Original Word: מִשְׁגֶּה
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: mishgeh
Pronunciation: mish-geh'
Phonetic Spelling: (mish-gay')
KJV: oversight
NASB: mistake
Word Origin: [from H7686 (שָׁגָה - reel)]

1. an error

oversight

From shagah; an error -- oversight.

see HEBREW shagah

Word Origin
from shagah
Definition
a mistake
NASB Translation
mistake (1).

מִשְׁגֶּה noun masculine mistake Genesis 43:12 (J).

Overview

מִשְׁגֶּה (mishgeh) appears only once in the Hebrew Scriptures, Genesis 43:12, where Jacob tells his sons, “Take double the money with you, and take back the money that was returned in the mouths of your sacks. Perhaps it was a mistake” (Berean Standard Bible). Though rare in occurrence, the noun carries the idea of an inadvertent fault or miscalculation—an error without deliberate intent. Its solitary use in the account of Joseph heightens the dramatic tension in that narrative while illustrating larger biblical themes of human fallibility and divine providence.

Old Testament Context

1. Narrative Setting
• Genesis 43 recounts the second journey of Jacob’s sons to Egypt. Their first journey ended with the mysterious return of their silver and the detention of Simeon.
• Jacob’s reference to mishgeh frames the unexpected money as a possible human blunder rather than a sinister plot. In so doing, he acknowledges uncertainty but refuses to assume malice prematurely.
2. Unintentional Error in Torah Theology
• Although mishgeh itself is unique to Genesis 43:12, the Torah distinguishes between sins of ignorance and willful rebellion (Leviticus 4; Numbers 15:27-29). Jacob’s language harmonizes with this broader legal framework: there are errors that call for restitution even when no conscious wrong was intended.
• By sending back the silver, Jacob prefigures the Levitical principle that genuine repentance involves tangible restitution (Leviticus 6:2-5).

Historical and Cultural Significance

Ancient Near Eastern commerce required weighing precious metals rather than using coinage. A bookkeeping error in such transactions could have grave diplomatic consequences, especially when dealing with powerful officials like the Egyptian vizier. Jacob’s careful response demonstrates the patriarchal commitment to integrity in a world where misunderstandings could escalate quickly into accusations of theft or espionage. His action models wisdom: assume the best, rectify potential wrongs promptly, and trust God with the outcome.

Theological Reflections

1. Human Limitation vs. Divine Sovereignty
• Mishgeh reminds readers that even faithful believers misjudge situations. Yet the Joseph narrative shows that God weaves human missteps into His larger redemptive plan (Genesis 50:20).
2. Conscience and Accountability
• The willingness to address a possible error, though only presumed, illustrates a tender conscience. Scripture repeatedly commends such sensitivity (Psalm 19:12; Acts 24:16).
3. Grace for the Unintentional
• The sacrificial system later codified divine provision for unintentional sins, foreshadowing the ultimate atonement of Jesus Christ, who “prayed, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing’” (Luke 23:34). Mishgeh thus fits within the unfolding revelation of grace extended to those who err unknowingly.

Ministry and Pastoral Application

• Encourage believers to examine financial and relational dealings for unintentional wrongs and to make restitution when needed.
• Use Genesis 43 to teach conflict prevention: clarify misunderstandings quickly and generously.
• Highlight God’s sovereignty over mistakes—He can transform inadvertent errors into catalysts for reconciliation, as He did between Joseph and his brothers.
• Cultivate congregational humility; acknowledge that limited knowledge often colors judgments, urging reliance on prayerful discernment rather than suspicion.

Homiletical Insights

A message built around mishgeh can contrast deliberate sin with accidental fault, stressing integrity when motives are questioned. Jacob’s directive provides a practical outline: identify possible wrongs, return what is not yours, add a double measure of goodwill, and entrust the unresolved to God. Such an approach resonates with Romans 12:17-18, “Provide things honest in the sight of all men… live peaceably with all men.”

Devotional Meditation

When circumstances seem unfair or perplexing, believers may echo Jacob’s heart: “Perhaps it was a mistake.” Maintaining a posture of grace toward others’ actions, while also correcting any potential wrongs on our part, safeguards unity and keeps consciences clear before God (1 John 3:21). Mishgeh therefore calls the faithful to humility—ready to confess error, eager to restore, and confident that the Lord oversees every detail, even those arising from human oversight.

מִשְׁגֶּ֖ה משגה miš·geh mišgeh mishGehInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts