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.
Transliteration:mâtsûwd
Pronunciation:maw-tsood'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma מָצוּד (mâtsûwd, `{{H4686}}`) presents a fascinating semantic duality, encompassing two distinct yet conceptually linked fields. At its root, it is derived from the verb צוד (tsud, `{{H6679}}`), meaning "to hunt" or "to lie in wait." This primary association gives rise to its first significant meaning: a device used for capture. In this sense, מָצוּד refers to a "net," "snare," or "trap," signifying an instrument designed to ensnare or capture prey, or by extension, the abstract concept of "capture" itself. This usage often appears interchangeably with its closely related cognate, מָצוֹד (matsod, `{{H4685}}`), which more exclusively denotes a hunting net or snare.
However, מָצוּד also carries a robust secondary meaning: a "fastness," "castle," "defense," "fortress," or "stronghold." This semantic extension likely stems from the idea of a place that is "strong" or "secure," perhaps originally a place from which one could hunt or a place of refuge from being hunted. The feminine forms, מְצוּדָה (matsudah) and מְצֻדָה (metsudah), which are often translated as "fortress" or "stronghold," are integral to the semantic range of `{{H4686}}` and are frequently used in the biblical text. Thus, the word can denote both an instrument of danger and a place of security, depending entirely on its contextual application.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The dual nature of מָצוּד (mâtsûwd, `{{H4686}}`) is clearly evident in its biblical occurrences.
In its sense of a "net" or "snare," the word often appears metaphorically to describe danger, entrapment, or affliction:
* In [[Ecclesiastes 7:26]], wisdom laments finding "more bitter than death the woman whose heart is snares and nets" (מְצוּדִים), illustrating the spiritual and moral danger posed by a deceitful person.
* [[Job 19:6]] uses the term in a poignant cry of suffering, where Job declares that God "has encircled me with His net" (בְּמְצוּדוֹ), portraying divine affliction as an inescapable trap.
* Similarly, [[Ezekiel 13:21]] speaks of tearing off false prophets' veils and delivering God's people from their hand, so they "shall no longer be prey in your hand," using a related form (מְצוּדוֹת) to denote their deceptive snares.
Conversely, the meaning of "fortress" or "stronghold" is frequently employed, particularly to describe places of refuge or fortified cities, and most profoundly, God Himself:
* Historically, it describes physical strongholds, such as David's places of refuge when fleeing Saul. For instance, [[1 Samuel 23:14]] states that David "remained in the strongholds" (בַמְּצָדוֹת) in the wilderness.
* A pivotal moment in Israelite history involves the capture of "the stronghold of Zion" (מְצֻדַת צִיּוֹן) by David, as recorded in [[2 Samuel 5:7]] and [[1 Chronicles 11:5]]. This refers to the fortified Jebusite city that became Jerusalem, the City of David.
* The most profound theological use appears in the Psalms, where God is repeatedly depicted as the ultimate "fortress." [[Psalm 18:2]] declares, "The Lord is my rock and my fortress (וּמְצוּדָתִי) and my deliverer," a sentiment echoed in [[Psalm 31:3]] and [[Psalm 71:3]]. Here, the word conveys God's unassailable protection, His reliability as a refuge, and His power to deliver His people from all dangers.
* [[Isaiah 29:7]] also uses the term to describe the "stronghold" (וּמְצֻדָתָהּ) of Ariel (Jerusalem), which hostile nations attempt to conquer, but ultimately fail against.
The context is crucial for discerning which semantic field is intended, but both meanings underscore the concepts of power, either to capture or to protect.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic range of מָצוּד (mâtsûwd, `{{H4686}}`) is enriched by its relationship to other Hebrew terms:
* **Root Verb:** The primary connection is to the verb צוד (tsud, `{{H6679}}`), "to hunt," "to lie in wait," or "to catch." This root firmly establishes the concept of pursuit and capture inherent in the "net/snare" meaning.
* **Cognates:**
* מָצוֹד (matsod, `{{H4685}}`): This noun is almost exclusively used for a "net" or "snare" for hunting, highlighting the specific application of the root. Its close relationship to `{{H4686}}` indicates a shared etymological and conceptual space, with `{{H4686}}` having a broader semantic reach.
* מְצוּדָה (matsudah, `{{H4687}}`): This is the feminine form of `{{H4686}}`, often translated as "stronghold" or "fortress," and is frequently used interchangeably with the masculine form in this sense.
* **Synonyms for "Fortress/Stronghold":**
* מָעוֹז (ma'oz, `{{H4581}}`): Also translated as "stronghold," "fortress," or "refuge," often used in parallel with `{{H4686}}` to describe God's protective nature.
* צוּר (tsur, `{{H6697}}`): "Rock," often used metaphorically for God as a secure refuge.
* מִבְצָר (mivtsar, `{{H4013}}`): "Fortified city," "fortress."
* **Synonyms for "Net/Snare":**
* פַּח (pach, `{{H6341}}`): "Trap," "snare," often referring to a fowler's trap.
* רֶשֶׁת (reshet, `{{H7585}}`): "Net," specifically a fishing net.
* מוֹקֵשׁ (moqesh, `{{H4170}}`): "Snare," "trap," often referring to a moral or spiritual enticement.
The interplay between these words demonstrates the rich vocabulary available to biblical authors for expressing concepts of security, danger, and divine protection. The unique contribution of `{{H4686}}` lies in its capacity to bridge both fields, embodying the means of capture and the place of defense.
### Theological Significance
The dual semantic range of מָצוּד (mâtsûwd, `{{H4686}}`) carries profound theological implications, powerfully illustrating the human condition and the nature of God.
1. **God as the Ultimate Fortress:** The most significant theological use of `{{H4686}}` (and its feminine form `{{H4687}}`) is its application to God. When the psalmist declares, "The Lord is my fortress," it portrays God as an impregnable stronghold, an unassailable refuge against all enemies and dangers. This metaphor conveys His absolute power, faithfulness, and reliability as a Protector. In a world full of threats—physical, spiritual, and emotional—God is presented as the only true and secure haven. This highlights divine sovereignty and His covenant loyalty to His people, providing a source of unwavering trust and comfort.
2. **Human Vulnerability and Spiritual Warfare:** Conversely, the "net" or "snare" meaning underscores human vulnerability. It speaks to the insidious nature of sin, temptation, and the schemes of spiritual adversaries (e.g., [[Psalm 140:5]]). These "snares" are designed to capture, entrap, and ultimately destroy. The biblical use of this imagery serves as a warning, urging believers to be vigilant against the hidden dangers that seek to ensnare their souls. In some instances (e.g., Job), God Himself is depicted as setting a "net," which, while painful, is ultimately part of His sovereign plan, perhaps for discipline, testing, or to reveal His greater purposes.
3. **The Paradox of Security and Danger:** The word's ability to signify both a trap and a refuge creates a powerful paradox. It reflects the dynamic tension in the human experience: constantly exposed to perils and temptations (snares), yet offered ultimate and divine security (the fortress). This duality reinforces the biblical narrative of a fallen world fraught with danger, yet superintended by a God who offers deliverance and protection to those who trust in Him. The "stronghold of Zion" becoming the "City of David" also points to the establishment of God's earthly kingdom, a place of divine presence and security won through conquest.
### Summary
מָצוּד (mâtsûwd, `{{H4686}}`) is a rich Hebrew term with a compelling dual semantic range. It signifies both a "net" or "snare," representing danger, entrapment, and affliction, and a "fortress" or "stronghold," symbolizing security, defense, and refuge. Context is paramount in discerning its specific meaning in any given passage. The word's theological significance is profound, particularly in its portrayal of God as the ultimate, unassailable "fortress" for His people, offering unwavering protection amidst life's perils. At the same time, its use as a "snare" highlights human vulnerability to various forms of entrapment, whether from enemies, sin, or even divine discipline. Ultimately, `{{H4686}}` encapsulates the biblical reality of a world filled with both hidden dangers and the ever-present, all-sufficient protection of the Almighty.
TRV