from סָתַר; properly, a hider, i.e. (abstractly) a hiding, i.e. aversion; hid.
Transliteration:maçtêr
Pronunciation:mas-tare'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word maçtêr (מַסְתֵּר, `{{H4564}}`) is a noun derived from the root sātar (סָתַר, `{{H5641}}`), which means "to hide," "to conceal," or "to be hidden." Consequently, maçtêr primarily signifies "a hiding place," "a place of concealment," or more abstractly, "a hiding" or "concealment." While the base definition can extend to "aversion" (a turning away or hidden dislike), its biblical usage predominantly focuses on the concept of a hidden location or a state of being concealed. It can denote both a physical refuge and a metaphorical place of security or, conversely, of deceptive cover.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word maçtêr occurs twice in the Hebrew Bible, both instances found within the prophetic book of Isaiah, and notably, they present a stark contrast in their application:
* **[[Isaiah 28:17]]**: "And hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place." Here, maçtêr (מַסְתֵּר) is used in a negative sense, referring to a "hiding place of lies" (מַסְתֵּר כָּזָב). The context is God's judgment upon the leaders of Jerusalem who have made a covenant with death and Sheol, trusting in their own deceptive schemes and false security rather than in the Lord. This maçtêr is parallel to "refuge of lies" (מַחְסֶה כָזָב, `{{H4268}}`), indicating a futile and ultimately destructive reliance on human falsehoods. God declares that this false shelter will be utterly destroyed by His judgment, symbolized by hail and overflowing waters.
* **[[Isaiah 32:2]]**: "And a man shall be as a hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land." In this passage, maçtêr (מַסְתֵּר) is employed in a profoundly positive and messianic context. It describes the righteous ruler, widely understood to be the Messiah, who will provide ultimate protection and solace. He is depicted as a true and life-giving "hiding place" from the destructive forces of "wind" and "tempest," offering refreshment and rest in a desolate world. This usage highlights the security, provision, and peace that will characterize the Messiah's reign.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of maçtêr is enriched by its relationship to other Hebrew terms:
* **sātar (סָתַר, `{{H5641}}`)**: The foundational verbal root, meaning "to hide," "to conceal." This root is frequently used to describe God's actions (e.g., hiding His face in displeasure or judgment, [[Deuteronomy 31:17]]) or human attempts to hide from God ([[Genesis 3:10]]).
* **sēter (סֵתֶר, `{{H5643}}`)**: A closely related noun from the same root, often translated as "hiding place," "secret place," or "covert." It frequently describes God as a refuge for His people ([[Psalm 27:5]], [[Psalm 32:7]]).
* **maḥseh (מַחְסֶה, `{{H4268}}`)**: Meaning "refuge" or "shelter." As seen in [[Isaiah 28:17]], it is used in parallel with maçtêr, emphasizing the concept of a place of security.
* **miḵseh (מִכְסֶה, `{{H4372}}`)**: Denoting a "covering" or "veil," also related to the idea of concealment.
The concepts associated with maçtêr thus include refuge, shelter, concealment, security, and conversely, deception and false security.
### Theological Significance
The dual and contrasting usage of maçtêr in Isaiah bears significant theological weight. In [[Isaiah 28:17]], it serves as a powerful indictment of human self-reliance and the futility of seeking security in deceit. It underscores the divine judgment that awaits those who place their trust in anything other than the Lord. This maçtêr represents the deceptive nature of sin and the ultimate exposure of all hidden falsehoods before God's righteous scrutiny.
Conversely, the application of maçtêr in [[Isaiah 32:2]] offers a profound message of hope and divine provision. By portraying the coming Messiah as a true "hiding place," the text points to the ultimate source of security and rest for humanity. Unlike the false refuges of human design, the Messianic maçtêr provides genuine protection from the storms of life and judgment, offering life-giving sustenance and refreshing shade in a world often characterized by barrenness and weariness. This highlights the redemptive nature of God's plan, where true refuge is found not in human schemes but in the righteous reign of His chosen one. The word thus encapsulates the critical theological distinction between false, destructive security and genuine, life-giving divine shelter.
### Summary
The Hebrew word maçtêr (מַסְתֵּר, `{{H4564}}`), derived from the root sātar (to hide), fundamentally means "a hiding place" or "concealment." Its two occurrences in Isaiah present a striking theological dichotomy. In [[Isaiah 28:17]], maçtêr denotes a "hiding place of lies," symbolizing the deceptive and ultimately destructive reliance of humanity on its own contrivances and false securities, which are destined for divine judgment. In stark contrast, [[Isaiah 32:2]] employs maçtêr to describe the coming Messiah as a true and life-giving "hiding place from the wind," offering ultimate protection, solace, and refreshment to a weary world. This powerful juxtaposition underscores a central biblical truth: true security and refuge are found not in human deceit or self-reliance, but solely in the righteous and redemptive provision of God through His promised deliverer.
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