from סָכַךְ; a cover, i.e. veil; covering, curtain, hanging.
Transliteration:mâçâk
Pronunciation:maw-sawk'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun `{{H4539}}` (מָסָךְ, *mâçâk*) derives from the verbal root `{{H5526}}` (סָכַךְ, *sākhakh*), which means "to intertwine," "to cover," "to screen," or "to overshadow." This etymological connection highlights the primary function of `{{H4539}}` as something that provides covering, concealment, or separation. Fundamentally, `{{H4539}}` signifies "a covering" or "a screen." Its semantic range extends to specific types of coverings:
* **Curtain/Hanging:** Most commonly, it refers to a woven fabric used as a barrier or divider.
* **Veil:** Implies a covering that obscures sight or access.
* **Protective Barrier:** While its main function in the biblical text is separation for sacred purposes, the underlying root suggests an element of protection or shelter.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H4539}}` appears predominantly in the books of Exodus and Numbers, with a single, significant occurrence in Isaiah. Its usage is almost exclusively tied to the construction and arrangement of the Tabernacle:
* **Tabernacle Entrance:** `{{H4539}}` is used to describe the "curtain for the entrance of the tent" (מָסָךְ פֶּתַח הָאֹהֶל). This was the outermost curtain for the Tabernacle proper, marking the entry into the Holy Place. Examples include [[Exodus 26:36]], [[Exodus 35:15]], [[Exodus 38:18]], [[Exodus 39:38]], [[Numbers 3:25]], and [[Numbers 4:25]]. These passages detail its materials (blue, purple, and scarlet material, and fine twisted linen) and its function as a visible boundary.
* **Gate of the Court:** It also designates the "curtain for the gate of the court" (מָסָךְ שַׁעַר הֶחָצֵר), which was the main entrance into the outer courtyard of the Tabernacle. This was a large, elaborate curtain that regulated access to the entire sacred precinct. See [[Exodus 27:16]], [[Exodus 38:18]], [[Exodus 39:40]], [[Numbers 3:26]], and [[Numbers 4:26]].
* **Distinction from the Inner Veil:** It is crucial to note that `{{H4539}}` is distinct from the "veil" (`{{H6532}}`, פָּרֹכֶת, *parokhet*) that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Covenant resided. While both are curtains, the *parokhet* had a unique, highly sacred function of guarding the immediate presence of God, while the *mâçâk* referred to the outer, more accessible coverings.
* **Figurative Use in Isaiah:** In a profound metaphorical usage, [[Isaiah 25:7]] speaks of a "covering" or "veil" (מָסָךְ) that is spread over all peoples. This mâçâk symbolizes spiritual blindness, ignorance, or the shroud of death that obscures truth and life. The prophetic vision declares that God will remove this mâçâk, signifying a time of divine revelation and the ultimate victory over death and sorrow.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root `{{H5526}}` (סָכַךְ, *sākhakh*):** The verbal root from which `{{H4539}}` is derived, emphasizing the action of covering, screening, or providing shelter. This connection highlights the functional aspect of mâçâk as a barrier.
* **`{{H6532}}` (פָּרֹכֶת, *parokhet*):** The "veil" of the temple, a critical distinction. While both are curtains, the *parokhet* had a unique theological significance as the barrier to the Holy of Holies, whereas `{{H4539}}` refers to the outer, less restrictive curtains. Understanding this distinction is key to appreciating the gradations of holiness in the Tabernacle.
* **`{{H4372}}` (מִכְסֶה, *mikhseh*):** Another Hebrew word for "covering," often referring to a covering for protection or concealment, such as for the Ark of the Covenant during transport.
* **Sacred Space:** The concept of `{{H4539}}` is intrinsically linked to the biblical understanding of consecrated space, separation (holy vs. common), and the regulated approach to the divine presence. The curtains visually and functionally defined these boundaries.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4539}}` is multi-faceted:
* **Holiness and Separation:** In the Tabernacle context, the mâçâk curtains served as visible declarations of God's holiness and the sacredness of His dwelling place. They marked the boundaries between the common world and the consecrated space where God's presence resided, underscoring the principle that God is separate and requires reverence and a prescribed approach.
* **Gradations of Access:** The various mâçâk (for the tent entrance and court gate) established a clear gradient of access, from the outside world into the sacred courtyard, then into the Holy Place. This illustrated that access to God was not arbitrary but was mediated and ordered according to divine instruction, emphasizing the need for purity and adherence to covenant stipulations.
* **Divine Presence and Concealment:** While inviting entry into the sacred precincts, these curtains also served to conceal the full glory of the divine presence within. This concealment protected both God's ineffable holiness from human defilement and human frailty from the overwhelming power of unmediated divine glory.
* **Eschatological Unveiling:** The metaphorical use in [[Isaiah 25:7]] carries profound eschatological weight. The "covering" or "veil" over all peoples represents spiritual darkness, ignorance, or the oppressive power of death and sorrow. God's promise to remove this mâçâk signifies His ultimate act of revelation, bringing light, understanding, and the final, triumphant victory over death through His salvation. This transforms the physical barrier into a spiritual one, to be removed by divine intervention in the messianic age.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H4539}}` (מָסָךְ, *mâçâk*) denotes a "covering," "curtain," or "hanging," deriving from the root `{{H5526}}` meaning "to screen" or "to cover." Its primary biblical application is in the description of the Tabernacle, where it refers to the ornate curtains marking the entrance to the tent and the gate of the court. These mâçâk curtains were instrumental in defining and safeguarding the sacred space, visually and functionally emphasizing God's holiness and the ordered, mediated access to His presence. While distinct from the inner veil (`{{H6532}}`, *parokhet*) that separated the Holy of Holies, `{{H4539}}` nevertheless played a crucial role in establishing the boundaries and gradations of holiness within the divine dwelling. Beyond its literal use, `{{H4539}}` is employed metaphorically in [[Isaiah 25:7]] to describe a "veil" of spiritual blindness or death covering all nations, whose removal signifies God's ultimate revelation and victory over death. Thus, mâçâk speaks powerfully to both physical separation for reverence and the eschatological unveiling of God's truth and triumph.
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