or מְצֻקָה; feminine of מָצוּק; narrowness, i.e. (figuratively) trouble; anguish, distress.
Transliteration:mᵉtsûwqâh
Pronunciation:mets-oo-kaw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מְצוּקָה (mᵉtsûwqâh, `{{H4691}}`) derives from the root צוק (tsûq), signifying a state of "narrowness" or "constriction." As a feminine noun, it extends this literal sense of being "hemmed in" or "pressed" into a profound figurative meaning: "trouble," "anguish," or "distress." The core idea is one of being in a confined, difficult, or inescapable situation, leading to intense emotional or existential suffering. It conveys a sense of being under severe pressure, with limited or no room for maneuver, evoking feelings of desperation and hardship. It is closely related to its masculine counterpart מָצוּק (matsûq, `{{H4689}}`), which can denote a pillar or a narrow place, reinforcing the concept of being tightly bound or restricted.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word מְצוּקָה (mᵉtsûwqâh, `{{H4691}}`) appears in various contexts across the Old Testament, consistently depicting situations of severe hardship and distress.
In prophetic and historical narratives, it frequently describes the dire circumstances of siege or divine judgment. For instance, in [[Deuteronomy 28:53]], it is used in the context of the curses for disobedience, where people will experience "distress and straitness" during a siege, leading to unthinkable acts. Similarly, [[Jeremiah 19:9]] foretells a time when the people of Judah will be forced to cannibalize their own due to the "distress and straitness" brought upon them by their enemies. This highlights *mᵉtsûwqâh* as a consequence of national sin and divine wrath, a physical and psychological constriction.
In the Psalms, *mᵉtsûwqâh* often serves as the backdrop for a cry for divine intervention. [[Psalm 107:6]] states, "Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble [מְצוּקָה]; he delivered them from their distresses." Here, the word signifies a desperate situation from which only God can provide rescue, emphasizing human helplessness and divine deliverance. This usage underscores God's role as a deliverer from seemingly insurmountable difficulties.
Wisdom literature also employs *mᵉtsûwqâh* to describe the inevitable consequences of folly or the trials of life. [[Proverbs 1:27]] warns the simple, "when dread comes upon you like a storm, and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when distress [מְצוּקָה] and anguish come upon you." This passage connects *mᵉtsûwqâh* to the natural outcome of rejecting wisdom, portraying it as an overwhelming force that engulfs the unheeding. In [[Isaiah 8:22]], those who do not look to God will "look to the earth, but behold distress [מְצוּקָה] and darkness, the gloom of anguish." This paints a picture of spiritual and physical desolation, where *mᵉtsûwqâh* is a state of profound hopelessness in the absence of divine light.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of *mᵉtsûwqâh* is rich with terms describing affliction and hardship, reinforcing its meaning. Key related words include:
* **מָצוּק (matsûq, `{{H4689}}`):** The masculine form, literally "constriction" or "straits," emphasizing the physical aspect of being hemmed in.
* **צָרָה (tsārāh, `{{H6869}}`):** "Distress, trouble, anguish." This is a very common and closely related term, often used in parallel or synonymously with *mᵉtsûwqâh* to describe general affliction or adversity.
* **צַר (tsar, `{{H6862}}`):** As an adjective, "narrow, tight"; as a noun, "adversary, oppressor." This root highlights the source of the "narrowness"—often an enemy or oppressive force.
* **צוּר (tsuwr, `{{H6693}}`):** "To bind, besiege, hem in." This verb describes the action that creates the state of *mᵉtsûwqâh*.
Concepts intertwined with *mᵉtsûwqâh* include:
* **Affliction and Suffering:** The general experience of hardship.
* **Siege and Oppression:** External pressures that create the "narrowness."
* **Divine Judgment and Discipline:** The theological context in which *mᵉtsûwqâh* often arises as a consequence of sin.
* **Lament and Supplication:** The human response to such distress, leading to earnest prayer.
* **Deliverance and Salvation:** The divine response, bringing relief from the "narrowness."
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of מְצוּקָה (mᵉtsûwqâh, `{{H4691}}`) is profound, revealing aspects of both divine justice and divine mercy.
Firstly, *mᵉtsûwqâh* frequently serves as a divinely appointed or permitted consequence for disobedience. It is part of the covenant curses, a tangible manifestation of God's righteous judgment upon a rebellious people or individuals. This underscores God's sovereignty over all circumstances, even those of intense suffering, demonstrating that He uses such states to call His people to repentance and faithfulness.
Secondly, despite its association with judgment, *mᵉtsûwqâh* is often presented as a catalyst for seeking God. When people are in "trouble" or "distress," they are driven to cry out to the Lord (e.g., [[Psalm 107:6]], [[Psalm 118:5]]). This highlights the pedagogical purpose of suffering: it humbles, purifies, and redirects the heart back to its ultimate source of help. Thus, *mᵉtsûwqâh* is not merely punitive but redemptive, designed to foster dependence on God.
Thirdly, the consistent portrayal of God as the deliverer *from* *mᵉtsûwqâh* emphasizes His character as a compassionate and powerful rescuer. Even when He brings or allows distress, He remains the one who hears the cries of His people and brings them out of their "narrow places" into "broad places" (cf. [[Psalm 18:19]]). This demonstrates His faithfulness to His covenant promises and His ultimate desire for the well-being of His creation, even through the crucible of suffering.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מְצוּקָה (mᵉtsûwqâh, `{{H4691}}`) powerfully conveys a state of "narrowness," which extends figuratively to profound "trouble," "anguish," and "distress." It describes a condition of being hemmed in, pressured, and without escape, leading to intense suffering. Biblically, *mᵉtsûwqâh* is frequently associated with the consequences of sin, divine judgment, or the trials of life, often manifesting in contexts of siege or overwhelming calamity. Yet, critically, it also serves as a catalyst for humanity to cry out to God, who is consistently portrayed as the ultimate deliverer from such constricted circumstances. Thus, *mᵉtsûwqâh* illuminates both the severity of divine justice and the boundless nature of divine mercy, revealing God's sovereignty over suffering and His unwavering commitment to rescue those who turn to Him in their deepest need.
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