מִשְׁקָע
a settling place (of water), i.e. a pond
Definition
The Hebrew noun מִשְׁקָע (mishqâʻ) refers to a 'settling place' or 'place of sinking,' specifically describing a body of water where sediment settles. In its single biblical occurrence, it denotes a deep, muddy pool or pond formed by trampled water. The word carries the sense of a stagnant or disturbed water source, contrasting with clear, flowing water. It is derived from the root meaning 'to sink down' or 'subside,' emphasizing the process of particles settling to the bottom.
Biblical Usage
This word appears only once in the Old Testament, in Ezekiel 34:18. Here, God rebukes the leaders of Israel, using the metaphor of sheep who muddy the clear water with their feet, leaving only the 'deep' or 'muddy water' (מִשְׁקָע) for others to drink. The context is prophetic judgment, highlighting how the actions of the powerful spoil resources meant for the community. No other biblical books use this specific term.
Etymology
מִשְׁקָע comes from the root שָׁקַע (shāqaʻ, H8257), meaning 'to sink down,' 'subside,' or 'settle.' It is a noun form indicating the place or result of that action. Cognates in other Semitic languages also relate to sinking or being deep. The development from verb to noun reflects a focus on the location where settling occurs, hence a pond or deep pool.
Semantic Range
Though used only once, מִשְׁקָע holds theological weight in Ezekiel's metaphor of failed leadership. It illustrates how selfish behavior corrupts what should be life-giving (clear water), leaving only spoiled remnants for others. This enriches reading by highlighting God's concern for justice and communal welfare, condemning leaders who abuse their position and harm the vulnerable. Understanding this Hebrew term underscores the prophetic call to righteousness.
In ancient Near Eastern pastoral culture, access to clean water was vital for survival. A 'settling place' of water would be a trampled, muddy pond—unfit for drinking compared to a fresh spring or stream. Ezekiel's audience would immediately grasp the imagery: leaders are like sheep that foul the water, forcing others to consume the dregs. This contrasts with modern, regulated water sources, emphasizing the tangible deprivation caused by negligence.
בְּאֵר (be'er, H875) — a well or dug pit for water, typically a clean source. בּוֹר (bôr, H953) — a cistern or pit, often for storing water, but can be dry or muddy. אֲגַם (agam, H98) — a pool or marsh, sometimes stagnant but not necessarily trampled.
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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