a primitive root; to suck out; by implication, to drain, to squeeze out; suck, wring (out).
Transliteration:mâtsâh
Pronunciation:maw-tsaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb מָצָה (mâtsâh, `{{H4680}}`) is a primitive root whose core meaning revolves around the action of forceful, complete extraction, particularly of liquids. Its primary sense is "to suck out," conjuring an image of drawing something out by suction. By implication, this extends to "to drain" or "to squeeze out," indicating a process that results in the complete removal of liquid, often leaving the object dry or empty. The English translations typically reflect this by rendering it as "suck" or "wring (out)." The semantic range thus encompasses actions of thorough extraction, depletion, and the resultant state of emptiness or dryness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb מָצָה (mâtsâh, `{{H4680}}`) appears in the Hebrew Bible in two distinct and highly significant contexts, each illuminating a different facet of its semantic range:
1. **Judges 6:38**: "And he rose early the next morning and squeezed (וַיִּמֶץ) the dew from the fleece, a bowl full of water." Here, the word describes Gideon's physical action of "wringing out" the fleece, extracting a substantial quantity of water from it. This is a literal application of the verb, emphasizing the complete and tangible nature of the miracle God performed. The "wringing out" was not a partial act but a thorough extraction, leaving the fleece dry while yielding a measurable amount of water. This served as an undeniable sign to Gideon of God's presence and commitment to deliver Israel through him. The completeness of the action underscores the clarity and certainty of the divine confirmation.
2. **Ezekiel 23:34**: "You shall drink it and drain it out (וּמָצִיתָהּ), and you shall gnaw its shards, and tear your breasts; for I have spoken it, declares the Lord GOD." In this passage, the verb is used metaphorically and punitively. It describes the complete consumption of a "cup" of divine wrath and judgment by Oholibah (representing Jerusalem/Judah). To "drain it out" signifies not merely drinking, but consuming the cup to its very last drop, including the dregs and even the broken pieces of the cup itself. This usage emphasizes the utter totality, severity, and inescapability of the judgment. There is no relief or remainder; the punishment is to be experienced to its fullest, devastating extent.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept conveyed by מָצָה (mâtsâh, `{{H4680}}`) interacts with several related lexical and theological concepts:
* **Words for "Cup"**: The figurative use in Ezekiel 23:34 directly links to the biblical motif of a "cup of wrath" or "cup of trembling" (e.g., [[Isaiah 51:17]], [[Isaiah 51:22]]; [[Jeremiah 25:15]]; [[Psalm 75:8]]). While these passages may use different verbs for drinking or causing to drink, the concept of a cup filled with divine indignation that must be consumed to the dregs is a powerful parallel.
* **Words for "Drink"**: Verbs like שָׁתָה (shathah, `{{H8354}}`, "to drink") often precede or accompany מָצָה (mâtsâh, `{{H4680}}`) in contexts of consumption, highlighting the thoroughness of the latter.
* **Concepts of Emptiness and Dryness**: The result of "wringing out" or "draining" is often emptiness or dryness. This can be related to concepts of desolation, judgment, or the removal of life-giving elements.
* **Actions of Pressing/Squeezing**: While not always the same root, other Hebrew words denoting pressing (e.g., in a winepress) share the conceptual idea of extracting liquid or essence through applied force.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of מָצָה (mâtsâh, `{{H4680}}`) is profound, revealing aspects of God's character and His interaction with humanity:
* **Divine Assurance and Sovereignty**: In the account of Gideon, the act of "wringing out" the fleece demonstrates God's direct, tangible intervention and His absolute sovereignty over creation. It provides an unambiguous sign, leaving no room for doubt regarding His will and power. The completeness of the extraction signifies the clarity and reliability of God's confirmation.
* **Divine Justice and Inescapable Judgment**: The use of מָצָה (mâtsâh, `{{H4680}}`) in Ezekiel's prophecy powerfully portrays the thoroughness and severity of God's judgment against sin. To "drain out" the cup of wrath means that the full measure of punishment must be endured; there is no escape, no partial experience, and no alleviation of the consequences for rebellion. This underscores God's holiness and His unwavering commitment to justice.
* **The Principle of Totality**: In both contexts, the word emphasizes a complete and exhaustive action. Whether it is the complete extraction of dew as a sign or the complete consumption of judgment, מָצָה (mâtsâh, `{{H4680}}`) communicates that God's actions are decisive and leave nothing undone. This principle can be applied to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and His justice in executing His decrees.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb מָצָה (mâtsâh, `{{H4680}}`), meaning "to suck out," "drain," or "squeeze out," is a primitive root that vividly conveys the idea of forceful and complete extraction, typically of liquids. Its limited but impactful occurrences in the Hebrew Bible reveal its dual theological significance. In [[Judges 6:38]], Gideon's act of "wringing out" the fleece serves as a concrete, unambiguous sign of divine assurance and God's sovereign control over creation. Conversely, in [[Ezekiel 23:34]], the command to "drain out" the cup of wrath dramatically illustrates the totality, severity, and inescapable nature of God's judgment against sin. Across both contexts, מָצָה (mâtsâh, `{{H4680}}`) underscores a divine principle of thoroughness and completeness, whether in providing undeniable confirmation or in executing full and righteous judgment.
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