the same as מָצוֹר in the sense of a limit; Egypt (as the border of Palestine); besieged places, defense, fortified.
Transliteration:mâtsôwr
Pronunciation:maw-tsore'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H4693}}` (מָצוֹר, *matsôwr*) presents a fascinating semantic duality, rooted in the concept of "limit" or "constraint." At its core, the word derives from the verb צור (tsûr), which signifies "to bind," "to besiege," "to be narrow," or "to be in distress." This foundational meaning informs both primary senses of `{{H4693}}`.
Firstly, `{{H4693}}` can refer to **Egypt**, often understood as a "border" or "limit" to the land of Israel, or as a place of confinement and constraint for the Israelites during their bondage. In this sense, Egypt is not merely a geographical entity but a symbolic boundary, historically and prophetically significant.
Secondly, `{{H4693}}` denotes a **siege**, a **fortified place**, or a **defense**. Here, the sense of "limit" is expressed through the act of surrounding and confining an enemy (siege) or by the protective barriers that limit access (fortification, defense). It encompasses both the act of besieging and the object being besieged or used for defense. The underlying idea is one of being hemmed in, either as an aggressor imposing limits or as the one confined within limits.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The dual nature of `{{H4693}}` is evident in its biblical occurrences.
When referring to **Egypt**, the term often appears in prophetic contexts, highlighting Egypt's role as a powerful but ultimately unreliable border nation or a symbol of worldly strength that Israel might be tempted to trust instead of Yahweh. For instance, in [[Micah 7:12]], "from Assyria and the cities of Egypt" (מִמָּצוֹר), the term clearly denotes Egypt as a geographical and political entity. Similarly, in [[Isaiah 19:6]], "the canals of Egypt" (מַצוֹר) points to the land itself. The usage in [[2 Kings 19:24]] and [[Isaiah 37:25]] ("I have dried up all the canals of Egypt" - כָּל־מָצוֹר) further solidifies this geographical identification, often in the context of divine judgment or power over nations.
When referring to **siege, fortification, or defense**, `{{H4693}}` is frequently found in historical and prophetic books dealing with warfare and judgment. In [[Deuteronomy 20:20]], it refers to "siege-works" (מָצוֹר) used in besieging a city. [[2 Chronicles 11:5]] mentions Rehoboam building "fortified cities" (עָרֵי מָצוֹר), where `{{H4693}}` functions as a descriptor for the type of city. The prophet Isaiah uses it powerfully in [[Isaiah 29:3]]: "I will encamp against you with siege works" (בְּמָצוֹר), depicting God's judgment on Jerusalem. Ezekiel also employs it in the context of the siege of Jerusalem (e.g., [[Ezekiel 4:2]], "set up a siege wall against it" - מָצוֹר). In [[Jeremiah 10:17]], it refers to a "siege" (מָצוֹר) that will come upon the inhabitants. Zechariah prophesies about Jerusalem being taken by "siege" (מָצוֹר) in [[Zechariah 14:2]]. These instances underscore the word's use in describing military operations and the defensive or offensive structures involved.
The context invariably clarifies which meaning is intended, though the underlying semantic field of "constraint" or "limitation" remains consistent.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic range of `{{H4693}}` is enriched by its relationship to other Hebrew terms, particularly those from the same root צור (tsûr):
* **Root צור (tsûr):** The verbal root means "to bind," "to besiege," "to be narrow," "to be in distress." This root is fundamental to understanding the various nuances of `{{H4693}}`, connecting the ideas of geographical boundaries, military encirclement, and the distress associated with such situations.
* **`{{H4692}}` (matsor):** This related noun specifically refers to "siege-mound" or "siege-works," the physical structures used in a siege. It is often used in conjunction with `{{H4693}}` when describing the act of besieging.
* **`{{H4694}}` (matsor):** This noun also denotes a "fortress" or "fortified city," very closely aligned with the "fortified place" meaning of `{{H4693}}`. It emphasizes the strength and defensive capabilities of a location.
* **`{{H6696}}` (tsûr):** This noun means "rock" or "fortress," often used metaphorically for God as a secure refuge. While distinct, it shares the root's connotation of strength and defense, though in a divine rather than human context.
Thematically, `{{H4693}}` is related to concepts of:
* **National Boundaries and Sovereignty:** The use of "Egypt" as a border highlights God's control over nations and their territories.
* **Human Security vs. Divine Power:** Fortifications and reliance on powerful nations (like Egypt) represent human attempts at security, which are often shown to be futile against God's purposes.
* **Judgment and Confinement:** The imagery of siege powerfully conveys divine judgment, where a people are "hemmed in" by their transgressions or by God's decree.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4693}}` is profound, encompassing themes of divine sovereignty, human reliance, and the nature of judgment and deliverance.
When `{{H4693}}` refers to **Egypt**, it often serves as a theological counterpoint to Yahweh. Israel's temptation to rely on Egypt for military aid or political alliance (e.g., [[Isaiah 30:2]], [[Isaiah 31:1]]) is consistently condemned as a lack of faith in God. Egypt, though a powerful "border" nation, is ultimately subject to God's control, and trusting in its strength is presented as spiritual idolatry. This highlights God's unique position as the true deliverer and protector, superior to any worldly power.
When `{{H4693}}` refers to **siege** or **fortification**, it frequently illustrates God's active involvement in human affairs, particularly in judgment. Sieges are often depicted as instruments of divine wrath against rebellious cities or nations (e.g., Jerusalem in Ezekiel). The "fortified cities" built by humans, which represent their attempts at self-preservation, are shown to be vulnerable to God's power. This underscores the theological truth that ultimate security lies not in human defenses but in divine protection. Conversely, God is also portrayed as the one who can break a siege or deliver from one, demonstrating His power to intervene on behalf of His people. The "distress" inherent in the root צור (tsûr) becomes a theological tool, as God allows His people to experience narrowness and difficulty, often to bring them to repentance or to demonstrate His faithfulness in deliverance.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H4693}}` (מָצוֹר, *matsôwr*) is a versatile term with a dual semantic range, both meanings stemming from the core concept of "limit" or "constraint." It refers both to **Egypt**, often as a symbolic border or a nation representing worldly power and potential snare for Israel, and to **siege-works, fortified places, or defense** in military contexts.
In its geographical sense, `{{H4693}}` highlights God's sovereignty over nations and the futility of relying on human alliances over divine faithfulness. In its military sense, it powerfully depicts divine judgment through siege and the ultimate inadequacy of human fortifications against God's will. Across its usage, `{{H4693}}` consistently points to the idea of being hemmed in, whether by geographical boundaries, military encirclement, or the distress that accompanies such situations. The word thus serves as a potent reminder of God's control over all aspects of existence, from national borders to the fate of besieged cities, compelling a theological reflection on where true security and deliverance are to be found.
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