the same as מַשָּׂא; burden; Massa, a son of Ishmael; Massa.
Transliteration:Massâʼ
Pronunciation:mas-saw'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H4854}}` (מַשָּׂא, *Massâʼ*) functions primarily as a proper noun in the biblical text, referring to a specific individual and a geographical/tribal entity. Its etymological root, however, is deeply connected to the common noun `{{H4853}}` (מַשָּׂא, *massâʼ*), which carries a broad semantic range derived from the verb `{{H5375}}` (נָשָׂא, *nasaʼ*), meaning "to lift, carry, bear."
As a common noun (`{{H4853}}`), *massâʼ* can denote:
1. A **physical burden** or load that is carried.
2. A **tribute** or tax that is "lifted" or brought.
3. A **prophetic utterance** or oracle, often called a "burden" or "load" in the sense of a weighty message from God, one that the prophet "carries" and delivers. This usage highlights the solemnity and often dire nature of the message.
4. A **portion** or share, something "lifted out" or set aside.
When used as the proper noun `{{H4854}}`, *Massâʼ* retains this underlying sense of "burden" or "lifting," though its specific application is to a name, potentially reflecting characteristics or circumstances associated with the bearer or place.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The proper noun `{{H4854}}` appears in two distinct contexts within the Hebrew Bible:
1. **Massa, a son of Ishmael:**
* [[Genesis 25:14]]: "Massa, Hadad, and Tema." Here, Massa is listed as the eighth son of Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar. This places him within the genealogical framework of the nations descended from Abraham.
* [[1 Chronicles 1:30]]: "Massa, Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah." This parallel genealogy in Chronicles confirms Massa's place among the tribal progenitors of the Arabian peoples. These lists primarily serve to establish lineage and the origins of various groups.
2. **Massa, a region or tribe associated with wisdom literature:**
* [[Proverbs 30:1]]: "The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, the oracle." The Hebrew word translated "oracle" here is *massâʼ*, and the phrase "of Massa" (הַמַּשָּׂא) is often interpreted as referring to a place or tribe from which Agur originated, or to which the oracle was directed. The Septuagint and some commentators read it as a proper name, "Agur, son of Jakeh, of Massa."
* [[Proverbs 31:1]]: "The words of King Lemuel, an oracle that his mother taught him." Similarly, the phrase "of Massa" (הַמַּשָּׂא) is appended to King Lemuel's name, suggesting he was a king from this region or tribe. This connection to wisdom literature is significant, as it links the proper name Massa to the concept of a "weighty utterance" or "prophecy."
The common noun `{{H4853}}` is far more prevalent, appearing over 60 times. For example, it denotes a physical burden in [[Exodus 23:5]] and [[Numbers 4:15]], a tribute in [[2 Chronicles 17:11]], and a prophetic oracle in numerous instances, such as "the burden of Babylon" ([[Isaiah 13:1]]), "the burden of Egypt" ([[Isaiah 19:1]]), or "the burden of Nineveh" ([[Nahum 1:1]]). This widespread use of `{{H4853}}` enriches the understanding of the proper noun `{{H4854}}`, hinting at the underlying significance of the name "Massa."
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for `{{H4854}}` is to its root verb `{{H5375}}` (נָשָׂא, *nasaʼ*), "to lift, carry, bear, take away." This verb is fundamental to understanding the various nuances of `{{H4853}}` and, by extension, `{{H4854}}`.
Other related concepts and words include:
* `{{H4853}}` (מַשָּׂא, *massâʼ*): The common noun, denoting burden, oracle, tribute, portion. This is the direct semantic link.
* `{{H5376}}` (נְשׂוּאָה, *nesuʼah*): A related noun from the same root, also meaning "burden" or "tribute."
* `{{H3513}}` (כָּבֵד, *kaved*): "Heavy, burdensome," often used to describe a difficult or oppressive situation, or something of great weight or importance.
* `{{H2377}}` (חָזוֹן, *hazon*): "Vision," often used in parallel with *massâʼ* when referring to prophetic utterances, indicating a divinely revealed message.
* `{{H6006}}` (עֹמֶס, *ʽomes*): Another term for "burden" or "load."
The connection to wisdom literature in [[Proverbs 30-31]] also relates `{{H4854}}` to the broader themes of divine instruction, kingly responsibility, and the weighty nature of truth.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4854}}` lies primarily in its dual nature as both a proper name and a word rooted in the concept of "burden" or "oracle."
As a proper name, Massa, son of Ishmael, contributes to the biblical narrative of nations and genealogies, underscoring the vastness of God's creation and the diverse peoples that emerged from Abraham's lineage. While not a figure of central theological focus, his existence highlights the historical reality of the Ishmaelite tribes, often depicted as nomadic peoples who would literally "carry" their possessions.
More profoundly, the association of Massa with wisdom literature in Proverbs is highly significant. If Agur and Lemuel were indeed from the "land of Massa" or received "oracles of Massa," it imbues the name with a deeper meaning. The "oracle" (*massâʼ*) in this context is a weighty, authoritative message, often from God, intended to instruct and guide. This links the proper name back to its semantic root as a divinely inspired "burden" or "utterance" that carries profound truth. It suggests that wisdom can emerge from unexpected places, even from outside the direct lineage of Israel, as seen in the broader wisdom tradition (e.g., Job).
Furthermore, the underlying concept of `{{H4853}}` (burden/oracle) is central to prophetic theology. Prophets were called to "bear" or "carry" God's word, often a heavy and challenging message for the people. This "burden" was not merely a physical load but a spiritual and emotional weight, reflecting the gravity of God's judgment or the urgency of His call to repentance. Thus, the name Massa, even as a proper noun, subtly echoes this profound theological theme of divine communication as a weighty, authoritative, and often demanding message.
### Summary
`{{H4854}}` (מַשָּׂא, *Massâʼ*) functions in the Hebrew Bible as a proper noun, referring to a son of Ishmael and a region/tribe associated with King Lemuel and Agur in the book of Proverbs. Its meaning is intrinsically linked to the common noun `{{H4853}}` (מַשָּׂא, *massâʼ*), which signifies a "burden," "tribute," "portion," or, most notably, a "prophetic oracle." This connection stems from the verb `{{H5375}}` (נָשָׂא, *nasaʼ*), "to lift" or "carry." While Massa's appearance in genealogies is primarily historical, its presence in wisdom literature as the potential origin of weighty "oracles" (Proverbs 30-31) lends a deeper theological resonance. The name subtly evokes the concept of a divinely inspired message as a "burden" — a weighty, authoritative truth to be carried and delivered, highlighting the solemnity and significance of God's communication to humanity.
TRV