### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word mashshâʼôwn (`{{H4860}}`) is a noun derived from the verb nâshâ (`{{H5377}}`). While nâshâ can carry the sense of "to lend on interest" or "to exact," it also distinctly means "to deceive," "to beguile," or "to mislead." Consequently, mashshâʼôwn specifically denotes the act or state of "dissimulation" or "deceit." Dissimulation implies the intentional hiding of one's true intentions, feelings, or character, creating a false impression. Deceit, on the other hand, involves actively misleading or defrauding others. Thus, mashshâʼôwn encapsulates a deliberate and often ingrained practice of falsehood and misrepresentation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term mashshâʼôwn (`{{H4860}}`) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, making its sole occurrence particularly poignant and significant.
* **[[Psalm 52:7]]**: "Behold the man who made not God his strength, but trusted in the abundance of his riches and strengthened himself in his mashshâʼôwn (deceit)."
* This verse is part of a psalm attributed to David, a lament against Doeg the Edomite, who betrayed the priests of Nob to King Saul. The psalm condemns the wicked man who boasts in evil and whose tongue is like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.
* In [[Psalm 52:7]], mashshâʼôwn is presented as an alternative source of strength or security for the ungodly, contrasting sharply with trusting God. The wicked individual does not rely on divine power or truth but on their material wealth and their own inherent deceit.
* The parallelism between "abundance of his riches" and "his mashshâʼôwn" suggests that deceit is a fundamental characteristic and a tool by which the wicked person operates and maintains their perceived power or influence. It speaks to a deep-seated moral corruption where falsehood is embraced as a means of sustenance or advancement.
### Related Words & Concepts
The limited usage of mashshâʼôwn (`{{H4860}}`) highlights its specific nuance within the broader semantic field of falsehood and treachery in Hebrew.
* **nâshâ (`{{H5377}}`)**: The root verb, signifying "to deceive" or "to beguile," directly informs the meaning of mashshâʼôwn.
* **mirmah (`{{H4820}}`)**: A more common and general term for "deceit," "treachery," or "fraud." mashshâʼôwn could be seen as a particular manifestation or quality of mirmah.
* **sheqer (`{{H8267}}`)**: Denotes "falsehood," "lie," or "deception," often referring to false speech or idolatry.
* **remîyâ (`{{H7423}}`)**: Means "deceit," "treachery," or "slackness," often implying a lack of integrity or a deceptive manner of dealing.
* **Antithetical Concepts**: The concept of mashshâʼôwn stands in direct opposition to core biblical virtues such as truth ('emeth `{{H571}}`), integrity (tom `{{H8537}}`), faithfulness ('emunah `{{H530}}`), and righteousness (tsedeq `{{H6664}}`). The presence of mashshâʼôwn indicates a profound absence of these divine qualities.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of mashshâʼôwn (`{{H4860}}`) in [[Psalm 52:7]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a powerful descriptor of the ungodly individual's character and their chosen source of strength, contrasting sharply with the righteous who trust in God.
* **Moral Depravity**: The word underscores the deep moral depravity of those who reject God. Their "strength" is not found in divine truth or justice, but in their accumulated wealth and their inherent capacity for dissimulation and deceit. This suggests a life built on a foundation of falsehood.
* **False Security**: mashshâʼôwn functions as a source of false security for the wicked. They rely on their cunning and hidden agendas, believing these will protect or advance them, rather than seeking the true and lasting strength that comes from God. This reliance on deceit is ultimately futile and leads to destruction, as the psalm vividly portrays.
* **Contrast with Divine Nature**: God is characterized by truth and faithfulness. The embrace of mashshâʼôwn by the wicked highlights their fundamental opposition to the divine nature. It reveals a worldview where manipulation and falsehood are preferred over integrity and transparency.
* **Implication of Judgment**: The context of [[Psalm 52]] implies divine judgment against those whose strength is rooted in mashshâʼôwn. Such a foundation is unstable and will ultimately lead to being "torn up by the roots" and brought to ruin.
### Summary
The Hebrew word mashshâʼôwn (`{{H4860}}`), derived from nâshâ (`{{H5377}}`), precisely conveys the meaning of "dissimulation" or "deceit." Its singular occurrence in [[Psalm 52:7]] is highly impactful, defining a core characteristic of the ungodly. The verse portrays the wicked as those who trust in their material wealth and in their mashshâʼôwn as sources of strength, rather than relying on God. This unique usage underscores that for the unrighteous, deceit is not merely an occasional act but a fundamental aspect of their character and a perceived means of security. Theologically, mashshâʼôwn stands as a stark antithesis to divine truth and faithfulness, exposing the moral bankruptcy of those whose lives are built on falsehood and implicitly foretelling their ultimate downfall under divine judgment.
TRV