### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mispâch**, represented by `{{H4939}}`, denotes **slaughter** or, more specifically, **oppression**. This term is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** across **1 unique verse** in the entirety of the biblical text. Its meaning is derived from the root סָפַח, and its singular appearance makes its context critically important for understanding its weight.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole instance of `{{H4939}}` is found in the "Song of the Vineyard" in [[Isaiah 5:7]]. In this passage, the LORD `{{H3068}}` of hosts `{{H6635}}` metaphorically describes the house of Israel `{{H3478}}` and the men of Judah `{{H3063}}` as his pleasant `{{H8191}}` plant `{{H5194}}`. God declares that "he looked `{{H6960}}` for judgment `{{H4941}}`, but behold **oppression** `{{H4939}}`; for righteousness `{{H6666}}`, but behold a cry `{{H6818}}`." The word is used to create a powerful and condemnatory contrast, highlighting the nation's failure to produce the fruit of justice God expected.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of `{{H4939}}` is illuminated by the words it is directly contrasted with in its only verse:
* `{{H4941}}` **mishpâṭ** (judgment): This is what God expected from His people. Defined as a verdict, justice, or right, it stands as the complete opposite of the **oppression** He found [[Isaiah 5:7]].
* `{{H6666}}` **tsᵉdâqâh** (righteousness): This term for rightness and justice runs parallel to **judgment**. God looked for this moral virtue but instead heard a cry resulting from its absence [[Isaiah 5:7]].
* `{{H6818}}` **tsaʻăqâh** (a cry): This word is presented as the direct consequence of **oppression**. It is a shriek or **cry** of distress, like the one God heard from his afflicted people in Egypt [[Exodus 3:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4939}}` is focused on its role in defining covenant failure and social injustice.
* **Divine Disappointment:** The word powerfully illustrates the concept of divine disappointment. The LORD, as the vinedresser, cultivated His people, Israel `{{H3478}}`, expecting the good fruit of **judgment** `{{H4941}}`, but the harvest was **oppression** [[Isaiah 5:7]].
* **The Sound of Injustice:** `{{H4939}}` is intrinsically linked to the **cry** `{{H6818}}` of the afflicted. It shows that oppression is not a silent sin; it creates an outcry that God hears and for which he holds people accountable.
* **Violation of Covenant:** The presence of **oppression** signifies a deep breach in the relationship between God and His people, who were called to reflect His just and righteous character.
### Summary
In summary, while appearing only once, **mispâch** `{{H4939}}` is a pivotal word in biblical prophecy. It encapsulates the profound sin of **oppression** through a stark poetic contrast in [[Isaiah 5:7]]. The term serves as a potent reminder of the contrast between God's standard of justice and righteousness and the failure of humanity, which results in a cry that demands a divine response.
TRV