מִפְלָשׂ
𐤌𐤐𐤋𐤔
miphlâs
H4657 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A device or structure for balancing, a means of poising or leveling; in its specific biblical context (Ezek 40:18), refers to a pavement, likely an elevated or leveled platform used for movement and transition, signifying balance or symmetry in architectural design.
Semantic Range
balancing device, pavement, leveled or balanced structure, poising, symmetrical platform
Root / Etymology
From the root פָּלַשׂ (palas), reportedly 'to balance' or 'to level', although this root is unattested elsewhere in biblical Hebrew. The noun מִפְלָשׂ derives from this presumed root with the mem-prefix, which commonly forms nouns indicating instrument or place.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The term מִפְלָשׂ appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Ezekiel's visionary temple description (Ezek 40:18), where it refers to an area adjoining the outer sanctuary or court. The translation as 'pavement' is based on contextual clues and ancient translations; the Septuagint renders it as 'paving', albeit with some uncertainty. This term emphasizes the notion of something 'evened out' or 'balanced', likely reflecting the designed symmetry and order of the temple complex. The root is otherwise unattested and etymology is uncertain, with some scholars suggesting comparison to related Semitic terms for spreading or stretching out. English translations such as 'pavement', 'walkway', or 'level platform' capture part of the semantic field, but do not convey the underlying sense of measured symmetry implied by the original term. The term's usage is specific to architectural and cultic context and does not recur in later Hebrew.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from an unused root meaning to balance; a poising; balancing.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
פלשׂ (p-l-ś) — to balance, to level, to spread evenly
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4657-01 |
מִפְלְשֵׂי | mifelesey | HNcmpc |
the balancings of | leveled platforms of | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4657-01 |
Job 37:16 | מִפְלְשֵׂי | mifelesey | HNcmpc |
the balancings of | leveled platforms of |