from מָצַץ in the sense of greedily devouring for sweetness; properly, sweetness; concretely, sweet (i.e. not soured or bittered with yeast); specifically, an unfermented cake or loaf, or (elliptically) the festival of Passover (because no leaven was then used); unleaved (bread, cake), without leaven.
Transliteration:matstsâh
Pronunciation:mats-tsaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term matstsâh (מַצָּה, `{{H4682}}`) derives from the root māṣaṣ (מָצַץ), which carries the sense of "greedily devouring for sweetness." This etymological connection initially points to an inherent quality of "sweetness." From this abstract notion, the term develops a concrete meaning: that which is "sweet" in the sense of being unadulterated, specifically "not soured or bittered with yeast." This leads directly to its most prominent usage: "unfermented cake or loaf," commonly known as unleavened bread. The absence of leaven (`{{H2556}}`, chametz) is the defining characteristic. Beyond the physical bread, matstsâh can also be used elliptically to refer to the "Festival of Unleavened Bread" itself, a seven-day observance immediately following the Passover, due to the centrality of unleavened bread during this period. Thus, its semantic range spans from a quality of sweetness/purity to a specific food item, and finally to a major cultic festival.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of matstsâh are overwhelmingly concentrated in the Pentateuch, particularly within the narratives and legislation surrounding the Exodus and the annual festivals. Its first appearance is in [[Exodus 12:8]] and [[Exodus 12:15]], where it is commanded to be eaten with the Passover lamb, symbolizing the haste of the Israelites' departure from Egypt – there was no time for bread to rise. This historical event establishes matstsâh as a perpetual memorial, central to the Feast of Unleavened Bread ([[Exodus 12:17]]; [[Exodus 23:15]]; [[Exodus 34:18]]; [[Leviticus 23:6]]; [[Numbers 28:17]]; [[Deuteronomy 16:3]], [[Deuteronomy 16:8]]).
Beyond its primary association with Passover, matstsâh also features prominently in various sacrificial contexts. It is prescribed for grain offerings (minchah), particularly the peace offering (shelem) and the ordination offering for priests, as seen in [[Leviticus 2:4]], [[Leviticus 7:12]], and [[Leviticus 8:26]]. The use of unleavened bread in these offerings underscores a requirement for purity and uncorrupted worship when approaching the Lord.
Later historical books maintain its significance, noting the observance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread by kings like Hezekiah ([[2 Chronicles 30:13]], [[2 Chronicles 30:21]]) and Josiah ([[2 Kings 23:9]]; [[2 Chronicles 35:17]]), and during the post-exilic return under Ezra ([[Ezra 6:22]]). These passages highlight the continued importance of matstsâh as a symbol of covenant fidelity and communal remembrance of God's deliverance throughout Israel's history.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning and significance of matstsâh are deeply intertwined with several other key biblical terms and theological concepts:
* **Leaven (chametz, `{{H2556}}`):** This is the direct antithesis of matstsâh. While matstsâh represents purity and absence of corruption, chametz (leavened bread) often symbolizes sin, malice, or decay in both Old and New Testaments ([[Exodus 12:15]]; [[1 Corinthians 5:7-8]]). The strict prohibition against chametz during the Feast of Unleavened Bread ([[Exodus 13:7]]) emphasizes the concept of spiritual cleansing.
* **Passover (pesach, `{{H6453}}`):** The pesach is the foundational event and the matstsâh is the prescribed food item for its commemoration. The two are inseparable, with the matstsâh serving as a tangible reminder of the haste and divine intervention of the Exodus.
* **Bread (lechem, `{{H3899}}`):** Matstsâh is a specific type of lechem. While lechem is a general term for food and sustenance, matstsâh carries particular ritual and symbolic weight, differentiating it from everyday bread.
* **Purity and Holiness:** The absence of leaven in matstsâh is a powerful symbol of purity, sincerity, and truth. This extends to the worshiper's state when approaching God, as seen in its use in offerings.
* **Remembrance and Commemoration:** Matstsâh serves as a tangible object of memory, ensuring that future generations recall God's mighty act of deliverance from bondage.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of matstsâh is profound and multifaceted:
1. **Symbol of Haste and Deliverance:** The command to eat unleavened bread during the Exodus ([[Exodus 12:39]]) underscores the urgency of God's deliverance. There was no time for the dough to rise, highlighting the swiftness and decisiveness of divine intervention in rescuing Israel from Egyptian bondage. It teaches reliance on God's timing and provision.
2. **Symbol of Purity and Sinlessness:** In biblical thought, leaven often represents corruption, sin, or malice. The command to purge all leaven from homes and to eat matstsâh during the festival ([[Exodus 12:15]]) signifies a call to spiritual purity, sincerity, and truth. It represents a life lived free from the "puffing up" of pride or the corrupting influence of sin. This symbolism finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament, where Christ, the "Lamb of God," is identified as the unleavened bread, embodying perfect sinlessness ([[1 Corinthians 5:7-8]]).
3. **Covenant Remembrance and Identity:** The annual observance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread with matstsâh serves as a perpetual reminder of God's covenant faithfulness and Israel's identity as a redeemed people. It is a tangible link to their foundational story of liberation and their ongoing commitment to a life of holiness before God.
4. **Foreshadowing of Christ:** The New Testament draws direct parallels between the Passover matstsâh and Jesus Christ. As the "bread of life" ([[John 6:35]]) and the sinless sacrifice, Christ embodies the purity and truth symbolized by unleavened bread. His body, broken for humanity, is the ultimate matstsâh, providing spiritual sustenance and cleansing from sin. The Last Supper, a Passover meal, utilized unleavened bread, establishing a profound connection to the Christian sacrament of communion.
### Summary
Matstsâh (מַצָּה, `{{H4682}}`) fundamentally signifies unleavened bread, deriving its meaning from the concept of sweetness and purity—that which is uncorrupted by leaven. Its primary biblical context is the Passover and the subsequent Feast of Unleavened Bread, where it serves as a perpetual memorial of Israel's hasty and miraculous deliverance from Egypt. Theologically, matstsâh is a potent symbol of divine haste, human reliance, and, most significantly, purity and freedom from sin. Its absence of leaven consistently points to sincerity, truth, and the unblemished nature required for holy worship. Ultimately, matstsâh prefigures the perfect, sinless sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who is the true "bread of life," offering spiritual sustenance and cleansing for all who believe.
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