Lexical Summary miphtach: Opening, entrance, doorway Original Word: מִפְתָּח Strong's Exhaustive Concordance opening From pathach; an aperture, i.e. (figuratively) utterance -- opening. see HEBREW pathach NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom pathach Definition an opening, utterance NASB Translation opening (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [מִפְתָּח] noun [masculine] opening, utterance; — construct מִפְתַּח שְׂפָתַיּ Proverbs 8:6 i.e. that with which my lips open. Topical Lexicon Definition and Scopeמִפְתָּח (miptach) denotes an “opening” or “entrance.” Scripture uses the noun both literally, for a physical doorway that gives access to a sacred space, and figuratively, for the “opening” of the lips in speech. Each nuance contributes to a rich biblical theology of access—whether to the house of God or to the wisdom of God. Occurrences in Scripture • 1 Chronicles 9:27 – The Levitical gatekeepers “were responsible for opening it each morning.” Historical Background In the post-exilic period chronicled in 1 Chronicles, gatekeepers (often drawn from the Korahite line, cf. 1 Chronicles 9:19) carried keys, inspected those who entered, and ensured purity within the restored temple precincts. Their nightly vigils protected the sanctity of worship; their morning “opening” signaled the renewed invitation for Israel to draw near to God. Proverbs sets Wisdom at the city gates (Proverbs 8:3). The “opening” of her lips functions like an oracular gateway: whoever heeds her gains entrance to understanding and life (Proverbs 8:32–35). Theological Themes 1. Access to Divine Presence 2. Stewardship of Sacred Trusts 3. Authority in Speech Ministry Significance Gatekeeping ministries—ushers, elders, pastors—continue the Levitical pattern when they safeguard the assembly, admit the repentant, and bar the unrepentant (Matthew 18:15–18; Titus 1:9). Likewise, teachers exercise a verbal “opening” whenever they unfold Scripture with accuracy (2 Timothy 2:15). Christological Connections Jesus identifies Himself as “the door” (John 10:9). He embodies both the physical and verbal senses of מִפְתָּח: He is the entrance to the Father and the Word who perfectly reveals the Father (John 14:6; Hebrews 1:1–2). At Pentecost the Spirit empowers believers to declare “the mighty works of God” (Acts 2:11), a collective “opening of lips” that extends the invitation of salvation. Practical Reflections for the Church Today • Guard the gathering: Churches must ensure doctrinal fidelity and ethical accountability, mirroring the Old Testament gatekeepers. Thus מִפְתָּח calls every generation to honor the God-given thresholds of worship and witness, confident that the One who opens will never close against those who trust Him. Forms and Transliterations הַמַּפְתֵּ֖חַ המפתח וּמִפְתַּ֥ח ומפתח ham·map̄·tê·aḥ hammafTeach hammap̄têaḥ ū·mip̄·taḥ umifTach ūmip̄taḥLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 9:27 HEB: וְהֵ֥ם עַל־ הַמַּפְתֵּ֖חַ וְלַבֹּ֥קֶר לַבֹּֽקֶר׃ INT: and they in charge opening morning morning Proverbs 8:6 2 Occurrences |
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