Lexical Summary mishmaath: Report, news, hearing Original Word: מִשְׁמַעַת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance simileFeminineal sense of superiority in mental action; properly, a pithy maxim, usually of metaphorical nature; hence, a simile (as a adae, compare, use (as a) proverb, speak (in proverbs), utter. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom shama Definition an obedient band, body of subjects NASB Translation guard (3), subject (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [מִשְׁמַ֫עַת] noun feminine obedient band, body of subjects; — only suffix: 1 probably = body-guard, as especially bound to obedience, מִשְׁמַעְתּ֑ךָ 1 Samuel 22:14 captain over thy guard (Ew BeCh Dr Bu Now), compare תּוֺ- 2 Samuel 23:23 = 1 Chronicles 11:25. 2 תָּם- Isaiah 11:14 the sons of Ammon (shall be) their subjects ("" מוֺאָב; מִשְׁלוֺחַ יָדָם; compare משמעת MI28). שׁמץ (√ of following; compare Late Hebrew שֵׁמֶץ accusation (or suspicion); Thes compare Arabic Topical Lexicon Meaning in Scripture מִשְׁמַעַת (mishmaʿath) describes a group or office defined by attentive hearing that issues in loyal action. Although built on the verb “to hear,” its force in narrative settings is concrete: a corps of men who listen to the king’s orders and guard his person. At the same time, the word may shade toward “renown” or “honor,” because such faithful listeners become noteworthy for their unwavering obedience. Occurrences and Narrative Setting • 1 Samuel 22:14 shows the term on David’s résumé long before he ascends the throne: “He is the king’s son-in-law, commander of your personal guard, and honored in your house”. Saul’s own priest testifies that David’s leadership of the mishmaʿath already exemplified faithfulness. Royal Guard as “Those Who Hear” Ancient Near Eastern courts commonly called close-quarter officers “listeners.” Their readiness to catch every royal word symbolized absolute loyalty. In Israel, the concept is enriched by covenant theology: the king is Yahweh’s anointed, so guarding him is bound up with guarding the divine promise. Thus mishmaʿath conveys both physical protection and spiritual attentiveness. Themes of Honor and Promotion Each passage links mishmaʿath with honor. David’s rise, Benaiah’s elevation, and even Saul’s grudging acknowledgment show that God notices and rewards those who listen well. The text never portrays the guard as a mere ceremonial detail; it is a marker of trustworthy character that God can exalt at the proper time (compare Proverbs 22:29). Historical Significance 1. Stabilizing the Monarchy: In the turbulent transition from Saul to David, a reliable guard was essential. By naming the office, Scripture highlights a practical means God used to secure His chosen king. Ministry Applications • Servant Leadership: Pastors and elders stand “close to the King” and must cultivate the same alert obedience, guarding doctrine and flock alike (1 Timothy 6:20). Summary מִשְׁמַעַת unites the ideas of hearing, guarding, and honor. Whether attached to David’s early reputation or to Benaiah’s distinguished career, it elevates attentive obedience as the pathway to both effective service and divinely granted prominence. Forms and Transliterations מִשְׁמַעְתֶּ֖ךָ מִשְׁמַעְתּֽוֹ׃ משמעתו׃ משמעתך miš·ma‘·te·ḵā miš·ma‘·tōw mishmaTecha mishmaTo mišma‘teḵā mišma‘tōwLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Samuel 22:14 HEB: וְסָ֥ר אֶל־ מִשְׁמַעְתֶּ֖ךָ וְנִכְבָּ֥ד בְּבֵיתֶֽךָ׃ NAS: who is captain over your guard, and is honored KJV: and goeth at thy bidding, and is honourable INT: and goeth over your guard honored court 2 Samuel 23:23 1 Chronicles 11:25 3 Occurrences |
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speak rapidly (and indistinctly) (†am Frey); but dubious; rapidity seems main idea; — and שׁ = 
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