from נָסַע in the sense of projecting; a missile (spear or arrow); also a quarry (whence stones are, as it were, ejected); before it was brought, dart.
Transliteration:maççâʻ
Pronunciation:mas-saw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun מַסָּע (maççâʻ), Strong's H4551, is derived from the root נָסַע (nāsaʻ) `{{H5265}}`, which primarily conveys the sense of pulling up, setting out, departing, or journeying. The nominal form מַסָּע extends this root meaning into two distinct, yet related, semantic domains, both implying something being "sent forth" or "extracted" from a source.
Firstly, it refers to a *missile* or *projectile*, such as a spear, dart, or arrow. This meaning emphasizes the act of something being "ejected" or "launched" from a point of origin, reflecting the dynamic action inherent in its root.
Secondly, and perhaps less intuitively at first glance, it denotes a *quarry* or *quarried stone*. In this context, the connection to the root נָסַע lies in the idea of stones being "extracted" or "removed" from the earth, as if "pulled up" or "departed" from their natural bedrock. Thus, מַסָּע encapsulates both an object that is projected and a source from which materials are projected or extracted.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term מַסָּע (maççâʻ) appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, each instance illuminating one of its primary semantic ranges:
1. **As a Missile/Dart:** In [[Job 41:26]] (Hebrew 41:21), the word is used in a poetic description of Leviathan's invincibility: "The sword of him that layeth at him cannot hold: the spear, the dart, nor the habergeon." Here, מַסָּע is translated as "dart" (KJV) or "missile" (ESV), clearly referring to a weapon hurled or projected. The context emphasizes the futility of human weaponry against God's fearsome creation, highlighting Leviathan's immense power and, by extension, the incomparable might of the Creator. The word contributes to the portrayal of an impenetrable creature, impervious to the most potent human projectiles.
2. **As a Quarry/Quarried Stone:** In [[1 Kings 7:9]], מַסָּע is found in the description of Solomon's palace and the Temple, specifically concerning the building materials: "All these were of costly stones, according to the measures of hewed stones, sawed with saws, within and without, even from the foundation unto the coping, and so on the outside toward the great court." The phrase "costly stones... from the quarry" (NIV) or "stones of costly material, quarried stone" (ESV) is a common rendering. The Hebrew reads "אבני יקר כמדות גזית מגררות מבפנים ומבחוץ ומסע" (ʾavnê yaqār kimiddôt gāzît mĕgōrārôt mibbaipnîm ûmibbaḥûṣ ûmassāʻ). While some translations derive "quarry" from the context and the preceding "hewed stones," the presence of מַסָּע here strongly suggests "stones from the quarry" or "quarried stones," emphasizing their origin from extraction. This passage underscores the preciousness and deliberate preparation of the materials used in the construction of sacred and royal edifices.
These two occurrences, though few, demonstrate the word's distinct yet logically connected applications, rooted in the concept of something being moved or extracted from its original position.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary lexical connection for מַסָּע is its root verb נָסַע (nāsaʻ) `{{H5265}}`, which denotes movement, departure, or breaking camp. This root is frequently used in narratives of the Israelites' wilderness journey, where it describes their "setting out" from one place to another. This underlying sense of movement or displacement is crucial to understanding both "missile" (something sent forth) and "quarry" (stones removed from their natural setting).
Other related concepts include:
* **Weapons:** Words like חֶרֶב (ḥerev) `{{H2719}}` (sword), רֹמַח (romaḥ) `{{H7420}}` (spear), and חֵץ (ḥets) `{{H2671}}` (arrow) are semantic kin when מַסָּע refers to a projectile. These terms collectively describe the implements of warfare and defense.
* **Building Materials:** When מַסָּע refers to quarried stone, it relates to terms like אֶבֶן (ʾeven) `{{H68}}` (stone) and גָּזִית (gāzît) `{{H1496}}` (hewn stone). These words are central to the biblical descriptions of construction, particularly for sacred spaces.
* **Divine Power and Sovereignty:** In Job, the context of Leviathan's invincibility connects מַסָּע to the theme of God's unmatched power over creation, against which human force is impotent.
* **Sanctified Space and Purpose:** In 1 Kings, the use of מַסָּע for costly, quarried stones in the Temple's construction highlights the dedication of the finest materials for God's dwelling, symbolizing a commitment to excellence in worship and service.
### Theological Significance
The dual nature of מַסָּע offers insightful theological reflections.
Firstly, as a *missile* in [[Job 41:26]], it serves as a powerful testament to the limits of human power in the face of divine creation. The inability of any dart or weapon to harm Leviathan underscores God's absolute sovereignty and the futility of human attempts to control or challenge His dominion. It implicitly points to the Creator's omnipotence, which far surpasses any earthly might or technological advancement. This usage reinforces the biblical theme that true power resides solely with God, and humanity's place is one of humility and reverence before Him.
Secondly, as *quarried stone* in [[1 Kings 7:9]], מַסָּע speaks to the meticulous and costly nature of building for God. The "costly stones" extracted from the earth were not merely utilitarian but were chosen for their quality and then shaped for a specific, sacred purpose. This can be seen as a metaphor for God's work in shaping His people. Just as raw stones are extracted from the "quarry" of the world, believers are "living stones" (cf. [[1 Peter 2:5]]) called out, refined, and fitted together by God to form a spiritual house. The effort and expense involved in sourcing and preparing these stones for the Temple reflect the immense value God places on His dwelling place, whether a physical sanctuary or the spiritual body of believers. It signifies that what is offered to God should be of the highest quality and deliberately prepared for His glory.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מַסָּע (maççâʻ) `{{H4551}}`, derived from the root נָסַע `{{H5265}}` (to depart, set out), carries a rich dual meaning: a *missile* or *projectile* and *quarried stone*. In [[Job 41:26]], it denotes a dart, emphasizing the unassailable power of God's creation, Leviathan, against human weaponry, thereby magnifying divine omnipotence. In [[1 Kings 7:9]], it refers to costly stones extracted from a quarry for the construction of Solomon's Temple, highlighting the deliberate and precious nature of materials dedicated to God's service. Both meanings are unified by the underlying concept of something being "sent forth" or "extracted" from a source. Theologically, מַסָּע thus points to God's supreme power and the meticulous care and value placed on that which is set apart for His sacred purposes, whether in the grandeur of His creation or the construction of His dwelling.
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