Original Word: מִכְסָה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: mikcah
Pronunciation: mik-saw'
Phonetic Spelling: (mik-saw')
KJV: number, worth
NASB: amount, number
Word Origin: [feminine of H4371 (מֶכֶס - levy)]

1. an enumeration
2. (by implication) a valuation

number, worth

Feminine of mekec; an enumeration; by implication, a valuation -- number, worth.

see HEBREW mekec

Word Origin
fem. of mekes
Definition
a computation
NASB Translation
amount (1), number (1).

מִכְסָה noun feminine computation (feminine of מֶכֶס); hence —

a. number, Exodus 12:4 (P).

b. valuation, worth, Leviticus 27:23 (P).

Usage and Semantic Range

מִכְסָה (miksah) denotes a calculated share, tally, or assessment assigned to persons or property. It underscores precision, equity, and full sufficiency: the portion is neither excessive nor deficient but exactly meets the need or value measured.

Canonical Occurrences

• Exodus 12:4 – In the Passover instructions households unite “according to the number of people; you shall determine the amount each person will eat”. miksah ensures the lamb is apportioned so every life is covered and no part is squandered.
• Leviticus 27:23 – When redeeming a dedicated field “the priest shall calculate for him the amount of your valuation until the Year of Jubilee, and he shall give your valuation on that day”. miksah establishes a fair redemption price that honors both the vow and God’s holiness.

Theological Themes

• Personal yet communal redemption – Passover’s miksah typifies the sufficiency of Christ’s atoning Lamb for each soul while binding the community together in shared deliverance (John 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:7).
• Integrity in worship – Whether in eating or in monetary vows, God requires proportional faithfulness; miksah anticipates giving “in keeping with his income” (1 Corinthians 16:2) and safeguards against presumption or negligence.
• Divine accountability – The priestly calculation in Leviticus reminds worshipers that all pledges will be weighed before the LORD, echoing Romans 14:12.

Historical and Cultural Background

Ancient Israelite households often pooled resources; meticulous enumeration prevented waste and guaranteed inclusion of the poor. Agricultural land values fluctuated with proximity to Jubilee, so priestly assessment protected both the sanctuary’s interests and the owner’s rights. Thus miksah intertwined economic prudence with covenant obedience.

Ministry Implications

• Ordinance planning: Leaders should estimate participants’ needs so sacramental elements are sufficient yet not excessive, reflecting Passover’s miksah.
• Stewardship teaching: Congregations can learn from Leviticus that vows and dedicated resources require honest, timely valuation.
• Community care: Inviting neighbors to share provision models Passover hospitality and fosters unity around the Lamb.

Related Concepts

Numbering (ספר, sephar, Numbers 1:2); Valuation (עֶרְכָּה, ’erkah, Leviticus 27); Portion (חֵלֶק, cheleq, Joshua 14:1); Stewardship (Luke 16:2).

בְּמִכְסַ֣ת במכסת מִכְסַ֣ת מכסת bə·miḵ·saṯ bemichSat bəmiḵsaṯ michSat miḵ·saṯ miḵsaṯInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts