מִשְׁמָע

מִשְׁמָע

a report

Definition

The Hebrew noun מִשְׁמָע (mishmâʻ) refers to a report or something heard, specifically denoting the content of what is perceived by listening. It signifies the message or information that is received through hearing. In its sole biblical occurrence in Isaiah 11:3, it describes the Messiah's delight in the 'fear of the Lord,' where His judgment is not based on mere outward appearance or hearsay, but on true perception and understanding. The word emphasizes the substance of auditory information, moving beyond the act of hearing to the actual report or intelligence gathered.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in Isaiah 11:3. It appears in a prophetic context describing the Messiah's righteous character and judicial discernment. The verse states He will not judge by what His eyes see or decide disputes by what His ears hear (literally, 'by the report/mishmâʻ of His ears'), highlighting that His judgment transcends superficial or secondhand information. This singular usage in a major prophetic book underscores a key quality of the ideal Davidic king.

Etymology

מִשְׁמָע is a noun derived from the root שָׁמַע (shâmaʻ, H8085), meaning 'to hear, listen, obey.' It is formed in the mišqāl pattern (a common noun form). Cognate words include the noun שְׁמוּעָה (shᵉmûʻâ, H8052), meaning 'news' or 'tidings,' and the verb itself. The derivation shows a clear connection from the action of hearing to the concrete result—the report or thing heard.

Semantic Range

Though used only once, מִשְׁמָע is theologically significant as it describes the Messiah's perfect discernment. It contrasts human judgment, which is often swayed by appearances and unreliable reports, with divine judgment based on true perception and the fear of the Lord. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading of Isaiah 11:3 by emphasizing that the Messiah's reign will be characterized by justice rooted in perfect knowledge and wisdom, not in fallible human testimony. In ancient Israelite culture, where oral communication was primary, a 'report' (mishmâʻ) carried significant weight. Legal decisions, news, and community rulings often depended on verbal testimony. The prophet's declaration that the Messiah would not rely solely on such reports challenged the normal judicial process, pointing to a higher, infallible standard of judgment that sees beyond human testimony to the heart of the matter. שְׁמוּעָה (shᵉmûʻâ, H8052) — a more common term for 'news, report, or tidings,' often used for messages or announcements. שָׁמַע (shâmaʻ, H8085) — the root verb meaning 'to hear, listen, obey,' focusing on the action rather than the content. אֹזֶן (ʼozen, H241) — 'ear,' the physical organ of hearing, sometimes used metonymically for the act of listening.

Word Details