The Hebrew word maçtêr, represented by H4564, refers to the act of hiding or an expression of aversion. Based on the root word for hiding, it carries an abstract sense of turning away. This specific term is exceptionally rare, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible, which gives its single usage significant weight.
The sole appearance of H4564 is in the prophetic text of Isaiah 53:3. In this passage, it describes the reaction of people toward a suffering figure: "and we hid as it were our faces from him." The act of hiding is a direct response to the man's condition, as he is described as "despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief" Isaiah 53:3. The use of H4564 here captures not just a physical act but a profound emotional and social rejection, an aversion so strong that people cannot bear to look upon him.
The meaning of H4564 is illuminated by the words surrounding it in its only context:
- H959 bâzâh (despise): Defined as to disesteem or contemn, this word establishes the reason for the "hiding." The aversion shown through H4564 stems from a deep-seated contempt for the individual Isaiah 53:3.
- H6440 pânîym (faces): This is what is being hidden. The phrase "hiding the face" is a powerful idiom for rejection and the withdrawal of favor or recognition, directly linking the physical action to the emotional state Isaiah 53:3.
- H2803 châshab (esteem, think, regard): This word frames the internal judgment that leads to the external act of aversion. The passage states, "we esteemed him not," directly connecting the lack of value or regard with the act of hiding from him Isaiah 53:3.
- H4341 makʼôb (sorrows): Defined as anguish or affliction, this word describes the state of the man from whom others hide. The aversion is a reaction to his profound pain and sorrow Isaiah 53:3.
The theological weight of H4564 is concentrated in its singular, poignant usage.
- The Culmination of Rejection: The act of "hiding" is the climax of the rejection described in the verse. It follows being despised H959 and rejected H2310 and is paired with being esteemed as nothing H2803. It represents a complete and total turning away.
- Aversion to Vicarious Suffering: The figure is a "man of sorrows" H4341 and "acquainted with grief" H2483. The response of "hiding the face" H6440 highlights a human tendency to recoil from extreme suffering, especially when its source is not understood.
- Manifestation of Internal Contempt: The word demonstrates how internal thoughts translate to external actions. The mental state of holding someone in contempt (bâzâh) and esteeming them as nothing (châshab) results in the physical act of aversion (maçtêr).
In summary, H4564 maçtêr is a highly specific term whose meaning is entirely defined by its context in Isaiah 53:3. Though used only once, it powerfully conveys an ultimate act of rejection. It signifies more than just hiding; it is an aversion born of contempt, a deliberate turning away from a figure of immense sorrow. Its placement in scripture provides a stark and unforgettable image of profound human rejection in the face of suffering.
TRV