Two Hebrew words are translated as “My stronghold.” The first is related to the word ma‘oz, meaning a place, or means of strength or protection, a place to flee to quickly. The second word, misgab, is an inaccessible, secure height or retreat. The KJV often uses the term “high tower.”
The Hebrew names of God that liken Him to places of strength and refuge can be confusing. Different English versions handle the same Hebrew words in different ways. Sometimes they translate the same word in different ways in other verses. Thus, in 2 Samuel 22:33, He is “my fortress,” but in Jeremiah 16:19, “my stronghold.” Other Hebrew words can be translated using the same English word. So, for instance, several times God is called My strength using different Hebrew words.
My stronghold (Ma’uzzi) in the Hebrew text of Jer. 16:19
My Stronghold in Hebrew:
Ma‘uzzi
Strong’s Concordance number: 4581
Bible reference: Jer. 16:19
O Lord, my strength and my stronghold,
And my refuge in the day of distress,
To You the nations will come
From the ends of the earth and say,
“Our fathers have inherited nothing but falsehood,
Futility and things of no profit.” (Jeremiah 16:19)
The NIV and KJV translate the word ma‘uzzi as “fortress,” as does NASB in 2 Sam. 22:33.
My stronghold (Misgabi) in the Hebrew text of 2 Sam. 22:3
Misgabi
Misgab-lanu (Our stronghold)
Strong’s Concordance number: 4869
Bible references: 2 Sam. 22:3 (high tower KJV); Pss. 18:2 (high tower KJV); 46:7, 11 (both verses have “fortress” NIV, “refuge” KJV); 62:2, 6 (both verses have “fortress” NIV, “defense” KJV); 144:2 (high tower KJV).
He is my loving God and my fortress,
my stronghold and my deliverer,
my shield, in whom I take refuge,
who subdues peoples under me. (Psalm 144:2 NIV)
