose.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H4934 (מִשְׁעוֹל, mishʻôwl) precisely describes a "narrow passage" or a "confined path," stemming from a root associated with "hollow" or "constricted" spaces. Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Numbers 22:24]] vividly portrays this meaning, depicting the constricted way between vineyards where the angel of the Lord stood to oppose Balaam. Theologically, this mishʻôwl is more than a physical location; it is a critical site of divine intervention, demonstrating God's sovereign control over human endeavors and His use of physical limitations to redirect individuals from sinful paths toward His righteous will. It underscores the profound truth that God can use the very environment to achieve His purposes, even when it means creating a "narrow path" that forces a confrontation with His divine will.
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