from מָסַס (in the sense of flowing); abundance, i.e. (adverbially) liberally; tribute.
Transliteration:miççâh
Pronunciation:mis-saw'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word מִסָּה (miççâh), Strong's number `{{H4530}}`, derives from the root מָסַס (masas, `{{H4549}}`), which fundamentally means "to melt," "to dissolve," or "to flow away." This etymological connection provides the core semantic range for מִסָּה. It suggests a sense of abundance, something that flows freely or is poured out generously. The base definition indicates "abundance" and, adverbially, "liberally," implying a significant quantity or a generous manner of giving. The additional meaning of "tribute" aligns with this, as tribute often involves a substantial or regular outflow of resources, wealth, or goods from one party to another, conceptually "flowing" from the giver. Thus, מִסָּה encapsulates the idea of a copious, unhindered flow, whether of material goods or abstract concepts like generosity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word מִסָּה (miççâh, `{{H4530}}`) appears only once in the Masoretic Text, in the book of Deuteronomy:
* **[[Deuteronomy 16:10]]**: "And you shall keep the Feast of Weeks to the LORD your God with a tribute of a freewill offering of your hand, which you shall give as the LORD your God blesses you."
* In this sole occurrence, מִסָּה is translated as "tribute" (KJV, ESV, NASB) or "measure" (NIV). It is directly linked to "נִדְבַת יָדֶךָ" (nidbat yadekha), meaning "a freewill offering of your hand." The context is the celebration of the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot), one of the three annual pilgrimage festivals, where Israelites were commanded to bring an offering to the Lord.
* The crucial accompanying phrase, "אֲשֶׁר תִּתֵּן כַּאֲשֶׁר יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ" ("which you shall give as the LORD your God blesses you"), clarifies the nature of this "tribute" or "abundance." It is not a fixed, predetermined amount but rather a gift proportional to the divine blessings received. This reinforces the core meaning of "abundance" and "liberally," suggesting that the offering should be a generous outpouring that reflects the generosity of God's provision. It is a flowing back to God from the overflow of His grace.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of מִסָּה (miççâh, `{{H4530}}`) is enriched by examining its etymological root and related theological concepts:
* **Root:** The primary connection is to the verb מָסַס (masas, `{{H4549}}`), meaning "to melt," "to dissolve," or "to flow." This root underpins the idea of a free and abundant outpouring.
* **Freewill Offering:** The term "נִדְבָה" (nidbah, `{{H5071}}`), meaning "freewill offering," is directly associated with מִסָּה in [[Deuteronomy 16:10]]. This emphasizes the voluntary and generous nature of the offering, distinguishing it from mandatory taxes or fixed tithes. It is a gift given from the heart, reflecting a willing spirit.
* **Blessing:** The concept of "בְּרָכָה" (berakah, `{{H1293}}`), "blessing," is central, as the offering's quantity is directly tied to the extent of God's blessing. This highlights a reciprocal relationship: God blesses abundantly, and the worshiper responds with a generous offering from that abundance.
* **Tithes and Offerings:** While distinct, מִסָּה falls under the broader category of Israelite contributions to the sanctuary and priesthood (e.g., מַעֲשֵׂר, ma'aser, `{{H4643}}`, "tithe"; תְּרוּמָה, terumah, `{{H8641}}`, "heave offering"). These practices collectively underscore the principle of giving a portion of one's produce or wealth back to God.
* **Generosity and Liberality:** The very nature of a "freewill offering" given in proportion to blessing aligns with the wider biblical emphasis on generosity (e.g., [[Proverbs 11:25]], [[2 Corinthians 9:6-7]]).
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of מִסָּה (miççâh, `{{H4530}}`) in [[Deuteronomy 16:10]] carries profound theological weight, primarily in the context of worship and stewardship:
* **Responsive Giving:** The most significant theological insight is that giving is a responsive act. The "tribute" or "abundance" of the freewill offering is directly proportional to "as the LORD your God blesses you." This teaches that our giving is not an attempt to earn God's favor, but a grateful response to the favor already bestowed. It reflects a heart that acknowledges God as the ultimate source of all prosperity and blessing.
* **Principle of Proportionate Generosity:** The command establishes a principle of proportionate giving. Instead of a fixed amount, the offering is to be a measure of the blessing received. This encourages a dynamic and heartfelt generosity, where those who have been blessed more abundantly are expected to give more, reflecting the "flowing" nature of their received blessings and their reciprocal "flowing" back to God.
* **Joyful Worship:** Given its context within the Feast of Weeks, a celebration of harvest and God's provision, the offering of מִסָּה is presented as an act of joyful worship, not a burdensome tax. It is an expression of gratitude and delight in God's goodness, an act of communion within the festive atmosphere.
* **Stewardship and Acknowledgment of Sovereignty:** The practice reminds the worshiper that all possessions and prosperity come from the hand of God. The "tribute" is an act of faithful stewardship, returning a portion of what God has entrusted, thereby acknowledging His ultimate ownership and sovereignty over all things. It is a tangible demonstration that one's resources are not merely self-earned but divinely provided.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מִסָּה (miççâh, `{{H4530}}`), stemming from a root meaning "to flow," denotes "abundance" or "a liberal outpouring," which can manifest as a "tribute." Its singular biblical occurrence in [[Deuteronomy 16:10]] is highly instructive. Here, it describes a "freewill offering" to be brought during the Feast of Weeks, directly linked to the extent of God's blessing upon the giver. Theologically, מִסָּה encapsulates the principle of responsive, proportionate, and joyful giving, where the believer's offering is a grateful outpouring that mirrors the abundance of God's divine provision. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty, the believer's stewardship, and the reciprocal nature of divine blessing met with human generosity.
TRV