### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mithnassêʼ**, represented by `{{H4984}}`, conveys the meaning of **supreme exaltation** or being **exalted**. It appears only **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. Despite its rarity, its usage provides a stark contrast between rightful divine sovereignty and improper human ambition.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The two biblical applications of `{{H4984}}` highlight this contrast. In [[1 Chronicles 29:11]], the word describes the ultimate status of God in a prayer of praise, declaring that the LORD is **exalted** as head above all. This context associates the term with God's inherent greatness, power, and majesty. In [[1 Kings 1:5]], the word is used to describe a human action, where Adonijah the son of Haggith **exalted** himself, saying, "I will be king," in an attempt to usurp the throne.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the concept of being exalted:
* `{{H1420}}` **gᵉdûwlâh** (greatness; (concretely) mighty acts): This quality is ascribed to the LORD in the same breath as His exaltation, establishing the foundation of His supreme position [[1 Chronicles 29:11]].
* `{{H4467}}` **mamlâkâh** (dominion, i.e. (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm); kingdom, king's, reign, royal): God's exaltation is directly linked to His ownership of the **kingdom** [[1 Chronicles 29:11]].
* `{{H4427}}` **mâlak** (to reign; inceptively, to ascend the throne): This is the verb describing the goal of Adonijah's self-exaltation, an act of seizing authority [[1 Kings 1:5]].
* `{{H138}}` **ʼĂdônîyâh** (lord (i.e. worshipper) of Jah; Adonijah, the name of three Israelites; Adonijah): The individual who embodies wrongful self-exaltation, setting himself up to be king [[1 Kings 1:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4984}}` is significant due to its dual usage:
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The term is used to affirm God's absolute and rightful place above all creation. He is **exalted** as **head** over everything, and this status is part of His divine nature [[1 Chronicles 29:11]].
* **The Sin of Usurpation:** Adonijah's story uses the same root word to illustrate the sin of presumption. For a man to **exalt** himself is to claim a position and authority not given to him, representing a rebellion against the divine order [[1 Kings 1:5]].
* **Rightful vs. Wrongful Exaltation:** The word demonstrates that true exaltation belongs to the LORD. Human attempts to seize it are illegitimate. God’s exaltation is eternal and inherent, while Adonijah's is a temporary and rebellious act.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4984}}` is a concise but potent term that defines supreme status. Through its two distinct uses, it draws a clear theological line between the inherent, rightful exaltation of God over His kingdom and the sinful, ambitious self-exaltation of man. It effectively illustrates that true and lasting exaltation is an attribute of God alone.
TRV