from נָשָׂא; partiality (as a lifting up); respect.
Transliteration:massôʼ
Pronunciation:mas-so'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word *massôʼ* (מַשֹּׂא, `{{H4856}}`) is a noun derived from the verbal root *nāśāʼ* (נָשָׂא, `{{H5375}}`), which fundamentally means "to lift," "to carry," "to bear," or "to take up." The core meaning of *massôʼ* itself is "partiality" or "favoritism," specifically understood as the act of "lifting up" or showing preference to one individual over another. This "lifting up" implies an undue distinction or bias.
Its semantic range is primarily focused on this negative connotation:
* **Partiality/Favoritism:** This is the dominant meaning, especially in legal and ethical contexts, where it denotes an unjust bias or prejudice in judgment or treatment. It describes the act of showing deference based on external factors rather than merit or justice.
* **Respect/Regard (nuanced):** While the base definition includes "respect," it is crucial to understand this in the context of "lifting up the face." It is not general respect, but a specific kind of deference that can lead to favoritism. In biblical usage, this often carries a negative implication when it leads to an unequal application of justice. The term is almost exclusively used to condemn such partiality.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *massôʼ* (מַשֹּׂא, `{{H4856}}`) appears in the Old Testament, predominantly in legal and wisdom literature, emphasizing the prohibition of favoritism in judgment and social interactions.
* **Prohibition in Legal Contexts:** The most frequent and significant use of *massôʼ* is in the context of judicial impartiality.
* [[Leviticus 19:15]]: "You shall do no injustice in judgment; you shall not be partial to the poor nor defer to the great, but in righteousness you shall judge your neighbor." Here, *massôʼ* is paired with "deferring to the great," explicitly condemning bias towards either the impoverished or the powerful.
* [[Deuteronomy 1:17]]: Moses instructs judges, "You shall not show partiality in judgment; you shall hear the small and the great alike. You shall not be afraid of anyone's presence, for the judgment is God's." This verse underscores the divine basis for impartiality: human judges must reflect God's own character.
* [[Deuteronomy 16:19]]: "You shall not distort justice; you shall not show partiality, nor shall you take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous." This passage links *massôʼ* directly with other forms of judicial corruption, highlighting its destructive impact on justice.
* [[Proverbs 24:23]]: "These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judgment is not good." This proverb offers a concise condemnation of the practice.
* [[Proverbs 28:21]]: "To show partiality is not good, because for a piece of bread a man may transgress." This illustrates how even small temptations can lead to the compromise of justice through favoritism.
* **God's Impartiality as a Standard:** A pivotal theological statement regarding *massôʼ* concerns God's own character.
* [[2 Chronicles 19:7]]: King Jehoshaphat instructs judges, "Now then let the dread of the LORD be upon you; be careful what you do, for the LORD our God has no partiality and no taking of bribes." This verse is a powerful declaration of God's absolute impartiality, serving as the ultimate model for human justice.
The consistent use of *massôʼ* across these texts underscores the foundational importance of equity and fairness within the covenant community.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of *massôʼ* is enriched by examining its etymological root and its semantic parallels in both the Old and New Testaments.
* **Root *nāśāʼ* (נָשָׂא, `{{H5375}}`):** The verbal root "to lift" or "to carry" provides the conceptual basis. The idiom "to lift up the face" (נָשָׂא פָּנִים - *nāśāʼ pānîm*) is closely related. While *nāśāʼ pānîm* can denote showing favor or acceptance (e.g., [[Genesis 19:21]]) or showing partiality, *massôʼ* specifically captures the negative sense of unjust favoritism.
* **Antonyms and Contrasts:**
* **Righteousness (*tsedeq*, צֶדֶק, `{{H6664}}`) and Justice (*mishpat*, מִשְׁפָּט, `{{H4941}}`):** *Massôʼ* stands in direct opposition to these core biblical virtues. The commands to judge "in righteousness" ([[Leviticus 19:15]]) and not to "distort justice" ([[Deuteronomy 16:19]]) highlight the antithetical nature of partiality to true justice.
* **Equity and Fairness:** The absence of *massôʼ* implies a society where all individuals are treated equally under the law, regardless of their social standing or personal influence.
* **New Testament Equivalents:**
* **Prosōpolēmpsia (πρόσωπολημψία, `{{G4382}}`):** This Greek term, meaning "respect of persons" or "partiality," is the direct New Testament conceptual equivalent of *massôʼ*. It is used to condemn favoritism in various contexts:
* Divine impartiality: "For there is no partiality with God" ([[Romans 2:11]]).
* Human conduct: Masters are warned against partiality towards slaves ([[Ephesians 6:9]], [[Colossians 3:25]]).
* Community life: James strongly condemns partiality within the church based on wealth or status ([[James 2:1]], [[James 2:9]]).
* **Adikia (ἀδικία, `{{G93}}`):** Injustice or unrighteousness. Partiality is a specific and egregious form of injustice, violating the principle of treating all individuals equitably.
### Theological Significance
The concept of *massôʼ* holds profound theological significance, shaping both the understanding of God's character and the ethical demands placed upon His people.
* **God's Absolute Impartiality:** The declaration that "the LORD our God has no partiality" ([[2 Chronicles 19:7]]) is a cornerstone of biblical theology. This attribute underscores God's perfect righteousness, His unwavering commitment to justice, and His unfailing love that is not swayed by human distinctions of wealth, power, or social standing. God's judgment is based on truth and righteousness, not on favoritism. This divine attribute serves as both a source of comfort for the oppressed and a solemn warning for those who might presume upon His favor.
* **Foundation for Human Justice and Governance:** Because God is impartial, His people, particularly those entrusted with authority (judges, leaders, and even heads of households), are commanded to emulate this divine characteristic. The prohibition against *massôʼ* in the Mosaic Law is not merely a legal detail but a fundamental ethical principle reflecting God's desire for a just and equitable society. It ensures that the vulnerable are protected and that the powerful are held accountable, preventing the corruption of justice.
* **Ethical Imperative for the Community:** The condemnation of *massôʼ* extends beyond the courtroom to permeate all aspects of community life. It challenges believers to transcend social hierarchies and treat all individuals with equal dignity and love, recognizing that all are created in God's image and are equally valued by Him. The New Testament's strong admonitions against partiality in the church (e.g., [[James 2:1-9]]) demonstrate that this principle is essential for fostering true unity and embodying the radical inclusivity of the gospel.
* **Revelation of Human Sinfulness:** The persistent warnings against *massôʼ* throughout Scripture serve as a stark indictment of fallen human nature's propensity towards self-interest, prejudice, and the abuse of power. It highlights humanity's tendency to seek advantage or grant privilege based on external, superficial factors rather than on intrinsic worth, character, or the demands of justice.
### Summary
The Hebrew word *massôʼ* (מַשֹּׂא, `{{H4856}}`), derived from the root *nāśāʼ* (`{{H5375}}` "to lift"), primarily signifies "partiality" or "favoritism." It denotes the unjust act of "lifting up" or showing preferential treatment to one person over another, particularly in judicial or social contexts, often driven by wealth, status, or personal bias. Throughout the Old Testament, *massôʼ* is consistently condemned as a perversion of justice and righteousness. The Mosaic Law repeatedly forbids judges and leaders from showing *massôʼ* ([[Leviticus 19:15]], [[Deuteronomy 1:17]], [[Deuteronomy 16:19]]), establishing impartiality as a divine command for human governance. A foundational theological truth is that God Himself is utterly without *massôʼ* ([[2 Chronicles 19:7]]), serving as the ultimate standard for all human conduct and justice. This concept finds a direct and robust continuation in the New Testament through the Greek term *prosōpolēmpsia* (`{{G4382}}`), which similarly condemns "respect of persons" and partiality within the church and society. The study of *massôʼ* therefore underscores a central biblical theme: the unwavering demand for divine justice and the ethical imperative for believers to reflect God's impartiality in all their relationships and actions.
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