### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun מַעְצוֹר (maʻtsôwr, `{{H4622}}`) is derived from the verbal root עָצָר (ʻâtsar, `{{H6113}}`), which signifies "to restrain," "to hold back," "to shut up," or "to retain." As a noun, מַעְצוֹר objectively denotes the *result* or *instrument* of this action. Its core meaning encompasses the concepts of a "hindrance," "obstruction," or "restraint." It describes something that actively impedes, stops, or prevents progress, movement, or the natural flow of an action or state. Unlike a passive blockage, מַעְצוֹר implies an active force or condition that imposes limitation or prevention.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word מַעְצוֹר (maʻtsôwr, `{{H4622}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Isaiah:
* [[Isaiah 66:3]]: "He who slays an ox is like one who kills a man; he who sacrifices a lamb, like one who breaks a dog's neck; he who offers a grain offering, like one who offers swine's blood; he who burns memorial incense, like one who worships an idol. These have chosen their own ways, and their soul delights in their abominations."
In this powerful prophetic indictment, the phrase containing מַעְצוֹר is "הַמַּזְכִּיר לְבֹנָה מַעְצוֹר בְּרָכָה" (hammazkîr ləḇōnâ maʻtsôr bərāḵâ). While some English translations interpret this section broadly, a more precise rendering, supported by lexical analysis (e.g., BDB), understands מַעְצוֹר here as "an obstruction of blessing" or "a hindrance to blessing."
The context of [[Isaiah 66:3]] is a severe condemnation of hypocritical worship. The passage contrasts outward acts of religious devotion (sacrificing animals, offering grain, burning incense) with the inner spiritual corruption of the people. God declares that when these rituals are performed by those who "have chosen their own ways" and whose "soul delights in their abominations," the acts themselves become defiled. In this specific phrase, even the offering of frankincense, typically an act of worship and an appeal for blessing, is rendered a "hindrance of blessing." This implies that instead of inviting divine favor, such insincere worship actively obstructs it, effectively turning what should be a blessing into a curse or an impediment to true spiritual connection.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most immediate and significant lexical relation for מַעְצוֹר (maʻtsôwr, `{{H4622}}`) is its root verb, עָצָר (ʻâtsar, `{{H6113}}`), which means "to restrain, hold back, shut up." Other related nouns derived from this root include:
* עֶצֶר (ʻetser, `{{H6115}}`): Meaning "restraint," "oppression," or "assembly" (in the sense of being held together).
* מַעֲצָר (maʻatsar, `{{H4623}}`): Bearing a very similar meaning to מַעְצוֹר, denoting "restraint" or "imprisonment."
The conceptual field surrounding מַעְצוֹר includes:
* Obstruction, impediment, barrier, blockage.
* Spiritual sterility or barrenness, as the word implies a stopping of divine flow.
* Hypocrisy and insincerity, as these are the conditions that cause the "hindrance" in [[Isaiah 66:3]].
* Divine judgment or displeasure, as the consequence of such a hindrance.
In contrast, related concepts would be blessing, freedom, open access to God, and divine favor.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of מַעְצוֹר (maʻtsôwr, `{{H4622}}`) in [[Isaiah 66:3]] carries profound theological weight, particularly regarding the nature of worship and God's demands for sincerity.
1. **The Nature of True Worship:** The word highlights that outward religious acts are not inherently pleasing to God. Without a heart fully devoted to Him, such rituals become not only meaningless but actively counterproductive. God desires integrity and truth in the inner being, not mere external performance.
2. **Hypocrisy as a Barrier:** The maʻtsôwr created by insincere worship underscores the severe spiritual consequences of hypocrisy. It reveals that human attempts to manipulate or appease God through ritual, while harboring a rebellious heart, do not draw one closer to Him but rather erect an impassable barrier to His blessing and favor.
3. **Divine Displeasure:** The passage indicates God's abhorrence of superficial religiosity. What humans might consider an act of piety, God perceives as an "obstruction of blessing," revealing His righteous indignation against those who profane sacred acts with unholy intentions.
4. **Consequences of Self-Will:** When individuals "choose their own ways" (as stated in [[Isaiah 66:3]]), even their religious endeavors become tainted and serve as a maʻtsôwr, preventing the very blessing they might outwardly seek. This emphasizes the necessity of aligning one's will with God's will in all aspects of life, especially in worship.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מַעְצוֹר (maʻtsôwr, `{{H4622}}`), derived from the root עָצָר (ʻâtsar, `{{H6113}}`) meaning "to restrain," denotes an "obstruction" or "hindrance." Its sole appearance in [[Isaiah 66:3]] is exceptionally significant, where it describes how even an act of worship, like offering frankincense, becomes a "hindrance of blessing" (מַעְצוֹר בְּרָכָה) when performed by those whose hearts are rebellious and delight in abominations. Theologically, מַעְצוֹר powerfully conveys that God demands sincerity and integrity in worship; external rituals performed with an unrighteous heart do not bring divine favor but instead create a barrier to true blessing, underscoring the severity of spiritual hypocrisy in the eyes of a holy God.
TRV