Lexical Summary miphrats: Bay, haven, inlet Original Word: מִפְרָץ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance breach From parats; a break (in the shore), i.e. A haven -- breach. see HEBREW parats NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom parats Definition landing place NASB Translation landings (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [מִפְרָץ] noun [masculine] landing-place; — וְעַל מִפְרָצָיו יִשְׁכּוֺן Judges 5:17 (compare GFM). Topical Lexicon Meaning and Scope The word מִפְרָץ refers to a protected indentation along a shoreline—a cove, bay, or harbor—where vessels may safely anchor. In ancient Near Eastern culture such places were vital for commerce, military strategy, and seasonal fishing, providing both sustenance and security for coastal peoples. Biblical Context and Occurrence The single scriptural use appears in Judges 5:17. In the Song of Deborah, Asher is reproved for remaining “by the coast of the sea and stayed in his coves” (Berean Standard Bible). The term therefore highlights Asher’s choice of maritime safety over active participation in Israel’s deliverance. Geographical and Historical Background Asher’s allotted territory (Joshua 19:24-31) stretched along the northern Mediterranean coast, dotted with natural inlets ideal for small shipping. Archaeological surveys identify anchorages such as Akko and Haifa Bay that match the picture of sheltered coves implicit in מִפְרָץ. These locations functioned as hubs of trade with Phoenician ports, bringing both economic opportunity and the temptation to complacency when national crises arose inland. Tribal Dynamics in Judges 5:17 Judges 4–5 recounts Israel’s oppression by Jabin of Hazor and deliverance through Deborah and Barak. While Zebulun and Naphtali rallied to the call, Dan “lingered by the ships” and Asher remained in its coastal recesses. The imagery of מִפְרָץ contrasts the safety of harbor life with the perilous obedience required on the battlefield. The rebuke underscores that material security is no substitute for covenant faithfulness (compare Deuteronomy 20:8; Matthew 16:24-25). Spiritual and Ministry Insights 1. False Security. Harbors symbolize a legitimate form of protection, yet dependence on them can foster spiritual inertia. The Body of Christ is warned against retreating into comfort when the Lord summons to action (Hebrews 10:24-25; James 4:17). Theological Connections to Safe Havens Other passages employ maritime images—though with different vocabulary—to portray God’s deliverance: These texts frame מִפְרָץ within a broader biblical theme: worldly shelters are provisional signs pointing to the ultimate safety provided by the covenant-keeping God. Practical Application for the Church Today • Missional Engagement: Like Asher, modern believers may be tempted to remain in professional or cultural “bays” instead of advancing the gospel. Intentional engagement is vital (Matthew 28:18-20). The single appearance of מִפְרָץ thus serves as a compact yet potent illustration: natural shelters have their place, but the people of God must never allow earthly security to eclipse obedience to the divine call. Forms and Transliterations מִפְרָצָ֖יו מפרציו mifraTzav mip̄·rā·ṣāw mip̄rāṣāwLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Judges 5:17 HEB: יַמִּ֔ים וְעַ֥ל מִפְרָצָ֖יו יִשְׁכּֽוֹן׃ NAS: And remained by its landings. KJV: shore, and abode in his breaches. INT: the sea and landings and remained 1 Occurrence |
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