xlit Maʻsay corrected to Maʻăsay; from עָשָׂה; operative; Maasai, an Israelite; Maasiai.
Transliteration:Maʻăsay
Pronunciation:mah-as-ah'ee
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma מַעֲשַׂי (Maʻăsay), transliterated as H4640, is a proper noun. Its etymological root is the verb עָשָׂה (ʻāśāh), Strong's number `{{H6213}}`, which signifies "to do, make, perform, accomplish, create." Thus, the name Maʻăsay inherently carries the meaning "my work," "my doing," or "operative." As a personal name, its semantic range is primarily restricted to identifying an individual, yet its derivation imbues it with a deeper resonance, suggesting a person characterized by action, performance, or perhaps even one who is a product or instrument of divine "work."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Maʻăsay (H4640) appears in two primary passages within the Old Testament, both within the context of the post-exilic community in Jerusalem:
1. **[[Nehemiah 11:13]]**: "And his brethren, chiefs of the fathers, two hundred forty and two: and Amashsai the son of Azareel, the son of Ahasai, the son of Meshillemoth, the son of Immer." (Note: The KJV here uses "Amashsai," which is a variant reading or transliteration of the same individual, often corrected to "Maasai" in other versions, aligning with the Strong's entry). This verse lists Maʻăsay as a priest, a "chief of the fathers," indicating his significant standing within the priestly lineage and the returned community. He is counted among those priests dwelling in Jerusalem.
2. **[[1 Chronicles 9:12]]**: "And Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pashur, the son of Malchijah, and Maasiai the son of Adiel, the son of Jahzerah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Meshillemith, the son of Immer;" This passage similarly lists Maʻăsay (here transliterated as "Maasiai") among the priests who had returned from Babylonian exile and were residing in Jerusalem. The lineage provided is identical to that in Nehemiah, confirming it refers to the same individual.
In both occurrences, Maʻăsay is presented as a member of the priestly class, specifically of the sons of Immer, highlighting his role in the re-establishment of the temple service in Jerusalem. His inclusion in these vital genealogical and residency lists underscores his importance to the continuity and restoration of Israel's covenant life after the exile.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the verbal root עָשָׂה (ʻāśāh), Strong's number `{{H6213}}`, from which Maʻăsay is derived. This verb is ubiquitous in the Hebrew Bible, conveying a broad spectrum of meanings related to action, creation, and performance. It describes God's acts of creation ([[Genesis 1:7]]), the performance of commandments ([[Deuteronomy 6:3]]), the making of covenants ([[Genesis 12:2]]), and the execution of priestly duties ([[Leviticus 4:20]]).
Concepts closely associated with Maʻăsay, given his name and priestly role, include:
* **Work/Service (עֲבֹדָה, ʻăḇōḏāh, `{{H5656}}`)**: The priestly calling was one of dedicated service and work in the temple.
* **Obedience/Action**: The name itself suggests one who "does" or "acts," reflecting the imperative for the covenant community to actively obey God's commands.
* **Restoration**: Maʻăsay is part of the generation that returned from exile, participating in God's work of restoring His people and their worship.
* **Priesthood**: His specific role connects him to the sacred duties of mediation, sacrifice, and instruction within the Israelite cultus.
### Theological Significance
The name Maʻăsay, meaning "My Work" or "My Doing," carries profound theological resonance, especially for a priest in the post-exilic community.
1. **Divine Initiative and Human Response**: The name can be interpreted as a declaration of God's "work" in restoring His people, or alternatively, as an individual's commitment to "doing" God's will. In the context of the return from exile, it speaks to the divine orchestration of events and the human responsibility to participate actively in the rebuilding of the nation and its spiritual life.
2. **The Nature of Priesthood**: As a priest, Maʻăsay's very name speaks to the essence of his calling: to perform the sacred work and duties required by the Mosaic Law. Priestly service was not passive; it demanded diligent "doing" – offering sacrifices, maintaining the temple, teaching the Torah, and mediating between God and His people. His name thus encapsulates the active, dutiful nature of his sacred office.
3. **Emphasis on Action and Purpose**: In a period of national reconstruction, names that signify "work" or "doing" would have underscored the importance of purposeful action, diligence, and contribution to the community's restoration. Maʻăsay's presence in the lists of those who resettled Jerusalem highlights the value placed on individuals who actively participated in the divine plan for their people.
4. **A Name of Dedication**: For a family to name their son "My Work" could signify a hope or prayer that he would be dedicated to God's service, or perhaps a recognition of God's work in their lives, expressed through the child.
### Summary
Maʻăsay (H4640) is a proper Hebrew name derived from the verb עָשָׂה (ʻāśāh, `{{H6213}}`), meaning "to do" or "to make." Consequently, the name signifies "My Work" or "My Doing." This individual is identified in the biblical record as a priest from the post-exilic community, listed among those who returned to and resided in Jerusalem ([[Nehemiah 11:13]], [[1 Chronicles 9:12]]). His name, coupled with his priestly role, underscores the theological themes of divine initiative in restoration, the active and dutiful nature of sacred service, and the importance of human participation in God's ongoing work. Maʻăsay's name serves as a poignant reminder of the call to active obedience and purposeful dedication within the covenant community.
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