from שָׁתָה; drink, by implication, drinking (the act); also (by implication) a banquet or (generally) feast; banquet, drank, drink, feast((-ed), -ing).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mishteh**, represented by `{{H4960}}`, is derived from the root word for "drink" and primarily refers to a **banquet** or **feast**. It appears 46 times in 43 unique verses. While its base definition relates to the act of drinking, its most common usage in scripture denotes a gathering for celebration, a formal banquet, or a communal meal.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H4960}}` describes a wide range of social and ceremonial events. It is frequently used for royal banquets, such as the great **feast** King Ahasuerus made for his officials [[Esther 1:3]] and the banquets Queen Esther prepared for the king and Haman [[Esther 5:4]]. The term also marks significant personal milestones, like the **feast** Abraham held when Isaac was weaned [[Genesis 21:8]] and the wedding **feast** for Jacob [[Genesis 29:22]]. On a metaphorical level, [[Proverbs 15:15]] equates a merry heart with a continual **feast**. Conversely, scripture also contrasts the "house of **feasting**" with the "house of mourning" as a reminder of life's sober realities [[Ecclesiastes 7:2]], and warns against feasts characterized by godless excess and drunkenness ([[1 Samuel 25:36]]; [[Isaiah 5:12]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the nature of a **mishteh**:
* `{{H8354}}` **shâthâh** (to drink): This is the primitive root from which **mishteh** is derived. It signifies the core action of a feast, as seen when guests at a feast made by Isaac "did eat and **drink**" [[Genesis 26:30]].
* `{{H3196}}` **yayin** (wine): As a fermented drink, **wine** is a central element of many biblical feasts. Daniel chose not to defile himself with the king's **wine** [[Daniel 1:8]], and many of Esther's banquets are specifically called a "**banquet** of **wine**" [[Esther 7:7]].
* `{{H8057}}` **simchâh** (joy, gladness): Feasts are often occasions for great joy. The establishment of Purim called for the creation of "days of **feasting** and **joy**" to commemorate deliverance [[Esther 9:22]].
* `{{H2896}}` **ṭôwb** (good, merry): This describes the cheerful atmosphere associated with feasting. Nabal's heart was **merry** at his feast [[1 Samuel 25:36]], and a heart that is of a **merry** heart is said to have a continual feast [[Proverbs 15:15]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4960}}` is demonstrated through its various contexts:
* **Fellowship and Covenant:** Feasts are often used to establish or affirm relationships. David made a **feast** for Abner to build an alliance [[2 Samuel 3:20]], and Lot made a **feast** as an act of hospitality for his guests [[Genesis 19:3]].
* **Celebration of Divine Action:** The days of Purim were designated as days of **feasting** and gladness to celebrate God's deliverance of the Jews [[Esther 9:17-18]]. Solomon made a **feast** for all his servants after receiving wisdom from God in a dream [[1 Kings 3:15]].
* **Eschatological Hope:** In a prophetic sense, the ultimate act of divine provision is depicted as a feast. Isaiah foretells that the LORD will make for all people "a **feast** of fat things, a **feast** of wines on the lees well refined" [[Isaiah 25:6]], symbolizing the final messianic banquet.
* **Warning Against Ungodly Indulgence:** A feast can also represent a life of godless pleasure that invites judgment. The LORD warns that he will make the **feasts** of his enemies a prelude to their destruction, making them drunken so they sleep a perpetual sleep [[Jeremiah 51:39]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4960}}` is a term rich with meaning, extending far beyond the simple act of drinking. It is a cornerstone of social life in the Old Testament, marking everything from royal decrees [[Esther 1:5]] and personal milestones [[Genesis 21:8]] to holy celebrations [[Esther 9:19]]. Theologically, it represents covenant fellowship, joyful celebration of God's works, and, most profoundly, the future hope of God's redemptive banquet for all people [[Isaiah 25:6]].
TRV