### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word mâzôwn (`{{H4202}}`) is derived from the verbal root zûn (זוּן), which means "to feed," "to nourish," or "to provide sustenance." Consequently, mâzôwn directly signifies "food," "sustenance," or "provisions." Its semantic range is quite focused, consistently referring to edible supplies necessary for nourishment and survival. It encapsulates the concept of that which sustains life through consumption.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term mâzôwn (`{{H4202}}`) appears sparingly in the Hebrew Bible, with only four occurrences, primarily in later historical books and the book of Daniel. Each instance illuminates its core meaning within a specific context:
* **1 Kings 19:21**: "And he returned from following him and took the pair of oxen and sacrificed them and boiled their flesh with the implements of the oxen and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he arose and went after Elijah and ministered to him." Here, mâzôwn refers to the cooked oxen provided by Elisha as food for the people before he committed to following Elijah. This highlights a specific act of providing a meal or provisions.
* **2 Chronicles 11:23**: "And he dealt wisely and distributed some of his sons throughout all the districts of Judah and Benjamin, to all the fortified cities. And he gave them abundant provisions and sought many wives for them." In this verse, mâzôwn denotes the substantial "provisions" or "victuals" that King Rehoboam supplied to the fortified cities. This context emphasizes the material support necessary for the security and well-being of the inhabitants.
* **Daniel 4:12**: "Under it the beasts of the field found shade, and the birds of the heavens lived in its branches, and all flesh was fed from it." In Nebuchadnezzar's dream, the great tree symbolizes the king's vast dominion, from which "all flesh was fed" (mâzôwn). This usage underscores a comprehensive, universal provision of sustenance, highlighting the king's role as a provider for his realm.
* **Daniel 4:21**: "Under which the beasts of the field found shade, and the birds of the heavens lived in its branches, and from which all flesh was fed." This is a reiteration of the description from Daniel 4:12, reinforcing the imagery of the tree's abundant provision of mâzôwn to all living creatures within its sphere of influence.
Across these occurrences, mâzôwn consistently denotes essential edible supplies, whether for a specific group of people or for all living beings under a benevolent (or divinely appointed) authority.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of "food" or "sustenance" is central to biblical narratives, and mâzôwn relates to several other Hebrew terms:
* **zûn (זוּן)**: The verbal root (not a Strong's number, but the base) from which mâzôwn is derived, meaning "to feed" or "to nourish." This connection emphasizes the active process of providing or consuming sustenance.
* **lechem (לֶחֶם, `{{H3899}}`)**: The most common Hebrew word for "bread," but often used broadly to mean "food" in general, especially staple food. While mâzôwn focuses on "provisions," lechem can be more encompassing.
* **okel (אֹכֶל, `{{H400}}`)**: Another frequently used term for "food" or "eatables," often referring to anything edible.
* **tsaydah (צֵידָה, `{{H6720}}`)**: This word often translates to "provisions" or "victuals," particularly in the context of journeys, expeditions, or military campaigns, making it very close in meaning and application to mâzôwn.
* **Divine Provision**: The underlying concept of sustenance often points to God as the ultimate source. Terms like man (מָן, `{{H4478}}`) in the wilderness narratives exemplify specific divine provision.
### Theological Significance
While mâzôwn is a straightforward term for "food," its biblical usage subtly carries theological weight:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Provision**: The occurrences in Daniel 4 are particularly significant. The great tree, representing Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom, provides mâzôwn for "all flesh." This earthly provision, though attributed to the king, ultimately points to God's supreme sovereignty as the ultimate sustainer of all life. It echoes the broader biblical truth that God provides for His creation, from the smallest creature to the greatest kingdom (e.g., [[Psalm 104:27-28]], [[Matthew 6:26]]).
* **Stewardship and Responsibility**: The acts of providing mâzôwn by Elisha (1 Kings 19:21) and Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 11:23) highlight human responsibility in ensuring the well-being of others. These instances reflect a divine expectation for leaders and individuals to care for the physical needs of their communities, mirroring God's own character as a provider.
* **Fundamental Necessity**: The very existence of a word for "provisions" underscores the fundamental human need for food for survival. In a world dependent on agriculture and divine blessing for sustenance, mâzôwn serves as a constant reminder of the fragility of life without adequate provision and the blessing inherent in having one's basic needs met.
### Summary
The Hebrew word mâzôwn (`{{H4202}}`) precisely denotes "food," "sustenance," or "provisions," stemming from the root zûn ("to feed"). Though appearing only four times in the Hebrew Bible (1 Kings 19:21, 2 Chronicles 11:23, Daniel 4:12, 4:21), its usage consistently refers to essential edible supplies. Contextual analysis reveals its application to specific meals (Elisha's sacrifice), general provisions for security (Rehoboam's fortified cities), and universal sustenance (Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom). Theologically, mâzôwn implicitly points to God as the ultimate source of all provision, while also underscoring human responsibility in stewardship and the fundamental importance of food for life. It serves as a concise yet profound term highlighting both divine generosity and human dependence in the biblical narrative.
TRV