from נָשָׂא; a conflagration (from the rising of smoke); burden.
Transliteration:massâʼâh
Pronunciation:mas-saw-aw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma מַשָּׂאָה (massâʼâh, `{{H4858}}`) is a noun derived from the verb נָשָׂא (nasa', `{{H5375}}`), which fundamentally means "to lift, carry, bear." This etymological root gives rise to the dual primary meanings of מַשָּׂאָה:
1. **Conflagration / Rising Smoke:** This meaning refers to something that "lifts up" or "rises," specifically the smoke from a fire. It denotes a consuming blaze, a destructive fire, or the visible sign of such destruction (i.e., the smoke column).
2. **Burden / Load:** This meaning refers to something that is "carried" or "borne," implying a heavy weight, an oppressive load, or a difficult responsibility.
Thus, the semantic range of מַשָּׂאָה stretches from the tangible, visible sign of fiery destruction to an abstract, oppressive weight.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term מַשָּׂאָה appears sparingly in the Hebrew Bible, but its occurrences are highly impactful and contextually distinct, clearly illustrating its dual meanings:
* **Conflagration / Rising Smoke:**
* In [[Judges 20:38]] and [[Judges 20:40]], מַשָּׂאָה describes the signal smoke rising from the cities set ablaze by the Israelites during the war against Benjamin. This "rising smoke" served as a pre-arranged sign for the main Israelite army to turn back and complete the rout. The visual spectacle of the smoke signifies the complete devastation and successful execution of the ambush.
* [[Jeremiah 48:15]] employs מַשָּׂאָה in a prophetic context concerning the judgment upon Moab: "Moab is devastated, and her cities have gone up in smoke (מַשָּׂאָה)." Here, it is a powerful image of desolation and destruction, a sign of divine judgment against the nation.
* **Burden / Load:**
* [[Proverbs 27:3]] provides a clear instance of מַשָּּׂאָה meaning "burden": "A stone is heavy and sand a burden (מַשָּׂאָה), but a fool's vexation is heavier than both." In this wisdom literature context, the word functions metaphorically, illustrating the oppressive and difficult nature of dealing with a foolish person's anger or folly, comparing it to the physical weight of stone and sand.
The context invariably clarifies whether the "conflagration" or "burden" sense is intended, though both meanings ultimately relate to something that is "lifted" or "borne" in a significant, often impactful, way.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for מַשָּׂאָה is its root verb נָשָׂא (nasa', `{{H5375}}`), which is prolific in the Hebrew Bible. Other significant related terms include:
* **מַשָּׂא (massa', `{{H4853}}`):** This is a very closely related noun, also derived from נָשָׂא. It generally means "load, burden," but frequently refers to a "prophetic utterance" or "oracle," often implying a heavy message or a burden laid upon the prophet (e.g., "the burden of Babylon"). While מַשָּׂאָה specifically highlights the "rising" aspect (smoke) or the *state* of being a burden, מַשָּׂא is broader, encompassing physical loads and prophetic pronouncements.
* **נֶשִׂיא (nasi', `{{H5387}}`):** "Prince, chief," one who is "lifted up" or exalted in position.
* **Concepts of Destruction and Judgment:** In its "conflagration" sense, מַשָּׂאָה is conceptually linked to terms for fire (אֵשׁ, esh, `{{H784}}`), devastation, and divine wrath, often appearing in contexts of military conquest or prophetic warnings of ruin.
* **Concepts of Weight and Oppression:** In its "burden" sense, it aligns with ideas of difficulty, affliction, and the oppressive nature of certain situations, responsibilities, or human behaviors.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of מַשָּׂאָה stems from its dual meanings and the contexts in which it appears:
* **Divine Judgment and Consequence:** The "conflagration" aspect of מַשָּׂאָה serves as a stark visual and symbolic representation of divine judgment and the inevitable consequences of sin or rebellion. The rising smoke from destroyed cities, whether in historical narrative or prophetic utterance, underscores the totality and severity of God's righteous wrath or the outcome of human actions. It testifies to God's active involvement in history and His justice.
* **The Weight of Folly and Sin:** The "burden" aspect powerfully illustrates the oppressive nature of human folly, sin, or difficult circumstances. The proverb in [[Proverbs 27:3]] highlights a profound spiritual truth: internal states like a fool's vexation can be far more burdensome and destructive than any physical load. This speaks to the psychological and spiritual weight that unrighteousness, unresolved conflict, or difficult relationships can impose on individuals and communities.
* **God's Sovereignty in Discipline:** Even when depicting destruction, מַשָּׂאָה implicitly points to God's ultimate sovereignty. The smoke of judgment is not random chaos but often the fulfillment of divine decree or a consequence within a divinely ordered moral universe. It can signify a period of discipline or the removal of evil.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מַשָּׂאָה (massâʼâh, `{{H4858}}`), derived from the root נָשָׂא (`{{H5375}}` "to lift, carry"), encompasses a significant dual semantic range: "conflagration" or "rising smoke" and "burden." In its depiction of "rising smoke," as seen in [[Judges 20:38]] and [[Jeremiah 48:15]], it vividly portrays the visible sign of destruction by fire, often in contexts of divine judgment or military conquest. In its "burden" sense, exemplified in [[Proverbs 27:3]], it denotes a heavy load or oppressive weight, metaphorically describing the severe impact of human folly or vexation. Theologically, מַשָּׂאָה underscores the reality of divine judgment and the tangible consequences of sin, while also highlighting the profound spiritual and psychological burdens that can arise from unrighteousness or difficult human interactions. Its rare but potent appearances in Scripture consistently convey a sense of impactful, often destructive, weight or visible consequence.
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