מָסַס

mâçaç /maw-sas'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root
Meaningto liquefy; figuratively, to waste (with disease), to faint (with fatigue, fear or grief)
KJV usagediscourage, faint, be loosed, melt (away), refuse
Idioms & phrasesidiom utterly.
Copy as

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word mâçaç, represented by H4549, describes a state of liquefaction or dissolution. Its base definition is to liquefy; figuratively, to waste (with disease), to faint (with fatigue, fear or grief); discourage, faint, be loosed, melt (away), refuse, [idiom] utterly. It appears 21 times across 20 unique verses, illustrating concepts ranging from the literal melting of a physical substance to the figurative melting of the human heart in fear or despair.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In biblical narratives, H4549 is used both literally and figuratively. It literally describes the manna that melted when the sun grew hot Exodus 16:21. More frequently, it is used as a powerful metaphor for the loss of courage. Upon hearing of the Lord's miracles, the hearts of the Canaanite kings melted Joshua 5:1, and Rahab confirmed that "our hearts did melt" Joshua 2:11. The word also depicts the effect of God's presence, where "The hills melted like wax" Psalms 97:5. In a different context, it is used to describe items that are refuse and worthy of destruction 1 Samuel 15:9, and for Samson's bonds which were loosed from his hands Judges 15:14.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words provide a fuller picture of the concepts of dissolution and weakness:

  • H1749 dôwnag (wax): This word is often used in direct comparison with the action of melting. The power of God's presence causes mountains to be "molten" and valleys to be cleft "as wax before the fire" Micah 1:4.
  • H3824 lêbâb (the heart): This is the most common subject that is said to melt figuratively. Fear and despair cause the heart to lose its courage and resolve, as seen when the spies discouraged the Israelites' heart Deuteronomy 1:28.
  • H7503 râphâh (to slacken, fail, be faint, be weak): This word describes the physical result of a melted heart. In a prophecy of coming judgment, "every heart shall melt, and all hands shall be feeble" Ezekiel 21:7.
  • H8210 shâphak (to spill forth, pour out): This action is a direct consequence of something melting. In his distress, the psalmist cries, "I am poured out like water... my heart is like wax; it is melted" Psalms 22:14.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H4549 is significant, often illustrating the response of creation and humanity to divine power.

  • The Overwhelming Presence of God: The word is used to show that even the most permanent features of creation, like mountains, cannot stand before the Lord but will melt at His presence (Psalms 97:5, Micah 1:4). This demonstrates His absolute authority over the physical world.
  • The Dissolution of Courage: The melting heart is a symbol of utter terror and the collapse of human confidence. The enemies of Israel lose all courage when confronted with God's power Joshua 2:11. Even the heart of a valiant man will "utterly melt" in the face of overwhelming fear 2 Samuel 17:10.
  • The Frailty of the Wicked: God's judgment is depicted as a force that causes the wicked to melt away Psalms 112:10. Just as wax melteth before the fire, the wicked perish at God's presence Psalms 68:2.
  • Expressions of Deep Anguish: The term gives voice to profound personal suffering, where one's inner being feels as though it is dissolving. The psalmist's heart is "melted" in the midst of his bowels from grief and affliction Psalms 22:14.

Summary

In summary, H4549 is a vivid term that conveys a state of total collapse. Whether describing the physical liquefaction of manna and wax or the figurative dissolution of human courage, spirit, and strength, it points to a loss of form and integrity. The word serves to highlight the immense power of God, before whom even mountains melt, and to articulate the depths of human fear and suffering where the heart itself gives way.

Grammatical Forms

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 21 occurrences, inflected in 11 grammatical forms.

  • Niphal Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 4×
  • Niphal Consecutive Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 3×
  • Niphal Consecutive Perfect 3rd Singular Masculine 3×
  • Niphal Consecutive Perfect 3rd Plural common gender 2×
  • Niphal Infinitive Construct 2×
  • Niphal Perfect 3rd Singular Masculine 2×
  • Hiphil Perfect 3rd Plural common gender 1×
  • Niphal Consecutive Imperfect 3rd Plural Masculine 1×
  • Niphal Participle Singular Masculine Absolute 1×
  • Niphal Perfect 3rd Plural common gender 1×
  • Qal Infinitive Construct 1×
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
common gender
Either gender — the form does not distinguish.
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.
Qal
The simple, basic stem — plain action in the active voice.
Niphal
Simple passive or reflexive of the Qal.
Hiphil
The causative stem — the subject causes the action.
Consecutive Imperfect
Imperfect with vav — carries narrative forward ("and he…").
Consecutive Perfect
Perfect with vav — continues a sequence into the future.
Absolute
The independent form of a noun (not bound to another).
Construct
Bound to a following noun — "the X of…".

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 20 verses across 11 books. Most frequent in Psalms (4 verses).

1
Exodus
2
Deuteronomy
3
Joshua
1
Judges
1
1 Samuel
1
2 Samuel
4
Psalms
4
Isaiah
1
Ezekiel
1
Micah
1
Nahum

Verse Explorer

Select a verse to begin.