מִפְשָׂעָה
𐤌𐤐𐤔𐤏𐤄
miphsâʻâh
H4667 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A stride, specifically the space made by taking a step, with particular reference in some contexts to the region of the upper legs or the area between the legs (the crotch, or the buttocks). In idiomatic or euphemistic use, refers to the private parts or the area usually concealed by clothing when striding.
Semantic Range
a stride, the area formed by the legs in striding, crotch, inner thighs, groin, buttocks, area usually concealed by clothing when walking, euphemism for private parts
Root / Etymology
From the root פשׂע (to stride, step), with the prefix מִ- generally forming nouns of place or instrument. The form מִפְשָׂעָה thus denotes the area associated with striding or stepping, i.e., the region between the legs.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Used in Leviticus 21:20 and 22:23 in lists of physical blemishes disqualifying priests or offerings, the word euphemistically refers to the groin, inner thigh, or buttocks. English translations often choose a less explicit rendering, such as 'the privy parts,' 'crotch,' or 'groin,' though these do not exhaust the semantic range. As with other Hebrew bodily euphemisms, the term avoids direct reference to genitalia. In contrast, terms like אֵרְוָה ('nakedness') can be broader or refer more directly to genitals; מִפְשָׂעָה is anatomically precise but contextually sensitive. Its usage in priestly and legal texts reflects a technical vocabulary for bodily defects and ritual propriety, not general anatomy or insult.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from פָּשַׂע; a stride, i.e. (by euphemism) the crotch; buttocks.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
פשׂע (p-ś-ʿ) — to stride, step, move the legs
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4667-01 |
הַ/מִּפְשָׂעָ֑ה | hamifesaah | HTd/Ncfsa |
their hips | the stride-place | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4667-01 |
1 Chronicles 19:4 | הַ/מִּפְשָׂעָ֑ה | hamifesaah | HTd/Ncfsa |
their hips | the stride-place |