Lexical Summary miphtan: Threshold Original Word: מִפְתָּן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance threshold From the same as pethen; a stretcher, i.e. A sill -- threshold. see HEBREW pethen NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as pethen Definition threshold NASB Translation threshold (8). Brown-Driver-Briggs מִפְתָּן noun [masculine] threshold (compare Late Hebrew מָּתִין cross-beam; ? Arabic  carpenter;); — absolute ׳מ 1 Samuel 5:4; Zephaniah 1:9; construct מִפְתַּן דָּגוֺן 1 Samuel 5:5, הַבַּיִת ׳מ Ezekiel 9:3; Ezekiel 10:4,18; Ezekiel 47:1, הַשַּׁצר ׳מ Ezekiel 46:2. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Ancient Setting The word denotes the stone or wooden block at the lower part of a doorway over which one steps when moving from one space to another. In the ancient Near East such features were more than structural; they marked the boundary between domains, signifying ownership, authority, and—within sanctuaries—degrees of holiness. Occurrences and Narrative Significance • 1 Samuel 5:4–5 records that the broken idol of the Philistines, “the head of Dagon and both his hands were lying cut off on the threshold,” prompting the lasting superstition that “neither the priests of Dagon nor any who enter Dagon’s house tread on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod to this day”. The ruined deity at the very entryway dramatizes Yahweh’s supremacy and exposes pagan impotence. Theological Themes 1. Boundary between Holy and Profane: The threshold marks the decisive line where the creature approaches the Creator. When Israel’s worship aligns with God’s covenant, blessing comes from that boundary (Ezekiel 47:1). When idolatry or hypocrisy prevails, judgment hovers there (Ezekiel 9:3). Historical and Cultural Notes Archaeology uncovers thresholds inscribed with owner’s names or protective symbols, reinforcing the idea that a doorway expressed covenantal claims. In Philistine and Canaanite religion, deities were invoked at the threshold for protection; Scripture counters this by demonstrating that only the LORD rules entrances and exits (Psalm 121:8). Ministry and Discipleship Implications • Reverence: Households and churches should regard entrance points—both literal and figurative—as places to invite the Lord’s presence and dedicate all within to His service. Key Takeaway At every occurrence Scripture uses the threshold to highlight decisive moments—idol shattered, glory departing, life-giving waters beginning, or judgment announced. Attentive readers and faithful servants recognize that the places where we come and go are theaters for God’s honor, demanding humility, holiness, and hope in the One who stands at the door. Forms and Transliterations הַמִּפְתָּ֔ן הַמִּפְתָּ֖ן המפתן מִפְתַּ֣ן מִפְתַּ֤ן מִפְתַּ֥ן מפתן ham·mip̄·tān hammifTan hammip̄tān mifTan mip̄·tan mip̄tanLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Samuel 5:4 HEB: כְּרֻתוֹת֙ אֶל־ הַמִּפְתָּ֔ן רַ֥ק דָּג֖וֹן NAS: [were] cut off on the threshold; only KJV: [were] cut off upon the threshold; only [the stump of] Dagon INT: cut on the threshold but of Dagon 1 Samuel 5:5 Ezekiel 9:3 Ezekiel 10:4 Ezekiel 10:18 Ezekiel 46:2 Ezekiel 47:1 Zephaniah 1:9 8 Occurrences |
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