or (feminine) מְצוּדָה; or מְצֻדָה; for מָצוֹד; a net, or (abstractly) capture; also a fastness; castle, defense, fort(-ress), (strong) hold, be hunted, net, snare, strong place.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mâtsûwd**, represented by `{{H4686}}`, carries a dual meaning of both security and capture. It is defined as a **net**, **snare**, or the act of capture, but also as a place of safety like a **fastness**, **castle**, **defense**, **fort(-ress)**, or **(strong) hold**. This word appears **22 times** in **22 unique verses**, illustrating its distinct roles in biblical language.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H4686}}` is used in two primary contexts. First, it signifies a place of physical and spiritual protection. The Psalms repeatedly portray God as a **fortress** [[Psalms 18:2]] and a strong habitation, with the psalmist declaring, "thou art my rock and my **fortress**" [[Psalms 31:3]]. In historical accounts, it refers to fortified locations, such as when **David** took the **strong hold** of Zion [[2 Samuel 5:7]] or found refuge in "the **hold**" while evading his enemies ([[1 Samuel 22:5]]; [[1 Samuel 24:22]]). Conversely, `{{H4686}}` is also used as an instrument of entrapment. God speaks of spreading his **net** and catching a rebellious leader in his **snare** [[Ezekiel 17:20]], and Job laments that God has "compassed me with his **net**" [[Job 19:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the dual concepts of refuge and entrapment associated with `{{H4686}}`:
* `{{H5553}}` **çelaʻ** (rock): Defined as "a craggy rock, literally or figuratively (a fortress)," this word is often used in parallel with **mâtsûwd** to emphasize God's unwavering strength and stability as a defender [[2 Samuel 22:2]].
* `{{H4268}}` **machăçeh** (refuge): Meaning "a shelter (literally or figuratively); hope, (place of) refuge," this term appears alongside **mâtsûwd** to describe God as the ultimate source of safety [[Psalms 91:2]].
* `{{H7568}}` **resheth** (net): This word for a trapping device is used with **mâtsûwd** to illustrate divine judgment, as in God's declaration, "My **net** also will I spread upon him, and he shall be taken in my **snare**" [[Ezekiel 12:13]].
* `{{H8610}}` **tâphas** (capture): Meaning "to seize; chiefly to capture," this verb describes the action of the **snare** `{{H4686}}`, showing the consequence of being caught in it [[Ezekiel 17:20]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4686}}` is rooted in its contrasting applications of divine power:
* **God as a Divine Fortress:** The most frequent theological use presents God as a steadfast place of protection. He is a **fortress** [[Psalms 144:2]], a house of **defence** [[Psalms 31:2]], and a **strong place** [[Job 39:28]], offering security to those who take refuge in Him.
* **Instrument of Divine Judgment:** The word also serves as a metaphor for God's inescapable judgment. He can bring His people "into the **net**" [[Psalms 66:11]] and use a **snare** to execute His will upon those who have trespassed against Him [[Ezekiel 17:20]].
* **Human Dependence and Trust:** The dual nature of **mâtsûwd** highlights humanity's reliance on God. People are either seeking safety in His "fortress" or are vulnerable to being "hunted" [[Ezekiel 13:21]]. This underscores the call to trust in the **LORD** as the only true refuge [[Psalms 91:2]].
### Summary
In summary, **mâtsûwd** `{{H4686}}` is a powerful word that encapsulates two opposite concepts: secure refuge and inescapable entrapment. It is used to describe physical locations like David's **fort** [[2 Samuel 5:9]] as well as profound spiritual realities. Ultimately, it illustrates the nature of God as both a loving protector for the faithful and a righteous judge who can lay a **snare** for the disobedient.
TRV