or מְצֹלָה; also מְצוּלָה; or מְצֻלָה; from the same as צוּלָה; a deep place (of water or mud); bottom, deep, depth.
Transliteration:mᵉtsôwlâh
Pronunciation:mets-o-law'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מְצוֹלָה (mᵉtsôwlâh), also appearing as מְצֹלָה, מְצוּלָה, or מְצֻלָה, derives from the same root as צוּלָה (tsûwlâh), which conveys the idea of depth or a swirling abyss. Its core meaning denotes "a deep place," primarily associated with water (such as the sea or floods) but also capable of referring to deep mud or the very bottom. The semantic range extends beyond mere physical depth to encompass a profound, often perilous, and overwhelming state. It is not simply a deep location, but frequently one that signifies danger, inescapable peril, or an overwhelming engulfment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of מְצוֹלָה (mᵉtsôwlâh) in the Hebrew Bible consistently highlight its association with overwhelming power, divine judgment, and profound distress.
* In the context of the Red Sea crossing, [[Exodus 15:5]] proclaims, "The depths (מְצוֹלֹת) covered them; they went down into the depths like a stone." Similarly, [[Nehemiah 9:11]] recalls, "You threw their pursuers into the depths (מְצוֹלֹת) of the sea, like a stone into mighty waters." Here, *mᵉtsôwlâh* vividly portrays the destructive power of the sea as an instrument of divine judgment against Pharaoh's army, emphasizing their utter and inescapable demise.
* The prophetic narrative of Jonah employs *mᵉtsôwlâh* to describe his desperate situation. [[Jonah 2:3]] (Hebrew 2:4) states, "For you cast me into the deep (מְצוּלָה), into the heart of the seas, and the flood surrounded me; all your waves and your billows passed over me." This usage underscores a place of extreme peril, isolation, and near-death, a literal and spiritual abyss from which only divine intervention could rescue him.
* In the Psalms, *mᵉtsôwlâh* frequently serves as a powerful metaphor for profound suffering and despair. [[Psalm 69:2]] (Hebrew 69:3) laments, "I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, where the floods engulf me." The "deep waters" (מְצוֹלָה) here symbolize overwhelming troubles and the feeling of being submerged by adversity. The plea in [[Psalm 69:15]] (Hebrew 69:16), "Let not the floodwaters engulf me, nor let the deep (מְצוּלָה) swallow me up, nor let the pit shut its mouth over me," further illustrates its connection to death and destruction.
* [[Psalm 88:6]] (Hebrew 88:7) continues this theme of extreme distress, stating, "You have laid me in the lowest pit, in dark places, in the depths (מְצוֹלֹת)." This verse uses *mᵉtsôwlâh* to describe a state of utter abandonment and suffering, akin to being in the realm of the dead (Sheol).
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of "deep" in the Hebrew Bible is conveyed by several terms, each with distinct nuances. While מְצוֹלָה (mᵉtsôwlâh) emphasizes a perilous, often overwhelming depth, other related words include:
* תְּהוֹם (tᵉhôm) `{{H8415}}`: This term typically refers to the primordial deep or abyss, often associated with the chaotic waters at creation ([[Genesis 1:2]]) or the great deep from which floods emerge. It carries a more cosmic or foundational sense of depth.
* מַעֲמַקִּים (ma'amaqqîm) `{{H4615}}`: This plural noun also signifies "depths" or "deep places," frequently used in Psalms to describe profound distress or a cry from the depths ([[Psalm 130:1]]). While similar to *mᵉtsôwlâh* in conveying suffering, it may lack the specific emphasis on being "swallowed up" by a watery abyss.
* The underlying root צוּלָה (tsûwlâh) itself signifies depth or that which is submerged.
* The concept of "many waters" (מַיִם רַבִּים) often functions metaphorically for overwhelming forces, troubles, or the power of God, echoing the imagery associated with *mᵉtsôwlâh*.
These terms collectively paint a picture of the deep as a place of both physical reality and profound metaphorical significance, often linked to chaos, judgment, and the limits of human endurance.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of מְצוֹלָה (mᵉtsôwlâh) is multifaceted, illuminating God's power, human vulnerability, and divine deliverance.
* **Divine Sovereignty over Chaos and Judgment:** The most prominent theological theme is God's absolute control over the "deep." In the ancient Near East, the deep was often personified as a chaotic, uncontrollable deity. However, in the biblical narrative, particularly the Exodus account, *mᵉtsôwlâh* is the instrument of God's judgment, entirely subservient to His will. This demonstrates Yahweh's unparalleled sovereignty, even over the most formidable and chaotic elements.
* **Metaphor for Profound Suffering and Despair:** The repeated use of *mᵉtsôwlâh* in the Psalms and Jonah highlights its role as a powerful metaphor for the deepest human suffering, despair, and the brink of death. It represents a state where human strength and resources are utterly exhausted, and there is no escape apart from divine intervention. This underscores the complete dependence of humanity on God in moments of extreme crisis.
* **Divine Deliverance and Salvation:** Precisely because the "deep" signifies an inescapable peril, rescue from it powerfully demonstrates God's redemptive might. The deliverance of Israel from the depths of the Red Sea, and Jonah from the depths of the sea, serve as potent reminders of God's ability to save His people from the most dire circumstances. This theme reinforces God as the ultimate deliverer and source of hope in hopelessness.
* **Remembrance of God's Mighty Acts:** The recurring references to the Red Sea event through *mᵉtsôwlâh* (e.g., [[Nehemiah 9:11]]) function as a theological remembrance, calling the community to recall and trust in God's historical acts of salvation and judgment.
### Summary
מְצוֹלָה (mᵉtsôwlâh) is a rich Hebrew term signifying a profound and often perilous depth, particularly of water. It is used literally to describe the bottom of the sea and metaphorically to convey overwhelming suffering, despair, and the brink of death. Theologically, its occurrences underscore God's absolute sovereignty over chaotic forces and His role as the ultimate deliverer from seemingly inescapable peril. From the judgment at the Red Sea to Jonah's abyss and the psalmist's cries of distress, *mᵉtsôwlâh* consistently points to human helplessness in the face of overwhelming forces and the necessity of divine intervention for salvation and hope.
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