from מָסַס; fainting, i.e. (figuratively) disconsolate; is afflicted.
Transliteration:mâç
Pronunciation:mawce
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H4523 (מָס, *mâç*) is derived from the root H4549 (מָסַס, *mâsas*), which fundamentally means "to melt, dissolve, faint, or lose courage." Building upon this foundational imagery, H4523 describes a state of profound internal dissolution, manifesting as "fainting," being "disconsolate," or "afflicted." It denotes a deep emotional or spiritual collapse, often characterized by a loss of courage, an overwhelming sense of despair, or intense grief. The literal sense of "melting" beautifully illustrates the internal experience: one's strength, resolve, or spirit seems to dissolve away under pressure or distress.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H4523 appears in the Hebrew Bible, primarily conveying a sense of emotional or spiritual collapse.
One significant occurrence is found in [[Psalm 112:10]]: "The wicked man sees it and is **grieved** [מָס]; he gnashes his teeth and melts away; the desire of the wicked will perish." Here, *mâç* describes the intense emotional pain and despair experienced by the wicked. This grief is so profound that it leads to a complete internal collapse, mirroring the root meaning of "melting away." The context highlights the contrast between the steadfastness of the righteous and the ultimate despair of those who oppose God's ways. The wicked's *mâç* is a consequence of witnessing the prosperity of the righteous and the frustration of their own evil desires, serving as a form of divine judgment.
Another instance is [[Isaiah 17:11]]: "in the day of your planting and in the morning you make your seed to flourish: but the harvest shall be a **heap** [מָס] in the day of grief and of desperate sorrow." While translated as "heap" or "rubbish" in many versions, the underlying connection to the root H4549 (to melt, dissolve) can still be discerned. In this context of judgment, the bountiful harvest becomes nothing more than a ruined pile, dissolved into worthlessness. The accompanying phrase "day of grief and of desperate sorrow" further links this physical ruin to deep emotional distress, suggesting that the "heap" is an outcome of a state akin to the "melting away" or "dissolution" implied by the root. Thus, both occurrences, whether describing internal despair or external ruin, resonate with the core concept of something being undone or dissolving.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root H4549 (מָסַס, *mâsas*), from which H4523 is derived. This root's meaning of "to melt, dissolve, faint, or lose courage" is essential for grasping the full semantic range of *mâç*.
Related concepts include:
* **Fear and Dread:** The state of melting or fainting is often a physical manifestation of overwhelming fear (e.g., [[Joshua 2:9]], where the inhabitants' hearts "melt" due to fear of Israel).
* **Despair and Discouragement:** A loss of hope or courage, leading to a state of being utterly disconsolate.
* **Grief and Sorrow:** Deep emotional pain that can lead to physical and emotional collapse. Hebrew terms such as H6045 (עָצָב, *'atsab*, "pain, sorrow") or H6031 (אָנַח, *'anach*, "to sigh, groan") reflect similar states of distress.
* **Weakness and Frailty:** The inherent human condition of vulnerability when faced with overwhelming circumstances or divine judgment.
### Theological Significance
The term H4523 carries significant theological weight, particularly in its portrayal of human response to divine truth and judgment.
1. **Consequence of Wickedness:** In [[Psalm 112:10]], *mâç* highlights the ultimate end of the wicked: a state of utter despair and dissolution. Their "melting away" is not merely an emotional state but a spiritual consequence of their opposition to God and His righteous order. It underscores the futility and emptiness of a life lived apart from divine wisdom.
2. **Human Frailty and Divine Power:** The concept of "melting" or "fainting" powerfully illustrates human vulnerability. When confronted with the majesty of God, the consequences of sin, or overwhelming trials, human courage and strength can dissolve. This emphasizes the need for divine strength and reliance on God, contrasting with the inherent weakness of humanity.
3. **Contrast with Steadfastness:** The *mâç* of the wicked stands in stark contrast to the steadfastness and security of the righteous who trust in Yahweh. While the wicked are undone by their own desires and the success of the righteous, those who fear the Lord are firm and unshakeable, even in adversity.
4. **Judgment as Dissolution:** In contexts like [[Isaiah 17:11]], where *mâç* can signify a "heap" or "ruin," it points to the destructive power of divine judgment, which can cause even the most promising endeavors to dissolve into nothingness. This serves as a stark warning against human self-reliance and rebellion.
### Summary
H4523 (מָס, *mâç*) describes a state of profound emotional and spiritual collapse, characterized by being "fainting," "disconsolate," or "afflicted." Rooted in H4549 (מָסַס), meaning "to melt or dissolve," it vividly portrays the internal experience of one's spirit or courage dissolving away. Biblically, it is notably used in [[Psalm 112:10]] to depict the intense grief and ultimate despair of the wicked in the face of divine justice. While [[Isaiah 17:11]] employs a translation of "heap" or "ruin," the underlying sense of dissolution due to overwhelming sorrow remains consistent with the word's core meaning. Theologically, *mâç* underscores the consequences of wickedness, highlights human frailty in contrast to divine power, and emphasizes the stark difference between the despair of those who oppose God and the steadfastness of the righteous. It serves as a potent image of internal and external ruin.
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