### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mishʻênâh**, represented by `{{H4938}}`, refers concretely to a walking-stick or staff, and figuratively to support or sustenance. It is a feminine form of `{{H4937}}` and appears 12 times across 11 unique verses. This term is used to describe both physical aids for walking and metaphorical sources of reliance, which can be either trustworthy or dangerously false.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its literal sense, `{{H4938}}` denotes a physical staff used for support. It is a sign of old age in Zechariah's vision of a peaceful Jerusalem, where every elderly person has a **staff** in hand [[Zechariah 8:4]]. It is also a tool for recovery, as a man who was injured is considered healed when he can walk abroad "upon his **staff**" [[Exodus 21:19]]. The word can also describe an instrument of power or authority, such as the **staff** of the angel of the LORD used to perform a miracle [[Judges 6:21]] or the **staves** of the nobles used to dig a well [[Numbers 21:18]]. Figuratively, it is used powerfully to represent a source of trust. The LORD's **staff** is a source of comfort [[Psalms 23:4]], while trust in Egypt is likened to leaning on the "**staff** of this broken reed," which will pierce the hand of those who rely on it ([[Isaiah 36:6]], [[2 Kings 18:21]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of `{{H4938}}`:
* `{{H4937}}` **mishʻên** (stay): This is the masculine form, meaning support or sustenance. It is used alongside `{{H4938}}` in Isaiah's prophecy that the LORD will remove "the **stay** and the **staff**" from Jerusalem, signifying a total loss of support [[Isaiah 3:1]].
* `{{H5564}}` **çâmak** (to lean upon): This verb describes the action of relying on a support. It is used in the warning against trusting Egypt, where a man who will **lean** upon the fragile staff will have his hand pierced [[2 Kings 18:21]].
* `{{H7070}}` **qâneh** (a reed): This noun specifies the material of the unreliable staff. Egypt is described as a "**staff** of **reed**," highlighting its inherent weakness as a source of support for Israel [[Ezekiel 29:6]].
* `{{H7626}}` **shêbeṭ** (rod): This word often appears with `{{H4938}}` and can mean a rod for discipline, ruling, or defense. In [[Psalms 23:4]], both God's "**rod** and thy **staff**" provide comfort, suggesting a combination of divine protection and support.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4938}}` is primarily found in its metaphorical use.
* **False versus True Support:** The concept is a recurring object lesson on faith. Egypt is consistently presented as a weak and harmful "**staff** of reed" ([[Isaiah 36:6]], [[Ezekiel 29:6]]), a warning against placing trust in worldly powers instead of God.
* **Divine Comfort and Sustenance:** In stark contrast, God's **staff** is a symbol of His reliable presence and comfort, even in the "valley of the shadow of death" [[Psalms 23:4]]. The removal of the "stay and the **staff**" is an act of divine judgment, showing that all essential sustenance comes from the LORD [[Isaiah 3:1]].
* **Instrument of God's Power:** A **staff** in the hand of a divine messenger can be a conduit for God's miraculous power [[Judges 6:21]]. However, the object itself holds no inherent power, as seen when Elisha's **staff** in Gehazi's hand fails to revive a child, demonstrating that the power comes from God alone [[2 Kings 4:31]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4938}}` is a deeply symbolic word. While it literally refers to a simple walking stick, its scriptural usage transforms it into a powerful metaphor for trust and reliance. It serves as a constant reminder to distinguish between the fragile, piercing support offered by the world and the unwavering, comforting support that comes only from the LORD. The **mishʻênâh** illustrates how an everyday object can convey profound theological truths about faith, judgment, and divine provision.
TRV