properly, feminine passive participle of יָסַד; something founded, i.e. a foundation; foundation.
Transliteration:mᵉyuççâdâh
Pronunciation:meh-yoos-saw-daw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H4328, מְיֻסָּדָה (mᵉyuççâdâh), is a feminine passive participle derived from the verb יָסַד (yāsad, `{{H3245}}`), meaning "to found, establish, lay a foundation." As a passive participle, mᵉyuççâdâh literally translates to "that which has been founded" or "that which has been established." Its core meaning therefore denotes a "foundation" or a "base," specifically something that has been firmly set in place. The semantic range of this particular form points to the physical underpinnings or strongholds of a structure, emphasizing stability and the act of being securely laid.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H4328 appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times in prophetic contexts of judgment and destruction, highlighting its specific and poignant usage.
1. **[[Isaiah 30:25]]**: "And there shall be upon every high mountain, and upon every high hill, rivers and streams of waters in the day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall, and the foundations (מְיֻסָּדָה) are broken down."
In this verse, mᵉyuççâdâh is used in parallel with "towers" (מִגְדָּלִים), referring to fortified structures or strongholds. The context describes a time of divine judgment leading to a "great slaughter" and the collapse of these defensive human constructions. The breaking down of these "foundations" signifies the utter destruction and vulnerability of what was once considered secure and impregnable.
2. **[[Ezekiel 30:4]]**: "And the sword shall come upon Egypt, and great pain shall be in Ethiopia, when the slain shall fall in Egypt, and they shall take away her multitude, and her foundations (מְיֻסָּדָה) shall be broken down."
Here, mᵉyuççâdâh refers to the "foundations" of Egypt, a powerful nation. The breaking down of these foundations indicates the complete devastation and collapse of Egypt's strength, stability, and perhaps its entire socio-political structure. It underscores the comprehensive nature of God's judgment, targeting the very basis of a nation's perceived security.
In both instances, mᵉyuççâdâh points to the physical and structural bases upon which human entities (nations, fortifications) rely, only for these to be utterly dismantled by divine action.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root verb יָסַד (yāsad, `{{H3245}}`), "to found, establish, lay a foundation," from which H4328 is derived. Other significant lexical relatives include:
* **מוּסָד (mûsād, `{{H4327}}`)**: A masculine noun from the same root, also meaning "foundation, base." This is often used for the foundations of the earth, temples, or cities.
* **יְסוֹד (yᵉsôd, `{{H3247}}`)**: Another masculine noun, similarly meaning "foundation, base."
* **צוּר (tsûr, `{{H6697}}`)**: "Rock," often used metaphorically for God as a secure and unshakeable foundation or refuge ([[Psalm 18:2]]).
* **אָמַן (ʾāman, `{{H539}}`)**: "To be firm, trustworthy, established," related to concepts of stability and reliability.
The conceptual field surrounding mᵉyuççâdâh includes ideas of stability, security, establishment, underpinning, and stronghold. Its usage in contexts of destruction contrasts with concepts of divine steadfastness and eternal establishment.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of mᵉyuççâdâh lies in its consistent portrayal of human-made foundations as vulnerable and subject to divine judgment. Unlike the foundations of the earth or the temple, which are often depicted as divinely established and enduring, the "foundations" represented by mᵉyuççâdâh are those upon which human powers and nations build their security and pride.
When these "foundations" are "broken down" or "fall," it serves as a stark theological declaration: any security or stability built apart from God's will or in defiance of His sovereignty is ultimately ephemeral and destined to collapse. This highlights the transient nature of human strength and the futility of trusting in earthly strongholds.
Conversely, this destruction implicitly underscores the sole reliability of God as the true and eternal foundation. While human foundations crumble, God remains the unshakeable Rock and the sure foundation for His people ([[Isaiah 28:16]]). The judgment upon these "foundations" is not merely punitive but also revelatory, exposing the fragility of all human constructs and asserting the absolute authority and power of the Lord.
### Summary
H4328, מְיֻסָּדָה (mᵉyuççâdâh), is a rare feminine passive participle meaning "that which is founded" or "a foundation," derived from the verb `{{H3245}}` (yāsad, "to found"). Its two occurrences in the biblical text ([[Isaiah 30:25]], [[Ezekiel 30:4]]) consistently refer to the physical or structural "foundations" or "strongholds" of nations. In both instances, these foundations are depicted as being broken down or falling under divine judgment, symbolizing the complete collapse of human security and power. Theologically, mᵉyuççâdâh powerfully illustrates the instability of any human-established foundation when confronted by God's sovereignty, contrasting the ephemeral nature of human strongholds with the enduring and unshakeable foundation that is God Himself.
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