Lexical Summary Mishrai: Authority, Dominion Original Word: מִשְׁרָעִי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Mishraites Patrial from an unused noun from an unused root; probably meaning to stretch out; extension; a Mishraite, or inhabitant (collectively) of Mishra -- Mishraites. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition a family of Kiriath-jearim NASB Translation Mishraites (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מִשְׁרָעִי adjective, of a people (derivation unknown), only with article as collective noun ׳הַמּ 1 Chronicles 2:53 the Mishra`ites, a family of Kirjath Jearim, ᵐ5 Ἡμασαρειμ, ᵐ5L Μασερεθι. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence “The families of Kiriath Jearim: the Ithrites, Puthites, Shumathites, and Mishraites. From these came the Zorathites and Eshtaolites.” (1 Chronicles 2:53) Genealogical Placement within Judah The Mishraites appear in the Chronicler’s Judahite genealogy immediately after the lineage of Caleb. Their listing among the “families of Kiriath Jearim” locates them inside Judah’s tribal borders and ties them to the great Davidic tribe that anchors the southern kingdom. Though mentioned only once, their inclusion signals full covenant membership and underscores the Chronicler’s concern that every clan be accounted for in the post-exilic restoration of national identity. Geographical Setting Kiriath Jearim sat on the Judean hill-country ridge, twelve miles west of Jerusalem. From this town the Mishraites produced two offshoot groups: the Zorathites and Eshtaolites, whose settlements (Zorah and Eshtaol) lay on the border between Judah and Dan in the Shephelah. This frontier zone—overlooking the Valley of Sorek—was strategically important in guarding approaches to the highlands and served as a staging area for many later biblical events, including Samson’s exploits (Judges 13–16). Historical Significance 1. Custodians of Sacred Space: Kiriath Jearim housed the Ark of the Covenant for roughly twenty years before David moved it to Jerusalem (1 Samuel 7:1–2; 2 Samuel 6:2–3). As native residents, the Mishraites would have shared responsibility for honoring the Ark’s presence, reinforcing Judah’s early priestly character even before the temple era. Connection with Later Biblical Events • Samson’s Birthplace: “A man of Zorah named Manoah, from the clan of the Danites” (Judges 13:2) lived where Mishraite descendants had settled. The judge who began to deliver Israel from the Philistines (Judges 13:5) therefore rose out of Mishraite-linked territory, demonstrating how God uses obscure roots for mighty acts. Theological Reflections 1. Covenant Memory: By preserving even minor clans, Scripture teaches that God’s covenant embraces entire communities, not merely celebrated leaders. Practical Applications for Ministry • Valuing Every Member: Churches should honor lesser-known servants whose quiet faithfulness sustains corporate worship, just as the Mishraites upheld sacred space without fanfare. Key References 1 Chronicles 2:50–55; 1 Samuel 6:21–7:2; 2 Samuel 6:1–3; Judges 13:2–25; Genesis 49:8–10 Forms and Transliterations וְהַמִּשְׁרָעִ֑י והמשרעי vehammishraI wə·ham·miš·rā·‘î wəhammišrā‘îLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 2:53 HEB: וְהַפּוּתִ֔י וְהַשֻּׁמָתִ֖י וְהַמִּשְׁרָעִ֑י מֵאֵ֗לֶּה יָצְאוּ֙ NAS: the Shumathites and the Mishraites; from these KJV: and the Shumathites, and the Mishraites; of them came INT: the Puthites the Shumathites and the Mishraites these came 1 Occurrence |
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