מִצְחָה
a shinpiece of armor (as prominent), only plural
Definition
The Hebrew word מִצְחָה (mitschâh) refers to a piece of armor specifically designed to protect the shins or lower legs. It is used exclusively in the plural form, indicating a pair of these protective plates. The term appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in 1 Samuel 17:6, where it describes part of the formidable armor worn by the Philistine giant Goliath. The word's derivation from a root meaning 'forehead' or 'prominence' suggests these greaves were a prominent, visible part of a warrior's defensive gear.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in the singular narrative context of 1 Samuel 17:6. It describes a specific component of Goliath's armor: 'and he had greaves of brass upon his legs.' Its usage is strictly martial and descriptive, providing a concrete detail to emphasize the near-complete metallic protection of the Philistine champion, which contrasted with the simpler equipment of the Israelite shepherd David.
Etymology
מִצְחָה (mitschâh) is a feminine noun derived from the same root as מֵצַח (mêtsach, H4696), meaning 'forehead' or 'brow.' The connection likely stems from the concept of a prominent, protruding, or front-facing surface. Thus, a 'shinpiece' or 'greave' is understood as the armored plate covering the prominent frontal bone of the lower leg, analogous to the forehead on the head.
Semantic Range
In the ancient Near Eastern context, greaves were a sign of advanced, heavy infantry armor, typically used by elite warriors or champions. Goliath's brass greaves in 1 Samuel 17:6 highlight his status as a heavily armed professional soldier, contrasting sharply with the minimal, faith-based defense of David. This detail underscores the theme of divine power overcoming human might and technological advantage, a central lesson of the narrative.
שִׁרְיוֹן (shiryôn, H8302) — a more general term for a coat of mail or body armor, not specific to the legs. כּוֹבַע (kôva`, H6959) — a helmet, protecting the head rather than the limbs.
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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