Original Word: מֵצַח
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: metsach
Pronunciation: MAY-tsakh
Phonetic Spelling: (may'-tsakh)
KJV: brow, forehead, + impudent
NASB: forehead, foreheads
Word Origin: [from an unused root meaning to be clear, i.e. conspicuous]

1. the forehead (as open and prominent)

brow, forehead, impudent

From an unused root meaning to be clear, i.e. Conspicuous; the forehead (as open and prominent) -- brow, forehead, + impudent.

Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
brow, forehead
NASB Translation
forehead (10), foreheads (2), stubborn* (1).

מֵ֫צַח noun masculine^{Exodus 3:8} brow, forehead; — ׳מ absolute Ezekiel 3:7, construct Exodus 28:28; Jeremiah 3:3; suffix מִצְחֲךָ Ezekiel 3:8; Isaiah 48:4, מִצְחֶ֑וֺ Ezekiel 3:9; מִצְחוֺ Exodus 28:38 4t.; מִצְחָם Exodus 3:8; plural construct מִצְחוֺת Ezekiel 9:4; — brow, forehead, struck by stone from David's sling 1 Samuel 17:49 (twice in verse); Aaron's forehead Exodus 28:38 (twice in verse); place where leprosy appears 2Chronicles 26:19,20; place for a distinguishing mark or cross Ezekiel 9:4; ׳חִזְקֵימֿ Ezekiel 3:7 the house of Israel are stout of forehead (i.e. obstinate; "" קְשֵׁילֵֿב), compare Ezekiel 3:8; so מִצְהֲךָ נְחוּשָׁה Isaiah 48:4 thy brow (is) brass ("" גִּיד בַּרְזֶל עָרְמֶּ֑ךָ); also of boldness, firmness of prophet Isaiah 48:8, and Isaiah 48:9 (but dele ᵐ5 Co); אִשָּׁה ׳זוֺנָה הָיָה לָךְ מ Jeremiah 3:3, i.e. thou wast shameless ("" מֵאַנְתְּ הִכָּלֵם).

Definition and Range of Usage

מֵצַח (mētsaḥ) denotes the “forehead” or “brow.” Across thirteen Old Testament occurrences it can describe (1) the literal physical front of the head, (2) the place where holiness or judgment is displayed, or (3) the figurative seat of moral character—either consecrated to God or hardened against Him.

Priestly Sanctity and Atonement

The first biblical appearance is pivotal for Israel’s worship. On the priestly turban a gold plate engraved “Holy to the LORD” was fastened “on Aaron’s forehead… so that they will be acceptable to the LORD” (Exodus 28:38). The forehead therefore became the visible location where the nation’s guilt was symbolically transferred to the high priest and borne away. Every sacrifice that followed was accepted because that inscription continually reminded both priest and people that holiness belonged to God alone. Jewish tradition later saw the plate (ṣîṣ) as a shield against wrath, underlining the mediatorial role ultimately fulfilled by Christ, the perfect High Priest (Hebrews 7:26-27).

Conflict and Deliverance

The battlefield account of David and Goliath underscores the vulnerability of even the strongest enemy when the LORD fights for His people: “The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown to the ground” (1 Samuel 17:49). In a single verse מֵצַח moves from priestly apparel to military theater, yet the underlying theme endures—victory belongs to the LORD, whether through atonement or battle.

Judgment Exposed

Pride that refuses priestly covering brings swift judgment. When King Uzziah presumptuously entered the sanctuary, “leprosy broke out on his forehead” (2 Chronicles 26:19-20). The very place that should bear holiness now displays uncleanness, a public sign that no king can claim priestly privileges apart from divine appointment.

Prophetic Depictions of Hardness

Isaiah links the word with obstinacy: “your forehead is bronze” (Isaiah 48:4). Jeremiah deepens the indictment: “You had the brazen look of a prostitute; you refused to be ashamed” (Jeremiah 3:3). Ezekiel is commissioned to confront such rebellion: “I will make your forehead like a diamond, harder than flint” (Ezekiel 3:9). Here מֵצַח pictures both the sinful stiffness of the nation and the Spirit-given resolve of the prophet who must speak despite opposition.

Divine Identification and Protection

Before Jerusalem’s destruction the LORD commands, “Put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations” (Ezekiel 9:4). The forehead is again a canvas, this time for mercy: the righteous are spared because God’s mark declares them His. This anticipates the New Testament seal on the servants of God (Revelation 7:3; 14:1), set against the counterfeit mark of the beast (Revelation 13:16).

Historical and Cultural Notes

Ancient Near Eastern peoples commonly inscribed amulets or tattoos on the forehead for protection or allegiance. Scripture redeems that practice: only the LORD’s name legitimately occupies the believer’s brow. The high priest’s gold plate, Uzziah’s leprosy, and Ezekiel’s protective mark each stood out visibly; none could be hidden under clothing or hair. In Hebrew thought the forehead thus became shorthand for public identity and inner disposition manifested outwardly.

Ministry Implications

1. Consecration of Thought: Believers today are called to bear the spiritual equivalent of “Holy to the LORD,” presenting minds renewed in Christ (Romans 12:2).
2. Courage in Witness: Ezekiel’s diamond-hard forehead encourages pastors and evangelists to proclaim truth fearlessly amid cultural resistance.
3. Warning Against Pride: Uzziah’s fate cautions leaders who confuse authority with autonomy.
4. Assurance of Protection: God still knows those who sigh over sin and marks them for deliverance, offering comfort to the faithful remnant.

Christological Fulfillment

Jesus enters Jerusalem wearing no gold plate, yet He perfectly embodies holiness. The crown of thorns pressed into His forehead (John 19:2) ironically crowns the One whose brow should display undiluted glory. At His return “on His head are many crowns” (Revelation 19:12), and His servants forever bear His name on their foreheads (Revelation 22:4), the consummation of the מֵצַח theme: from temporary plate to eternal inscription, from exposed guilt to everlasting holiness.

בְּמִצְח֔וֹ בְמִצְח֜וֹ במצחו וּמִצְחֲךָ֖ וּמֵ֨צַח ומצח ומצחך מִצְח֑וֹ מִצְח֣וֹת מִצְחֲךָ֥ מִצְחֶ֑ךָ מִצְחָֽם׃ מִצְחוֹ֙ מֵ֣צַח מֵ֥צַח מצח מצחו מצחות מצחך מצחם׃ bə·miṣ·ḥōw ḇə·miṣ·ḥōw bəmiṣḥōw ḇəmiṣḥōw bemitzCho mê·ṣaḥ mêṣaḥ Metzach miṣ·ḥă·ḵā miṣ·ḥām miṣ·ḥe·ḵā miṣ·ḥō·wṯ miṣ·ḥōw miṣḥăḵā miṣḥām miṣḥeḵā miṣḥōw miṣḥōwṯ mitzchaCha mitzCham mitzChecha mitzCho mitzChot ū·mê·ṣaḥ ū·miṣ·ḥă·ḵā ūmêṣaḥ uMetzach ūmiṣḥăḵā umitzchaCha vemitzChoInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts