or מִשְׁעָן; from שָׁעַן; a support (concretely), i.e. (figuratively) a protector or sustenance; stay.
Transliteration:mishʻên
Pronunciation:mish-ane'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun מִשְׁעֵן (mishʻên, `{{H4937}}`), sometimes appearing as מִשְׁעָן, derives from the verbal root שָׁעַן (shaʻan, `{{H8172}}`), which signifies "to lean," "to rely upon," or "to support oneself." As a noun, מִשְׁעֵן therefore denotes that which one leans upon or relies on; it is a "support" or "stay." Its semantic range extends from the concrete to the highly figurative. Concretely, it can refer to a physical object used for support, such as a prop or a staff, though this usage is less common than its close cognate מִשְׁעֶנֶת (mishenet, `{{H4938}}`). More frequently, מִשְׁעֵן carries a figurative sense, representing a source of sustenance, provision, or protection. It embodies the concept of that which sustains life or provides security, whether physically, economically, or existentially.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of מִשְׁעֵן (mishʻên, `{{H4937}}`) in the Hebrew Bible are relatively few, yet each instance illuminates its dual concrete and figurative dimensions.
In [[Judges 16:26]], Samson, blinded and imprisoned, asks the boy leading him to "put my hand upon the pillars of the house, that I may lean upon them" (וְאֶשָּׁעֵן עֲלֵיהֶם). Here, the noun מִשְׁעֵן is used in a concrete sense, referring to the physical support provided by the pillars for Samson to lean against. This illustrates the fundamental meaning of a literal "stay" or support structure.
A profound figurative use appears in [[Isaiah 3:1]], where the prophet declares God's judgment upon Judah and Jerusalem: "For behold, the Lord GOD of hosts is taking away from Jerusalem and from Judah staff of bread and staff of water." The phrases "מִשְׁעֵן לֶחֶם" (mishʻên leḥem, "staff of bread") and "מִשְׁעֵן מָיִם" (mishʻên mayim, "staff of water") powerfully symbolize the essential provisions necessary for life. In this context, מִשְׁעֵן signifies the very sustenance and vital resources upon which a people's survival depends. God's removal of this "staff" implies a complete withdrawal of basic necessities, leading to famine and desolation. This usage elevates the word from a mere physical prop to a metaphor for the fundamental means of existence and the ultimate source of a nation's well-being.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for מִשְׁעֵן (mishʻên, `{{H4937}}`) is its verbal root שָׁעַן (shaʻan, `{{H8172}}`), "to lean, rely, trust." This root highlights the inherent dependence implied by the noun: a מִשְׁעֵן is something one leans *on*.
Closely related is the noun מִשְׁעֶנֶת (mishenet, `{{H4938}}`), which also derives from the same root. While both refer to a "support" or "stay," מִשְׁעֶנֶת more specifically denotes a physical "staff" or "rod," often carried by hand (e.g., [[Exodus 21:19]], [[Psalm 23:4]]). מִשְׁעֵן, while capable of concrete reference, tends more towards the abstract or collective "support" or "sustenance" as seen in Isaiah 3:1. The distinction, though subtle, often lies in מִשְׁעֵן representing the *concept* of support or the *source* of sustenance, whereas מִשְׁעֶנֶת is typically the *object* itself.
Beyond these direct cognates, מִשְׁעֵן resonates with broader biblical concepts of trust and reliance. Words like בָּטַח (batach, `{{H982}}`, "to trust, be confident") and חָסָה (chasah, `{{H2620}}`, "to take refuge, trust") express the act of leaning on a reliable source, particularly God. The idea of divine provision and protection, often described using terms like "rock" (צוּר, tsur, `{{H6697}}`) or "fortress" (מִשְׂגָּב, misgav, `{{H4869}}`), aligns with the figurative sense of מִשְׁעֵן as a "protector" or "sustenance."
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of מִשְׁעֵן (mishʻên, `{{H4937}}`) lies primarily in its portrayal of ultimate dependence and the nature of true support. In [[Isaiah 3:1]], God is depicted as the one who provides, and crucially, *removes* the "staff of bread and staff of water." This underscores His sovereignty over all life and sustenance. For humanity, this implies that all earthly provisions are ultimately derived from God's hand. When God withdraws these "stays," it signifies a profound judgment, revealing the fragility of human existence apart from divine favor.
Conversely, the concept of a reliable מִשְׁעֵן points to God Himself as the only unfailing source of support. Unlike the unreliable "staff of a bruised reed" (a concept often associated with reliance on Egypt, though using מִשְׁעֶנֶת in [[2 Kings 18:21]] and [[Isaiah 36:6]]), God is the steadfast "stay" upon whom His people can truly lean. The call to trust in the Lord (e.g., [[Psalm 62:8]]) is a call to make Him one's מִשְׁעֵן, recognizing His sufficiency in all circumstances. Misplaced reliance on human strength, wealth, or political alliances is exposed as a dangerous folly, as these "stays" can break and fail. The word thus serves as a theological reminder of divine providence and the necessity of exclusive trust in the Creator for all aspects of life and well-being.
### Summary
מִשְׁעֵן (mishʻên, `{{H4937}}`) is a Hebrew noun derived from the root שָׁעַן (shaʻan, `{{H8172}}`), meaning "to lean" or "to rely." It denotes a "support" or "stay," encompassing both concrete physical props, as seen in [[Judges 16:26]] where Samson leans on pillars, and profound figurative sustenance. Its most significant usage is in [[Isaiah 3:1]], where "staff of bread" and "staff of water" represent the essential provisions of life, highlighting God's ultimate control over all sustenance. Theologically, מִשְׁעֵן points to the crucial need for reliance on God as the sole trustworthy source of support and provision. It contrasts divine reliability with the inherent instability of all earthly "stays," urging a reverent dependence on the Almighty for true security and well-being.
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