feminine of מַשָּׁא; a loan; [idiom] any(-thing), debt.
Transliteration:mashshâʼâh
Pronunciation:mash-shaw-aw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun H4859, מַשָּׁאָה (mashshâʼâh), is a feminine form derived from the masculine noun מַשָּׁא (mashshâʼ, `{{H4858}}`), which itself stems from the verb נָשָׁא (nâshâʼ, `{{H5378}}`), meaning "to lend, to exact interest, to be a creditor." Consequently, mashshâʼâh fundamentally signifies "a loan" or "debt." While some lexicons suggest an idiomatic extension to "any(-thing)," its singular biblical occurrence strictly aligns with its primary financial definition. The term encapsulates the concept of an obligation or burden incurred through borrowing, specifically money or goods.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term mashshâʼâh (מַשָּׁאָה) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in the book of Nehemiah.
* **[[Nehemiah 5:10]]**: "I likewise, and my brothers and my servants, are lending them money and grain. Please let us leave off this mashshâʼâh."
In this pivotal passage, Nehemiah is confronting the severe social injustice prevalent among the returned exiles in Judah. The wealthy among the community were exploiting their impoverished brethren by lending money and grain at exorbitant interest rates, forcing many to mortgage their fields, vineyards, and even sell their children into slavery to repay their debts ([[Nehemiah 5:3-5]]). Nehemiah's statement in verse 10 is a powerful call to repentance and reform. He acknowledges that he and his own household have also been involved in lending, but he urges a cessation of this practice, specifically referring to the "debt" or "loan" (mashshâʼâh) itself. His plea is not merely to forgive existing debts, but to abandon the very practice of such burdensome lending that was causing such hardship and violating the Mosaic Law. The context unequivocally defines mashshâʼâh as a financial obligation or the act of lending that creates such an obligation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field surrounding mashshâʼâh is rich with terms related to finance, debt, and economic justice in ancient Israel.
* **Root Verb:** The verb נָשָׁא (nâshâʼ, `{{H5378}}`) is foundational, meaning "to lend on interest," "to be a creditor," or "to exact a debt." This verb frequently appears in contexts dealing with usury and the rights of creditors and debtors.
* **Masculine Counterpart:** מַשָּׁא (mashshâʼ, `{{H4858}}`), the masculine form, also means "loan" or "debt" and is used in passages such as [[Deuteronomy 15:2]], which discusses the release of debts during the S Sabbatical year.
* **Creditor/Debtor:** נוֹשֶׁה (nōsheh, `{{H5383}}`), derived from the same root, denotes a "creditor" or "one who exacts a debt" (e.g., [[2 Kings 4:1]], [[Isaiah 50:1]]).
* **Usury/Interest:** Terms like נֶשֶׁךְ (neshekh, `{{H5391}}`) and מַרְבִּית (marbît, `{{H4762}}`) specifically refer to "usury" or "increase" charged on loans, which was forbidden among Israelites (e.g., [[Exodus 22:25]], [[Leviticus 25:36-37]], [[Deuteronomy 23:19]]).
* **Thematic Connections:** The concept of mashshâʼâh is inextricably linked to the broader biblical themes of social justice, care for the poor, the covenant community's responsibility, and the ethical implications of wealth and poverty. The Mosaic Law's detailed stipulations regarding lending and debt remission (e.g., the Sabbatical year in [[Deuteronomy 15:1-11]]) provide the crucial backdrop for understanding Nehemiah's condemnation of the oppressive debt practices.
### Theological Significance
Though appearing only once, the term mashshâʼâh holds significant theological weight by highlighting a critical issue of covenant fidelity and social ethics. Its context in Nehemiah 5 underscores the breakdown of God's covenant principles within the post-exilic community.
1. **Violation of Mosaic Law:** The practice of charging interest to fellow Israelites and the failure to release debts (as implied by the need to "leave off this mashshâʼâh") directly contravened the clear commands of the Torah (e.g., [[Exodus 22:25]], [[Leviticus 25:36-37]], [[Deuteronomy 23:19-20]]). God's law aimed to protect the vulnerable and ensure economic equity within the covenant community, preventing the permanent impoverishment of any member.
2. **Breakdown of Community Solidarity:** The oppressive debt system created deep divisions and suffering, undermining the very fabric of the community that was called to live in unity and mutual support. Nehemiah's distress and action reveal that economic injustice is not merely a secular issue but a profound spiritual failing that grieves God and damages His people.
3. **God's Concern for the Poor:** The biblical narrative consistently reveals God's special concern for the poor, the oppressed, and the marginalized. The exploitation through debt, represented by mashshâʼâh, stands in direct opposition to God's character and His desire for justice and compassion to prevail among His people.
4. **Prophetic Call to Repentance:** Nehemiah's call to "leave off this mashshâʼâh" functions as a prophetic challenge, demanding a return to righteousness and adherence to God's economic laws. It demonstrates that true worship and national restoration involve not only religious rituals but also righteous social and economic practices that reflect God's justice.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H4859, מַשָּׁאָה (mashshâʼâh), precisely denotes "a loan" or "debt." Its singular, yet profoundly impactful, appearance in [[Nehemiah 5:10]] illuminates a critical moment of moral and social crisis in post-exilic Judah. In this context, mashshâʼâh represents the oppressive financial burdens imposed by the wealthy upon their impoverished countrymen, a practice that directly violated the Mosaic Law's prohibitions against usury and its provisions for debt remission. The term, therefore, serves as a stark reminder of the biblical emphasis on economic justice, compassion for the vulnerable, and the ethical responsibilities inherent in financial dealings within God's covenant community. Nehemiah's resolute command to "leave off this mashshâʼâh" underscores the divine imperative for righteous conduct and the profound theological significance of upholding justice in all aspects of life.
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