English · KJV
H4548

מַסְמֵר

maçmêr /mas-mare'/ Ask about this word
Rootor מִסְמֵר
Meaningalso (feminine) מַסְמְרָה; or מִסְמְרָה; or even מַשְׂמְרָה; (Ecclesiastes 12:11), from סָמַר; a peg (as bristling from the surface)
KJV usagenail.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of maçmêr — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word maçmêr, represented by H4548, is defined as a nail or peg. It appears only 4 times in 4 unique verses, where it consistently refers to a fastener used in construction. Its meaning is straightforward, but its application in scripture reveals a sharp contrast between divine works and human artifice.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In biblical accounts, H4548 is used in two primary contexts: the construction of the temple and the fabrication of idols. For the temple, David prepared iron in abundance specifically for the nails for the doors of the gates 1 Chronicles 22:3. Additionally, the weight of the nails used in the upper chambers was recorded as fifty shekels of gold 2 Chronicles 3:9. In contrast, the word is used to describe how craftsmen fasten idols with nails and hammers to prevent them from moving, highlighting their lifelessness (Jeremiah 10:4, Isaiah 41:7).

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the function and context of H4548:

  • H1270 barzel (iron): This is the material David prepared in abundance for the temple nails, signifying strength and practical function in construction 1 Chronicles 22:3.
  • H2388 châzaq (to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong): This verb describes the action performed with nails to secure an object. It is used both when a carpenter encourages a goldsmith to fasten an idol Isaiah 41:7 and when describing the securing of an idol so it will not move Jeremiah 10:4.
  • H1817 deleth (door): This word specifies the application for the iron nails in the temple, which were intended for the doors of the gates 1 Chronicles 22:3.

Theological Significance

The theological significance of H4548 emerges from its contrasting uses.

  • Instrument of Construction: As a nail, it is a fundamental component for building. Its use in the temple highlights the detailed preparation and value invested in God's holy dwelling. David prepares iron nails for the doors 1 Chronicles 22:3, while precious gold nails are used for the upper chambers 2 Chronicles 3:9.
  • Securing Falsehood: The word is used to expose the futility of idolatry. Craftsmen fasten idols with nails so that they "should not be moved" Isaiah 41:7. This act demonstrates that idols are inanimate objects that depend entirely on human effort for any semblance of stability.
  • Material Value and Purpose: The materials used for the nails—iron and gold—are significant. Iron is used for the strong, functional doors of the gates 1 Chronicles 22:3, while gold is used within the temple structure itself 2 Chronicles 3:9, connecting the value of the material to its sacred purpose.

Summary

In summary, H4548 is more than just a simple fastener. While it appears infrequently, its use powerfully illustrates a central biblical theme: the difference between the living God and lifeless idols. The same object used to build and secure the glorious temple for God is also used in the vain attempt to prop up false gods, making maçmêr a quiet testament to the distinction between divine work and human folly.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a noun across 5 occurrences, inflected in 2 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

  • מַסְמְרוֹת
  • מַסְמְרִים

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

H1270 בַּרְזֶל perhaps from the root of בִּרְזוֹת; iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement; (ax) head, iron. H2388 חָזַק a primitive root; to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, he H1817 דֶּלֶת from דָּלָה; something swinging, i.e. the valve of adoor; door (two-leaved), gate, leaf, lid. (Psalm 141:3).

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 4 verses across 4 of the 39 books. 4 books tie for most frequent (1 verse each); never once in the other 35.

1
1 Chronicles
1
2 Chronicles
1
Isaiah
1
Jeremiah

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.