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H4869 · Hebrew · Old Testament
מִשְׂגָּב
misgab
Noun, masculine
high refuge, secure height, stronghold

Definition

Misgab (H4869) means a high place of safety, a stronghold, or a secure refuge — literally a place set up high and out of reach of enemies. It appears 17 times in the OT and is frequently used as a divine title in the Psalms.

Usage & Theological Significance

Misgab is one of the great fortress metaphors for God in the Psalms. When David fled from enemies, he experienced God as a literal high refuge — a place above the reach of attackers. Theologically, this word teaches that true security is found in God's elevated, inaccessible protection. No enemy can breach the stronghold of divine shelter. It parallels the NT image of the believer hidden 'in Christ' (Col 3:3).

Key Bible Verses

Psalm 9:9The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
Psalm 46:7The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Psalm 59:16You are my refuge and my strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Psalm 94:22But the LORD has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.
Isaiah 25:12He will bring down your high fortified walls and lay them low.

Word Study

Misgab shares the root sagab — 'to be high, inaccessible.' The same root gives us the concept of God's name being 'exalted' (sagab) in praise. Several psalms use it as a divine title alongside other fortress images: rock (tsur), shield (magen), and tower (migdal).

Related Words

External Resources

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