The meaning of “מִצְוָה”
Understanding mitsvâh reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
(which was) commanded(-ment), law, ordinance, precept. - a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the Law) 1) c...
מִצְוָה
(which was) commanded(-ment), law, ordinance, precept. - a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the Law) 1) commandment 1a) commandment (of man) 1b) the commandment (of God) 1c) commandment (of code of wisdom)
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 26:5 | “Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.” Word: מִצְוָה (mitsvâh) | |
| Deuteronomy 11:28 | “And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known.” Word: מִצְוָה (mitsvâh) | |
| 1 Kings 9:6 | “But if ye shall at all turn from following me, ye or your children, and will not keep my commandments and my statutes which I have set before you, but go and serve other gods, and worship them:” Word: מִצְוָה (mitsvâh) | |
| Ezra 9:14 | “Should we again break thy commandments, and join in affinity with the people of these abominations? wouldest not thou be angry with us till thou hadst consumed us, so that there should be no remnant nor escaping?” Word: מִצְוָה (mitsvâh) | |
| Psalms 119:66 | “Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.” Word: מִצְוָה (mitsvâh) |
Usage Statistics
Related Words
Cross-referenced Strong's numbers with semantic or etymological connections.
Theological Word Study: Commandment
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Commandment, precept
The Hebrew mitsvah (מִצְוָה) means commandment—divine instruction to be obeyed. The Torah contains 613 mitsvot (commandments), summarized in loving God and neighbor (Deuteronomy 6:5; Leviticus 19:18).
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Commandment, order
The Greek entole (ἐντολή) denotes a commandment or injunction. Jesus summarized the law in two commandments (Matthew 22:37-40) and gave a 'new commandment' to love one another (John 13:34).