4707. mitspeh

Lexicon

mitspeh: Watchtower, lookout, or watchpost

Original Word: מִצְפֶּה
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: mitspeh
Pronunciation: mits-peh
Phonetic Spelling: (mits-peh')
Definition: Watchtower, lookout, or watchpost
Meaning: an observatory, for, military purposes

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

watch tower

From tsaphah; an observatory, especially for military purposes -- watch tower.

see HEBREW tsaphah

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from tsaphah
Definition
watchtower
NASB Translation
lookout (2), watchtower (1).

Brown-Driver-Briggs

I. מִצְמֶּה noun masculine

1 watch-tower, Isaiah 21:8.

2 outlook-point, 2 Chronicles 20:24 on high ground.

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the root צָפָה (tsaphah), meaning "to look out" or "to watch."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • G3706: ὀπτασία (optasia) • This Greek term relates to the concept of seeing or a vision, which aligns with the idea of observation inherent in מִצְפֶּה (Mitzpeh). While not a direct translation, it shares the thematic element of sight and observation.

Usage: The term מִצְפֶּה (Mitzpeh) is used in the Hebrew Bible to refer to locations that serve as lookout points or places of strategic military observation. It is often associated with high places or elevated areas that provide a vantage point for surveillance.

Context: • The term מִצְפֶּה (Mitzpeh) appears in various contexts throughout the Hebrew Bible, often denoting a geographical location that serves as a strategic point for observation or defense. It is frequently associated with military activities, where the need for vigilance and the ability to foresee enemy movements are crucial.
• In the narrative of the Israelites, מִצְפֶּה (Mitzpeh) is mentioned as a gathering place for tribes or armies, highlighting its importance as a central location for communication and coordination. For example, in Judges 11:29, Jephthah is said to have passed through Mizpah of Gilead on his way to confront the Ammonites.
• The term is also used in a more general sense to describe any elevated place that provides a clear view of the surrounding area, making it suitable for both military and non-military purposes.
• In 1 Samuel 7:5-6, the prophet Samuel calls the Israelites to gather at Mizpah for a time of repentance and renewal, demonstrating the site's significance as a place of assembly and spiritual reflection.
• The strategic importance of מִצְפֶּה (Mitzpeh) is underscored by its repeated mention in contexts of conflict and defense, serving as a reminder of the need for vigilance and preparedness in the face of adversaries.

Forms and Transliterations

הַמִּצְפֶּ֖ה המצפה מִצְפֶּ֣ה ׀ מצפה ham·miṣ·peh hammiṣpeh hammitzPeh miṣ·peh miṣpeh mitzPeh

Englishman's Concordance

2 Chronicles 20:24
HEB: בָּ֥א עַל־ הַמִּצְפֶּ֖ה לַמִּדְבָּ֑ר וַיִּפְנוּ֙
NAS: came to the lookout of the wilderness,
KJV: came toward the watch tower in the wilderness,
INT: came unto the lookout of the wilderness looked

Isaiah 21:8
HEB: אַרְיֵ֑ה עַל־ מִצְפֶּ֣ה ׀ אֲדֹנָ֗י אָנֹכִ֞י
NAS: Then the lookout called, O Lord,
KJV: continually upon the watchtower in the daytime,
INT: A lion Then the lookout Lord I

2 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 4707
2 Occurrences

ham·miṣ·peh — 1 Occ.
miṣ·peh — 1 Occ.