מִזָּה
Mizzah, an Edomite
Definition
Mizzah is a proper name referring to an Edomite, specifically a grandson of Esau through his son Reuel (Genesis 36:13, 17). As an Edomite chieftain, he represents one of the foundational tribal leaders of the nation of Edom, which was a persistent rival and neighbor to ancient Israel. His mention in the genealogical records of Genesis 36 and 1 Chronicles 1:37 serves to document the fulfillment of God's promise to Esau that he would become a great nation, parallel to the nation of Israel descended from Jacob.
Biblical Usage
The name Mizzah is used exclusively in Old Testament genealogical lists. It appears three times, all within the context of listing the descendants of Esau who became chiefs in Edom. The usage is consistent across Genesis 36:13, Genesis 36:17, and 1 Chronicles 1:37, where it functions solely as a personal name identifying an individual within the Edomite lineage.
Etymology
The name Mizzah (מִזָּה) is likely derived from an unused Hebrew root meaning 'to faint' or 'to be weak from fear,' suggesting a sense of 'terror' or 'dread.' This etymology may imply a characteristic of the individual or perhaps a hope for the child to inspire awe. It is a proper noun formed from this root concept.
Semantic Range
While Mizzah himself is not a central theological figure, his inclusion in Scripture is theologically significant. His genealogy demonstrates God's faithfulness in blessing both lines of Isaac—Jacob (Israel) and Esau (Edom)—as separate nations, fulfilling the prophecy given to Rebekah (Genesis 25:23). Understanding these names enriches the reading of biblical history by showing God's sovereign hand in the establishment of peoples, even those often in conflict with Israel.
In the ancient Near Eastern context, genealogies like the one containing Mizzah were vital records of identity, heritage, and land rights. Listing Mizzah as a 'chief' (אַלּוּף) indicates he was a recognized tribal leader within the Edomite confederation. This status signified political and military authority, reflecting the social structure of a tribal society where lineage directly correlated to leadership and territory.
Reuel (Rəʻûʼēl, H7467) — Mizzah's father, another Edomite chief. Esau (ʻĒśāw, H6215) — The patriarch and grandfather of Mizzah, founder of the Edomites.
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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