ytsukah; passive participle feminine of יָצַק; poured out, i.e. run into amould; when it was cast.
Transliteration:yᵉtsuqâh
Pronunciation:yets-oo-kaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word יְצֻקָה (H3333), transliterated as *yᵉtsuqâh*, is a feminine passive participle derived from the verb יָצַק (`{{H3332}}`, *yatsaq*), which means "to pour," "to cast (metal)," or "to anoint with oil." As a passive participle, H3333 signifies "that which has been poured" or, more specifically in metallurgical contexts, "that which has been cast." Its core meaning denotes the state or result of the action of pouring molten material into a mold to form a solid object. The feminine gender could refer to a specific cast object or an abstract quality of "a casting." The Strong's definition "when it was cast" points to a temporal or conditional aspect, suggesting the process or state during the act of casting.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While the exact bare form יְצֻקָה (H3333) does not appear directly in the Masoretic Text, its conceptual and grammatical essence is prominently featured in [[1 Kings 7:23]]. This sole biblical context describes the construction of Solomon's Temple, specifically the elaborate bronze furnishings. In this verse, two related forms derived from the same root `{{H3332}}` convey the meaning of "casting":
* יְצֻקִים (*yᵉtsuqîm*): This is the masculine plural passive participle, meaning "cast ones." It is used to describe the "knops" (פקעים) on the rim of the molten sea, explicitly stating that they were "cast" (יְצֻקִים). This directly applies the concept of H3333 to multiple objects formed by pouring.
* בְּיִצֻּקָתוֹ (*bəyitsṣuqāṯōw*): This is a nominal form, meaning "in its casting" or "at its pouring," with a pronominal suffix referring to the molten sea. This phrase, highlighted by Strong's as "when it was cast," refers to the specific moment or process during which the colossal bronze basin was formed.
The context of [[1 Kings 7:23]] is the meticulous and divinely inspired craftsmanship involved in building the Temple. The use of "cast" emphasizes the permanence, solidity, and precise form of these sacred objects, requiring advanced metallurgical skills for their creation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root verb יָצַק (`{{H3332}}`, *yatsaq*), which is fundamental to understanding H3333. This verb encompasses the action of pouring, whether liquid or molten metal, and by extension, the act of anointing. Other significant derivatives from this root or related concepts of casting include:
* מַצֶּבָה (`{{H4676}}`, *matstsebah*): While often translated as "pillar" or "standing stone," in some contexts (e.g., [[2 Kings 17:10]]), it can imply a "molten image" or "cast pillar," suggesting a process of casting.
* מַסֵּכָה (`{{H4542}}`, *massekah*): This noun specifically means "molten image" or "cast image" and is frequently used in biblical texts to refer to idols made by casting (e.g., [[Exodus 32:4]], [[Isaiah 30:22]]). This highlights the dual nature of casting technology, which could be used for both sacred and profane purposes.
The concept of "casting" is intrinsically linked to processes of formation, transformation, and permanence, involving the skillful manipulation of raw materials to achieve a designed outcome.
### Theological Significance
The conceptual presence of H3333 in [[1 Kings 7:23]] carries significant theological weight:
* **Divine Standard of Excellence:** The detailed description of the "molten sea" and its "cast" elements underscores the high standard of craftsmanship and meticulousness required for objects dedicated to God's worship. This reflects a divine expectation for quality and beauty in all that pertains to His presence, symbolizing the order and perfection inherent in God's character.
* **Permanence and Solidity:** The act of casting creates objects of enduring form and substance. This permanence can symbolize the enduring nature of God's covenant, His presence, and the divine ordinances associated with the Temple. The molten sea, being "cast," was a solid, unyielding fixture in the sanctuary.
* **Purity and Transformation:** The process of casting metal often involves intense heat, melting, and purification of raw materials. While not explicitly stated for H3333, the underlying metallurgical process of `{{H3332}}` can evoke themes of refinement, testing, and transformation, which are crucial for spiritual purity and preparation for divine service.
* **Contrast with Idolatry:** The sacred use of "casting" for the Temple furnishings stands in stark contrast to the frequent biblical condemnation of `{{H4542}}` (*massekah*), "molten images" crafted for idolatrous worship. This distinction underscores that the technology or process itself is morally neutral; its theological significance is determined by the object's purpose and the intent of its creation—whether for God's glory or human rebellion.
### Summary
The Hebrew word יְצֻקָה (H3333), a feminine passive participle meaning "that which has been cast" or "poured out," embodies the concept of a formed, solid object resulting from the process of casting molten material. Although not found in its precise bare form in the Masoretic Text, its meaning is powerfully expressed through related forms like יְצֻקִים ("cast") and בְּיִצֻּקָתוֹ ("at its casting") in [[1 Kings 7:23]]. This singular biblical context highlights the word's exclusive association with the elaborate and divinely commissioned bronze work of Solomon's Temple, particularly the "molten sea." Theologically, H3333 underscores the divine demand for excellence, permanence, and purity in sacred craftsmanship, contrasting the proper use of human skill in service to God with the perversion of such skill in idolatry.
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