or (feminine) מְצוֹדָה; or מצֹדָה; from צוּד; also (by interchange for מְצַד); a net (for capturing animals or fishes); afastness or (beseiging) tower; bulwark, hold, munition, net, snare.
Transliteration:mâtsôwd
Pronunciation:maw-tsode'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word מָצוֹד (mâtsôwd, `{{H4685}}`) and its feminine variants מְצוֹדָה (mᵉtsôwdâh) and מצֹדָה are derived from the root צוּד (tsûwd, `{{H6679}}`), meaning "to hunt," "to lie in wait," or "to catch." This etymological connection provides the foundation for מָצוֹד's primary semantic range, which remarkably bifurcates into two distinct, yet conceptually linked, fields.
Firstly, מָצוֹד signifies an instrument of capture or entrapment. In this sense, it denotes a "net," "snare," or "trap," typically used in hunting animals or fishing. This meaning extends metaphorically to describe dangerous situations, enticements, or the schemes of the wicked that seek to ensnare or destroy. It conveys a sense of being caught unawares or being brought into a state of confinement or peril.
Secondly, and in stark contrast, מָצוֹד also refers to a place of fortification or defense. Here, it translates as a "stronghold," "fortress," "bulwark," "hold," "munition," or "tower." In this context, it describes a secure, often elevated, location that provides protection, refuge, or strategic advantage against enemies. This duality is profound, as the same linguistic root can describe both the means of capture and the means of escape or defense from capture.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The dual semantic range of מָצוֹד is evident across its biblical occurrences, enriching the narrative and theological landscape.
In its sense of a "net" or "snare," מָצוֹד often appears in wisdom literature and prophetic warnings:
* In [[Ecclesiastes 7:26]], the "wicked woman" is described as "more bitter than death... whose heart is snares and nets" (מְצוֹדִים), illustrating the destructive power of moral corruption.
* [[Psalm 140:5]] speaks of the wicked who "have set a net" (מָצוֹד) for the psalmist's feet, depicting the treacherous schemes of adversaries.
* [[Proverbs 12:12]] states, "The wicked covet the net" (מָצוֹד) of evildoers, implying a desire for illicit gain or the means to entrap others.
* [[Job 19:6]] poignantly expresses Job's suffering, declaring that God "has surrounded me with His net" (מְצוֹדוֹ), portraying God's sovereign, albeit mysterious, hand in his affliction.
* In [[Lamentations 1:13]], Jerusalem laments that God "spread a net" (מָצוֹד) for her feet, symbolizing divine judgment leading to her capture and destruction.
* [[Ezekiel 13:21]] uses מְצוֹדָה figuratively for the "nets" by which false prophetesses ensnare souls, emphasizing their deceptive and spiritually destructive practices.
Conversely, מָצוֹד frequently denotes a "stronghold" or "fortress," often in contexts of military strategy, refuge, or divine protection:
* In the historical books, it refers to actual fortified places. For example, David often hid in "strongholds" (מְצוּדוֹת) to evade Saul, as seen in [[1 Samuel 23:14]] and [[1 Samuel 23:19]].
* The capture of Jerusalem is famously described in [[2 Samuel 5:7]] and [[1 Chronicles 11:5]] as David taking "the stronghold of Zion," which became the City of David.
* Most significantly, מָצוֹד is used metaphorically to describe God Himself as a secure refuge:
* [[Psalm 18:2]] declares, "The Lord is my rock and my fortress" (מְצוּדָתִי), a powerful declaration of divine protection.
* Similarly, [[Psalm 31:2]] implores, "Be to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress" (לְבֵית מְצוּדוֹת), and [[Psalm 91:2]] affirms, "He is my refuge and my fortress" (מְצוּדָתִי). These verses underscore God's unwavering reliability as a source of safety.
* In prophetic literature, מְצוּדָה can describe human fortifications under siege, such as Nineveh's "fortress" in [[Nahum 2:1]] or the "fortress" of Jerusalem in [[Isaiah 29:7]].
The contextual analysis reveals that while human-made strongholds can be breached, the divine מָצוֹד is an unassailable refuge, highlighting a theological contrast between finite human defenses and infinite divine protection.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding מָצוֹד is enhanced by examining its relationship with other Hebrew terms that share semantic fields:
**Words related to "Net/Snare":**
* צוּד (tsûwd, `{{H6679}}`): The root verb, "to hunt," "to lie in wait," directly informs מָצוֹד's meaning as a hunting device.
* פַּח (pach, `{{H6341}}`): "Snare," "trap." Often used synonymously or in parallel with מָצוֹד to describe hidden dangers or plots, as in [[Psalm 140:5]] where both פַּח and מָצוֹד appear.
* מוֹקֵשׁ (moqesh, `{{H4170}}`): "Snare," "trap," "stumbling block." This term often emphasizes the entangling or tripping aspect of a trap.
* רֶשֶׁת (reshet, `{{H7568}}`): "Net," specifically a fishing net, as seen in [[Ecclesiastes 9:12]]. While מָצוֹד can also refer to a fishing net, רֶשֶׁת is more specific to that context.
**Words related to "Fortress/Stronghold":**
* מִבְצָר (mibtsar, `{{H4013}}`): "Fortress," "fortified city." This term often emphasizes the fortified nature of a city or defensive structure.
* מִשְׂגָּב (misgav, `{{H4869}}`): "High place," "refuge," "stronghold." Frequently used of God as a refuge, similar to מָצוֹד in the Psalms (e.g., [[Psalm 9:9]]).
* מָעוֹז (ma'oz, `{{H4581}}`): "Stronghold," "refuge," "defense." Also commonly applied to God as a source of strength and protection (e.g., [[Psalm 28:8]]).
* צוּר (tsur, `{{H6697}}`): "Rock," often used metaphorically for God as a "refuge" or "strength" (e.g., [[Psalm 18:2]], where צוּר and מְצוּדָתִי appear together).
The unique characteristic of מָצוֹד is its ability to encompass both the instrument of entrapment and the place of security, a duality not as consistently present in its semantic cousins. This allows for a rich interplay of ideas, where the very concept of "capture" can be inverted to mean "security from capture."
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of מָצוֹד is profound, particularly in its contrasting applications:
1. **God as the Ultimate Stronghold:** The most powerful theological use of מָצוֹד is its application to Yahweh. When the psalmist declares God as "my fortress" (מְצוּדָתִי), it conveys an absolute trust in His protective power. This metaphor emphasizes God's unassailable nature, His unwavering faithfulness, and His capacity to provide perfect security in the face of all threats. Unlike human-built fortresses that can be breached, God's protection is absolute and eternal. This concept underscores divine sovereignty and the believer's complete dependence on Him for safety and deliverance.
2. **The Peril of Sin and Evil Schemes:** In its sense of a "net" or "snare," מָצוֹד serves as a potent warning against the dangers of sin, the temptations of the world, and the malicious intent of human adversaries or spiritual forces of evil. It highlights the subtle and often deceptive ways in which one can be entrapped, leading to spiritual, moral, or physical destruction. This usage underscores the need for vigilance, discernment, and reliance on God's guidance to avoid such snares. It also speaks to the reality of divine judgment, where God Himself can "spread a net" as a consequence of unfaithfulness.
3. **Divine Providence and Deliverance:** The duality of מָצוֹד also speaks to God's comprehensive providence. He is not only the ultimate refuge from snares but can also, in His sovereign wisdom, allow or even orchestrate circumstances that feel like "nets" (as in Job's experience) for purposes of discipline, testing, or ultimate redemption. Crucially, even when caught in such "nets," the believer's hope remains in the God who is also their מָצוֹד—their fortress—from whom ultimate deliverance will come.
4. **Human Vulnerability and Dependence:** The contrast between human strongholds (which can fall) and God as the eternal מָצוֹד subtly emphasizes human frailty and the futility of relying solely on one's own strength or defenses. It calls humanity to humility and a recognition that true security is found only in the divine.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מָצוֹד (mâtsôwd, `{{H4685}}`) is a lexically rich term derived from the root "to hunt," uniquely encompassing two seemingly antithetical meanings: a "net" or "snare" used for capture, and a "fortress" or "stronghold" providing security. In its first sense, מָצוֹד vividly portrays the dangers of sin, the schemes of the wicked, and the experience of being entrapped or judged. It serves as a stark reminder of human vulnerability to spiritual and physical perils. In its second, and profoundly theological, sense, מָצוֹד represents an unassailable place of refuge, most powerfully applied to God Himself. As "my fortress," Yahweh is depicted as the ultimate source of protection, stability, and deliverance for His people. This duality highlights the contrast between the transient nature of human defenses and the eternal security found in divine providence. Thus, מָצוֹד contributes significantly to biblical theology by illustrating both the pervasive threats to human well-being and the absolute, unwavering refuge found solely in the Lord.
TRV