מִסְעָד
𐤌𐤎𐤏𐤃
miçʻâd
H4552 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A support structure, such as a pillar, prop, or balustrade, serving to provide a physical means of support or stabilization, especially in architectural settings. In biblical usage, refers specifically to architectural supports or props such as stairs, rails, or balustrades.
Semantic Range
architectural support, pillar, balustrade, rail, prop, physical support structure
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root סעד (samekh-ayin-dalet), which means 'to support, sustain, uphold.' The noun מִסְעָד is formed with the mem prefix indicating instrument or place, thus meaning 'that which supports' or 'something used for support.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
The term מִסְעָד occurs rarely in the Hebrew Bible, found notably in 2 Kings 11:8, 2 Kings 11:15, and 2 Chronicles 23:14, in descriptions of architectural features within the Temple complex. It refers to constructs such as balustrades or support structures, part of the Temple's defensive or ceremonial architecture. Distinct from general terms for 'pillar' like עַמּוּד (ammud), which refers more broadly to upright structural columns, מִסְעָד specifically carries the nuance of a supportive structure, often related to stairs or passageways. In later post-biblical Hebrew, similar forms retain the sense of support but are less specific architecturally. Standard English translations (balustrade, pillar, rail) may capture the function but often miss the architectural specificity present in the original context.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
' from סָעַד; a balustrade (for stairs); pillar.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
סעד (s-ʿ-d) — support, sustain, uphold
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4552-01 |
מִסְעָ֤ד | misead | HNcmsa |
supports | support-structure | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4552-01 |
1 Kings 10:12 | מִסְעָ֤ד | misead | HNcmsa |
supports | support-structure |