a primitive root; to sunder, i.e. (transitively) set apart, or (reflex.) apostatize; commit, deliver.
Transliteration:mâçar
Pronunciation:maw-sar'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root mâçar (`{{H4560}}`) is a primitive root carrying a rich and multifaceted semantic range, centered on the concept of separation and transfer. Its core meaning, "to sunder," implies a forceful or decisive act of cutting off or setting apart. From this foundational sense, the word branches into several key applications:
1. **To Set Apart/Separate (transitive):** This can denote a deliberate act of differentiation, isolating one entity from others. The context determines whether this separation is for a specific purpose (e.g., dedication) or for mere isolation.
2. **To Commit/Deliver/Hand Over (transitive):** This is a prominent usage, signifying the transfer of something or someone into the power, custody, or responsibility of another. This can involve entrusting a task, surrendering an individual, or giving up an object. The implication is a relinquishing of control by the giver and an assumption of control by the receiver.
3. **To Apostatize (reflexive):** When used reflexively, mâçar takes on a gravely negative connotation. It describes the act of separating oneself from a covenant, truth, or divine relationship, effectively turning away or rebelling. This highlights a deliberate and often willful departure from fidelity.
The duality of mâçar — encompassing both a neutral act of separation/delivery and a profound act of spiritual defection — requires careful contextual analysis for accurate interpretation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root mâçar (`{{H4560}}`) appears in various contexts across the Old Testament, predominantly conveying the sense of "delivering" or "handing over."
In the book of Samuel, the word frequently describes the act of delivering an enemy or an individual into another's power. For instance, David declares to Goliath, "This day the LORD will **deliver** you into my hand" [[1 Samuel 17:46]]. Similarly, Saul acknowledges that the LORD had **delivered** David into his hand [[1 Samuel 24:10]], yet David chose not to harm him. This usage underscores divine sovereignty in the outcomes of conflict and human agency in choosing how to act when power is transferred. In [[1 Samuel 26:8]], Abishai urges David to allow him to strike Saul, saying God has **delivered** his enemy into his hand. David's response in [[1 Samuel 26:23]] highlights God's role in delivering individuals, whether for protection or judgment.
In the poetic and wisdom literature, mâçar can also denote committing oneself or one's thoughts. Proverbs 12:23 states, "A prudent man **conceals** knowledge," where mâçar implies holding back or committing knowledge to oneself rather than divulging it. Likewise, Proverbs 13:16 speaks of the prudent man acting with knowledge, while a fool **lays bare** his folly, again using mâçar to describe the revealing or committing of one's inner state. Proverbs 4:9 uses the word in the context of wisdom bestowing a "crown of beauty" upon the one who embraces her, implying wisdom's ability to "commit" or "bestow" honor.
While the "apostatize" meaning is less overtly translated in common English versions, it is an inherent possibility within the semantic range of "sundering oneself." The act of delivering oneself or being delivered into a state of spiritual separation from God would align with this aspect of the root, though other Hebrew words are more commonly used for explicit apostasy.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of mâçar (`{{H4560}}`) intersects with several other significant Hebrew terms:
* **Separation/Division:**
* bādal (`{{H914}}`): To divide, separate, distinguish. This is often used for ritual or holy separation (e.g., God separating light from darkness).
* pāraš (`{{H6504}}`): To spread out, separate, make distinct.
* **Giving/Delivering/Entrusting:**
* nātan (`{{H5414}}`): The most common Hebrew word for "to give," "to put," or "to set." It has a broader range than mâçar but often overlaps in contexts of handing over.
* yād (`{{H3027}}`): "Hand." Often used idiomatically to signify power, control, or agency in giving or receiving (e.g., "into the hand of").
* pāqad (`{{H6485}}`): To visit, appoint, entrust, commit. This term often carries the nuance of oversight or responsibility.
* **Trust/Commitment:**
* ’āman (`{{H539}}`): To be firm, trustworthy, believe, trust. While mâçar can mean to commit, ’āman speaks to the underlying faith or reliability.
* **Apostasy/Rebellion:**
* māraq (`{{H4886}}`): To be rebellious, disobedient.
* sārar (`{{H5637}}`): To turn aside, be stubborn, rebellious. These words more explicitly describe the act of spiritual defection implied by the reflexive sense of mâçar.
Understanding mâçar in relation to these terms helps to delineate its specific nuance: it is not merely giving, but often giving *up* or giving *over*, implying a transfer of authority or a decisive act of separation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of mâçar (`{{H4560}}`) is profound, touching upon themes of divine sovereignty, human responsibility, justice, and the nature of sin.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Justice:** The frequent use of mâçar in contexts where God "delivers" individuals or nations into the hands of others (e.g., enemies, or for judgment) underscores His ultimate control over human affairs. This highlights His role as the dispenser of justice, both punitive and redemptive. When God delivers, it is often an act of His righteous decree, fulfilling His purposes or executing His judgments.
2. **Human Agency and Accountability:** While God's sovereignty is evident, mâçar also reflects human choices. Individuals can "deliver" themselves to folly (Proverbs) or, by extension, to sin. The reflexive sense of "apostatize" emphasizes humanity's capacity to willfully separate from God and His covenant. This highlights the weight of human responsibility and the dire consequences of spiritual rebellion.
3. **The Nature of Trust and Betrayal:** The act of "committing" or "delivering" can be an act of profound trust (e.g., entrusting a task or a life) or a devastating act of betrayal (e.g., delivering an innocent person to harm). This duality reflects the moral landscape of human relationships and the ethical implications of transferring power or responsibility.
4. **Implications for Covenant:** When mâçar implies "sundering oneself" or "apostatizing," it speaks directly to the breaking of covenant relationship with God. This act of self-separation from the divine source of life and truth carries severe spiritual consequences, leading to alienation and judgment.
In essence, mâçar reveals a God who is active in "delivering" according to His will, and it exposes humanity's capacity to "deliver" themselves to various fates, including separation from Him.
### Summary
The Hebrew root mâçar (`{{H4560}}`) is a potent and versatile word, fundamentally meaning "to sunder" or "to separate." Its semantic range extends to "setting apart," "committing," or "delivering" something or someone into another's power or responsibility. Crucially, it also carries the reflexive sense of "apostatizing," signifying a deliberate separation from God or truth.
Biblical occurrences primarily demonstrate its use in the context of "delivering" individuals or nations, often highlighting divine sovereignty in the outcomes of conflicts and the execution of justice. It also appears in wisdom literature to describe the act of concealing or revealing knowledge. The theological implications are profound, emphasizing God's sovereign control in "delivering" circumstances, as well as human accountability in "delivering" themselves to certain paths, including spiritual rebellion. The word thus encapsulates themes of divine power, human choice, justice, and the critical nature of one's relationship with God.