from שָׁתָה; drink, by implication, drinking (the act); also (by implication) a banquet or (generally) feast; banquet, drank, drink, feast((-ed), -ing).
Transliteration:mishteh
Pronunciation:mish-teh'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun מִשְׁתֶּה (mishteh), Strong's number `{{H4960}}`, is derived from the verbal root שָׁתָה (shatah), meaning "to drink" (`{{H8354}}`). At its most fundamental level, mishteh signifies the *act of drinking*. However, its semantic range extends significantly through implication. It commonly refers to a specific occasion centered around drinking, such as a "drinking party." By further extension, it encompasses a broader event: a "banquet" or "feast." In this latter sense, while drinking remains a prominent feature, the term denotes the entire celebratory meal or gathering, often characterized by abundance, joy, and social interaction. Thus, mishteh can describe anything from a simple act of drinking to an elaborate royal celebration.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term mishteh appears frequently in the Hebrew Bible, offering rich contextual insights into its usage.
In the book of Genesis, mishteh often denotes celebratory family events or acts of hospitality. Abraham makes a "great feast" (mishteh gadol) on the day Isaac is weaned, signifying a joyous milestone ([[Genesis 21:8]]). Similarly, Isaac prepares a feast for Abimelech, sealing a covenant of peace ([[Genesis 26:30]]). Lot also makes a "feast" for the angelic visitors, demonstrating hospitality ([[Genesis 19:3]]). These early occurrences highlight the social and relational aspects of the mishteh, often associated with blessing, transition, or reconciliation.
The book of Esther provides the most extensive use of mishteh, where it is central to the narrative's political and social dynamics. King Ahasuerus's lavish "feasts" ([[Esther 1:3]], [[Esther 1:5]]) establish the opulent and often excessive nature of Persian court life, setting the stage for intrigue and power struggles. Esther herself strategically uses the mishteh as a means to approach the king and expose Haman's plot ([[Esther 5:4]], [[Esther 7:1]]). Here, the banquet is not merely a social gathering but a calculated political arena.
In Daniel, Belshazzar's infamous "feast" ([[Daniel 5:1]]) serves as a stark example of mishteh associated with revelry, sacrilege, and impending judgment. The king's use of sacred temple vessels for his drunken banquet directly precedes the divine writing on the wall and his kingdom's downfall, illustrating the dangers of hubris and disrespect for God.
Prophetic literature also employs mishteh. Isaiah condemns those who rise early for strong drink and stay up late, with "feasts" (mishteh) and revelry, highlighting the social decay and spiritual blindness that accompany excessive indulgence ([[Isaiah 5:11-12]]). Conversely, [[Isaiah 25:6]] presents a profound eschatological vision of a "feast of rich food" (often translated as "feast of fat things" or "sumptuous banquet") which the Lord of hosts will prepare for all peoples on Mount Zion, symbolizing ultimate divine provision and salvation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root שָׁתָה (shatah, `{{H8354}}`), "to drink," from which mishteh is directly derived. This connection underscores the fundamental association of mishteh with the consumption of beverages, particularly alcoholic ones in many contexts.
Other related Hebrew terms include:
* לֶחֶם (lechem, `{{H3899}}`): "bread," but often used metonymically for "food" or "meal" in general. While mishteh focuses on the drinking aspect or the celebratory event, lechem is broader for sustenance.
* סְעֻדָּה (se'udah, `{{H5587}}`): "a meal," "a banquet." This term is often more general for a formal meal, whereas mishteh frequently carries the specific nuance of a drinking party or a feast where drinking is a prominent feature.
* חֲגִיגָה (chagigah, `{{H2287}}`): A "festal sacrifice" or "feast," often associated with pilgrimage festivals. This term carries a more explicit religious connotation than mishteh, though mishteh can occur within religious contexts.
Concepts associated with mishteh include:
* **Hospitality:** Providing a feast for guests.
* **Celebration and Joy:** Marking significant life events or victories.
* **Covenant and Fellowship:** Sharing a meal as a sign of agreement or restored relationship.
* **Excess and Indulgence:** The potential for revelry to turn into drunkenness and sin.
* **Political Power and Intrigue:** As seen in royal courts, feasts can be settings for displays of power and strategic maneuvering.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of mishteh is multifaceted, reflecting both human experience and divine interaction.
Firstly, mishteh often symbolizes **divine blessing and provision**. The ability to hold a feast, particularly one of abundance, implies prosperity and peace, which are seen as gifts from God. Abraham's feast for Isaac's weaning ([[Genesis 21:8]]) is a celebration of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promise.
Secondly, feasts can represent **covenant and fellowship**. The shared meal is a powerful symbol of unity and reconciliation, as seen in Isaac's feast with Abimelech ([[Genesis 26:30]]), which cemented their peace treaty. This foreshadows the New Testament concept of communion and fellowship with God and one another.
Thirdly, mishteh also serves as a potent warning against **sinful indulgence and pride**. The prophets condemn the "feasts" characterized by drunkenness, revelry, and a disregard for God's law ([[Isaiah 5:11-12]], [[Amos 6:4-6]]). Belshazzar's feast in Daniel is the quintessential example, demonstrating how human excess and sacrilege invite divine judgment ([[Daniel 5:1]]). This highlights the biblical tension between legitimate joy and sinful self-indulgence.
Finally, and perhaps most profoundly, mishteh points to **eschatological hope**. The "feast" of [[Isaiah 25:6]] is a powerful metaphor for the ultimate salvation and communion that God will establish for His people in the age to come. This Messianic banquet, a feast of "rich food" and "well-aged wine," symbolizes the fullness of God's presence, the abolition of death, and the wiping away of tears. It transforms the earthly mishteh into a vision of divine hospitality and eternal joy in the Kingdom of God.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מִשְׁתֶּה (mishteh, `{{H4960}}`) fundamentally denotes "drinking" but extends semantically to encompass a "drinking party," "banquet," or "feast." Its occurrences in the Hebrew Bible reveal a rich tapestry of meaning: from joyous family celebrations and acts of hospitality ([[Genesis 21:8]]) to strategic political gatherings ([[Esther 5:4]]) and scenes of sinful revelry leading to divine judgment ([[Daniel 5:1]]). While mishteh can signify legitimate human joy and the blessing of divine provision, it also serves as a potent warning against excess, pride, and spiritual blindness. Ultimately, the concept of mishteh culminates in the glorious eschatological "feast" prepared by the Lord, symbolizing the ultimate fulfillment of God's salvation and eternal fellowship with Him ([[Isaiah 25:6]]).
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