feminine of מוּסָד; a foundation; figuratively, an appointment; foundation, grounded. Compare מְיֻסָּדָה.
Transliteration:mûwçâdâh
Pronunciation:moo-saw-daw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term mûwçâdâh (`{{H4145}}`) is a feminine noun derived from the root yāçad (`{{H3245}}`), meaning "to found" or "to establish." It functions as the feminine form of mûwçâd (`{{H4144}}`), sharing its core semantic range but potentially emphasizing a particular aspect or grammatical agreement in context.
Literally, mûwçâdâ refers to a "foundation," the lowest part of a structure upon which the rest is built. This implies stability, support, and the initial, crucial placement. Figuratively, its meaning extends to denote something "established," "appointed," or "grounded." This abstract sense highlights the underlying basis, principle, or fixed nature of an entity or concept. The idea of being "grounded" conveys firmness, permanence, and an unshakeable quality.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word mûwçâdâh appears in a limited number of biblical texts, each illuminating its nuances:
* **[[Isaiah 28:16]]**: "Therefore thus says the Lord God, 'Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a firm foundation (מוּסָדָה); whoever believes will not be in haste.'"
* Here, mûwçâdâh is used metaphorically to describe a "firm foundation" that God Himself lays in Zion. This prophetic declaration points to a divinely established, unshakeable basis for trust and security, widely understood to refer to the Messiah. The context emphasizes reliability and divine purpose.
* **[[Ezra 3:11]]**: "And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord, 'For He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever toward Israel.' And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the Lord, because the foundation (מוּסָדָה) of the house of the Lord was laid."
* This passage provides a literal usage, referring to the physical "foundation" stones of the Second Temple being laid. It marks a significant moment of restoration and the re-establishment of worship in Jerusalem, signifying a new beginning and a tangible act of God's faithfulness.
* **[[2 Chronicles 31:7]]**: "In the third month they began to lay the foundations (מוּסָדָה) of the heaps, and finished them in the seventh month."
* This is a less common application, referring to the "foundations" or "bases" of the large heaps of tithes and offerings collected during Hezekiah's reforms. It speaks to the organized, systematic, and substantial nature of the provision for the priests and Levites, reflecting an orderly administration of temple service.
* **[[Psalm 87:1]]**: "His foundation (מוּסָדָה) is in the holy mountains."
* In this poetic verse, mûwçâdâ refers to the "foundation" of Zion, God's city. It conveys the idea that Zion is divinely established and therefore possesses an inherent stability and sacredness, being firmly rooted in the "holy mountains" (likely referring to the hills of Jerusalem).
Across these contexts, mûwçâdâ consistently conveys the idea of something firmly established, stable, and serving as a secure basis or beginning, whether physical or metaphorical.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of mûwçâdâ is rich with terms related to establishment, stability, and origin:
* **mûwçâd (`{{H4144}}`):** The masculine counterpart, also meaning "foundation," "base," or "appointed." It shares the same verbal root yāçad (`{{H3245}}`).
* **yāçad (`{{H3245}}`):** The primary verbal root, meaning "to found," "to lay a foundation," "to establish," or "to appoint." This verb underscores the action of setting something firmly in place.
* **yᵉçôd (`{{H3247}}`):** Another noun derived from yāçad, also meaning "foundation" or "base."
* **makkôn (`{{H4301}}`):** Meaning "place," "foundation," or "base," often used in the context of God's established dwelling place or throne.
* **tsûr (`{{H6697}}`):** "Rock" or "stronghold," frequently used metaphorically for God as a firm and unshakeable foundation or refuge.
* **New Testament Conceptual Parallels:**
* **themelios (`{{G2310}}`):** "Foundation," "basis," used both literally for buildings and figuratively for doctrines, principles, or persons (e.g., Christ as the foundation in [[1 Corinthians 3:11]]).
* **katabolē (`{{G2677}}`):** "Foundation," "laying down," often appearing in phrases like "from the foundation of the world," indicating an established beginning.
These related terms collectively emphasize the importance of a secure base, divine establishment, and the permanence of God's plans and structures.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of mûwçâdâ is profound, underscoring several key biblical themes:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Establishment:** The use of mûwçâdâ frequently points to God as the ultimate architect and establisher. Whether it is the literal foundation of His Temple ([[Ezra 3:11]]) or the metaphorical foundation of His redemptive purposes ([[Isaiah 28:16]]), God is depicted as the one who lays the secure groundwork for all that endures. This highlights His sovereign power and meticulous planning.
* **Security and Immutability:** A foundation inherently implies stability and resistance to disruption. The word assures believers of the unshakeable nature of God's promises, covenants, and kingdom. The "firm foundation" in Zion ([[Isaiah 28:16]]) serves as a divine guarantee of security for those who trust in God's provision.
* **Order and Divine Purpose:** The act of laying a foundation signifies the beginning of a structured, ordered entity. In the context of the Temple, it marks the re-establishment of organized worship and community life, reflecting God's desire for order. Even the "foundations of the heaps" ([[2 Chronicles 31:7]]) suggest a divinely sanctioned system for the orderly management of resources.
* **Messianic Prophecy:** Perhaps the most significant theological implication lies in [[Isaiah 28:16]], where mûwçâdâ is used in conjunction with "a tested stone, a precious cornerstone." This passage is widely understood as a messianic prophecy, identifying the Messiah (Jesus Christ) as the "firm foundation" upon whom God's people are built. He is the essential, secure, and divinely appointed basis for salvation and the Church, emphasizing His centrality to God's eternal plan.
* **The Stability of God's Dwelling:** In [[Psalm 87:1]], the "foundation" of Zion in the holy mountains speaks to the divine establishment and therefore the unshakeable nature of God's chosen dwelling place, representing His presence among His people.
### Summary
The Hebrew word mûwçâdâ (`{{H4145}}`) primarily signifies a "foundation," serving as the feminine form of `{{H4144}}`. Its semantic range encompasses both literal bases of structures, as seen with the Temple in [[Ezra 3:11]] and the organized offerings in [[2 Chronicles 31:7]], and profound figurative meanings. Most notably, in [[Isaiah 28:16]], it prophetically describes the "firm foundation" laid by God in Zion, pointing to the Messiah as the unshakeable cornerstone of salvation. In [[Psalm 87:1]], it poetically affirms the divine establishment and security of Zion. Throughout its biblical occurrences, mûwçâdâ consistently conveys the theological concepts of divine sovereignty, inherent stability, and the secure, ordered basis upon which God's purposes, promises, and people are built. It stands as a testament to the reliability and permanence of God's actions, providing an enduring bedrock for faith.
TRV