from נָסַךְ; properly, a pouring over, i.e. fusion of metal (especially a cast image); by implication, a libation, i.e. league; concretely a coverlet (as if poured out); covering, molten (image), vail.
Transliteration:maççêkâh
Pronunciation:mas-say-kaw'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מַסֵּכָה (maççêkâh), Strong's number `{{H4541}}`, derives from the root נָסַךְ (nāśak), meaning "to pour out" or "to cast." This etymological foundation provides the primary semantic range of the noun. Its core meaning refers to something "poured over" or "cast," particularly in the context of metalworking.
The most prominent usage of מַסֵּכָה is a "molten image" or "cast image," referring to an idol formed by pouring molten metal into a mold. This highlights a tangible, man-made representation of a deity, often crafted from precious metals.
A secondary, yet distinct, semantic branch relates to something "spread out" or "poured out" in a different sense: a "covering," "coverlet," or "vail." This usage suggests an object that is spread over something else, akin to liquid poured over a surface. While seemingly disparate from "molten image," both meanings stem from the root idea of an object being formed or applied through a "pouring" or "spreading" action. The nuance is crucial for understanding its varied biblical contexts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of מַסֵּכָה in the Hebrew Bible reveal its dual semantic range, though its use as a "molten image" is by far the more frequent and theologically significant.
In its primary sense, as a "molten image" or "idol," מַסֵּכָה appears in contexts of severe condemnation of idolatry. The most famous instance is the golden calf crafted by Aaron in the wilderness: "And he received the gold from their hand and fashioned it with a graving tool and made it into a molten calf" [[Exodus 32:4]]. This act is repeatedly denounced as a grave sin against YHWH ([[Deuteronomy 9:16]], [[Nehemiah 9:18]]). Throughout the prophetic literature, the making and worship of such images are consistently portrayed as an abomination and a betrayal of the covenant, leading to divine judgment ([[1 Kings 14:9]], [[2 Kings 17:16]], [[Isaiah 30:1-2]], [[Hosea 13:2]], [[Nahum 1:14]]). These passages underscore the human inclination to create tangible objects of worship rather than trusting in the unseen God, reflecting a profound spiritual rebellion. The term emphasizes the *process* of creation (casting) as much as the object itself, highlighting its human origin in contrast to divine creation.
In its secondary sense, as a "covering" or "vail," מַסֵּכָה appears in contexts that describe physical objects or metaphorical states. For instance, [[Isaiah 25:7]] speaks of "the vail that is spread over all nations, and the covering that is woven over all peoples." Here, the "vail" (מַסֵּכָה) represents spiritual blindness or obscurity that prevents nations from discerning God's truth. In [[Isaiah 28:20]], it describes an inadequate "coverlet" on a short bed, illustrating a state of discomfort or insufficient provision. These uses, while fewer, demonstrate the word's capacity to describe something that conceals or covers, whether physically or metaphorically.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for מַסֵּכָה is its root verb, נָסַךְ (nāśak, `{{H5258}}`), which means "to pour out," "to cast (metal)," or "to offer a libation." This root reinforces the idea of shaping or forming through pouring. While the noun מַסֵּכָה itself does not directly mean "libation" (which is typically *nesek* or *nissuk*), its connection to the act of pouring is fundamental.
Other Hebrew words related to idolatry and false worship often appear alongside or in parallel with מַסֵּכָה:
* **פֶּסֶל (pesel, `{{H6459}}`):** A carved or graven image, often made of wood or stone, contrasting with the cast nature of a *massekah*.
* **עָצָב (atsab, `{{H6090}}`):** An idol, often implying pain or sorrow associated with its worship.
* **תְּרָפִים (teraphim, `{{H8655}}`):** Household idols or cultic images, often used for divination.
* **מַצֵּבָה (maṣṣēḇāh, `{{H4676}}`):** A standing pillar or monument, which could sometimes be used for idolatrous purposes.
The concept of idolatry itself is central, encompassing the worship of anything other than the one true God. This includes syncretism, the adoption of foreign religious practices, and the reliance on human-made objects for security or spiritual power instead of divine providence. The "vail" aspect connects to themes of spiritual blindness, revelation, and the removal of obstacles to divine truth.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of מַסֵּכָה is profound and multifaceted.
Firstly, as a "molten image," it stands as a stark symbol of humanity's persistent rebellion against the First and Second Commandments ([[Exodus 20:3-5]]). The act of creating a *massekah* is an attempt to reduce the transcendent, invisible God to a tangible, controllable form, thereby denying His unique sovereignty and spiritual nature. It represents a human-centered worship that replaces divine revelation with human imagination, leading to spiritual prostitution and covenant infidelity. The repeated condemnation of *massekah* in prophetic literature highlights God's unwavering demand for exclusive worship and His fierce opposition to any form of idolatry that defiles His holy name and His people. The destruction of these images, as seen with the golden calf, symbolizes the nullification of false worship and the reassertion of divine authority.
Secondly, the "vail" aspect in [[Isaiah 25:7]] carries significant theological weight. It speaks to a spiritual covering that obscures truth and prevents nations from recognizing God's redemptive plan. The promise that YHWH will "swallow up" this vail signifies the future removal of spiritual blindness, allowing all peoples to behold His glory and truth. This prophetic vision anticipates a time of universal revelation and salvation, a theme later echoed in the New Testament concerning the removal of the "vail" from the hearts of those who turn to Christ ([[2 Corinthians 3:14-16]]). Thus, *massekah* in this context points to the human condition of spiritual opacity and God's gracious initiative to reveal Himself.
In both senses, מַסֵּכָה underscores the tension between human attempts to define or control the divine and God's self-revelation. It serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of idolatry and the necessity of true spiritual vision.
### Summary
מַסֵּכָה (maççêkâh, {{H4541}}`) is a Hebrew noun derived from the verb "to pour out." Its primary and most frequent meaning is a "molten image" or "cast idol," representing a grave violation of God's commandments against idolatry. These man-made objects symbolize humanity's inclination to create tangible gods, leading to spiritual apostasy and divine judgment. The term highlights the process of casting, emphasizing the human origin of such false deities.
Secondly, מַסֵּכָה can refer to a "covering" or "vail," signifying something spread over, either physically or metaphorically. In this sense, it can denote spiritual blindness or obscurity that prevents people from perceiving divine truth, which God promises to remove in His redemptive plan.
In essence, מַסֵּכָה encapsulates critical theological themes: the sinfulness of idolatry, the unique sovereignty of YHWH, and the spiritual condition of humanity—whether in rebellion through false worship or in need of divine revelation to remove spiritual blindness.
TRV