מִכְמְתָת
Mikmethath, a place in Palestine
Definition
Mikmethath is a proper noun referring to a geographical location in ancient Palestine, specifically a town or landmark that served as a boundary point between the territories of the Israelite tribes. It is mentioned exclusively in the context of defining tribal allotments in the Book of Joshua. In Joshua 16:6, it marks the border of the territory of Ephraim, and in Joshua 17:7, it similarly serves as a boundary for the tribe of Manasseh. The name itself, derived from a root meaning 'to hide' or 'concealment,' may suggest a topographical feature like a sheltered or hidden place, though its precise identification remains uncertain among scholars.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only twice in the Old Testament, both occurrences in the Book of Joshua (Joshua 16:6 and 17:7). Its usage is strictly geographical, functioning as a boundary marker in the detailed descriptions of land divisions following the Israelite conquest of Canaan. There are no patterns of usage beyond this specific administrative and territorial context.
Etymology
The name Mikmethath (מִכְמְתָת) appears to be derived from an unused Hebrew root, likely כָּמַת (kāmath), meaning 'to hide' or 'conceal.' It is a proper noun formed as a feminine singular construct, suggesting a meaning like 'place of concealment' or 'hiding place.' This etymology aligns with many ancient place names that describe physical characteristics of the location.
Semantic Range
As a boundary marker in tribal allotments, Mikmethath reflects the high importance of land inheritance and tribal identity in ancient Israelite culture. The precise delineation of borders, as seen in Joshua 16-17, was crucial for maintaining social order, economic stability, and the fulfillment of God's promises regarding the land. Its exact location is lost to history, which is common for many minor biblical sites, highlighting how modern understanding relies on textual context rather than archaeological certainty.
גְּבוּל (gᵉbûl, H1366) — A common Hebrew word for 'border' or 'boundary,' which describes the function of Mikmethath rather than being a synonym for the place name itself.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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