Lexical Summary mibdalah: Separation, division Original Word: מִבְדָּלָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance separate From badal; a separation, i.e. (concretely) a separate place -- separate. see HEBREW badal NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom badal Definition a separate place NASB Translation set apart (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [מִבְדָּלָה] noun feminine separate place, הַמִּבְדָּלוֺת Joshua 16:9 (appositive הֶעָרִים); but read probably הַמֻּבְדָּלוֺת Hoph`al Participle from בדל, or הַנִּבְדָּלוֺת Niph`al Participle, compare Di. Topical Lexicon Occurrence and Context The term appears once in Scripture, describing “the cities that were set apart for the sons of Ephraim within the inheritance of the Manassites” (Joshua 16:9). Set within the larger section detailing Israel’s apportionment of Canaan, the word highlights enclaves allotted to Ephraim that lay geographically inside Manasseh’s borders. These towns—complete with their surrounding villages—served as tangible reminders that the promised land, though one united gift, was carefully distributed under divine directive. Geopolitical Significance within Israel’s Tribal Inheritance 1. Inter-tribal Enclaves: The enclave arrangement fostered mutual dependence between Ephraim and Manasseh, illustrating how the two halves of Joseph’s lineage retained both autonomy and solidarity. Theological Themes of Separation and Sanctification Separation in Scripture is rarely isolation; it is consecration for service. The set-apart towns: Historical Background Archaeological surveys in the hill country of Ephraim and western Manasseh reveal Iron Age village networks that match Joshua’s description: modest agricultural settlements with cisterns, perimeter walls, and central courtyards. These fit the profile of towns “with their villages,” supplying produce to the larger tribal economy. The arrangement endured into the monarchy, when prophetic ministry often originated from this region (for example, Samuel and later Elijah’s Tishbite heritage). Intertextual Connections and Prophetic Foreshadowing The concept of being “set apart” resonates with: Ministry Implications and Application 1. Identity amid Overlap: Believers, like Ephraim’s enclaves, often reside within broader cultural “territory.” Faithfulness requires clear identity without retreat. Summary Mibdalah emphasizes deliberate separation for divine purpose. In Joshua 16:9 it secures Ephraimite identity within Manassite land, reflecting God’s precise allocation of blessings. Historically anchored, the term enriches biblical theology of holiness and provides enduring lessons on living as a consecrated people within a shared world. Forms and Transliterations הַמִּבְדָּלוֹת֙ המבדלות ham·miḇ·dā·lō·wṯ hammiḇdālōwṯ hammivdalOtLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Joshua 16:9 HEB: וְהֶעָרִ֗ים הַמִּבְדָּלוֹת֙ לִבְנֵ֣י אֶפְרַ֔יִם NAS: [together] with the cities which were set apart for the sons KJV: And the separate cities INT: the cities were set the sons of Ephraim 1 Occurrence |
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