a primitive root; to pull out (literally or figuratively); draw(out).
Transliteration:mâshâh
Pronunciation:maw-shaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root מָשָׁה (mâshâh, `{{H4871}}`) is a primitive root, conveying the core meaning "to pull out" or "to draw out." As a primitive root, it suggests a fundamental and direct action. Its semantic range extends from a literal physical act of extraction to a figurative sense of rescue or deliverance. The action inherently implies an agent who intentionally removes something from a state or place, often one of peril or containment. The primary focus is on the act of extraction, emphasizing the transition from one state or location to another, typically from an undesirable or dangerous one.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb מָשָׁה (mâshâh, `{{H4871}}`) appears sparingly in the Hebrew Bible, making its few occurrences particularly significant. Its most renowned and literal usage is found in the narrative of Moses' birth and naming:
* [[Exodus 2:10]]: "And she called his name Moses (מֹשֶׁה, *Mosheh*), saying, 'Because I drew him (מְשִׁיתִהוּ, *m'shitiyhu*) out of the water.'" Here, the verb directly explains the etymology of Moses' name. Pharaoh's daughter literally "drew" the infant Moses from the Nile River, a clear act of physical extraction from a life-threatening situation. This literal act of rescue sets the stage for Moses' future role as a deliverer.
Beyond this foundational literal sense, the root also appears in a powerful figurative context:
* [[2 Samuel 22:17]] / [[Psalm 18:16]]: "He sent from on high, he took me; he drew me out (יַמְשֵׁנִי, *yamshēni*) from many waters." In these parallel passages, attributed to David, the verb is used metaphorically. "Many waters" symbolize overwhelming troubles, dangers, or enemies. God is depicted as the one who actively "draws out" or rescues the psalmist from these perilous circumstances. This demonstrates the root's capacity to convey divine deliverance from figurative depths of distress.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the name מֹשֶׁה (*Mosheh*), Moses, which is directly derived from this root. The very identity of the great deliverer is thus intrinsically linked to the act of being "drawn out." This connection highlights a profound theological truth embedded in his name.
Conceptually, מָשָׁה (mâshâh, `{{H4871}}`) is closely related to ideas of:
* **Deliverance and Rescue:** Both the literal drawing of Moses from the Nile and the figurative drawing of the psalmist from "many waters" speak to acts of salvation and preservation from danger.
* **Water:** Water often serves as the medium from which something is drawn out, whether literally (the Nile) or figuratively (waters of affliction).
* **Divine Intervention:** The act of "drawing out" often implies a powerful and purposeful intervention by an external agent, particularly God.
* While other Hebrew verbs like מָשַׁךְ (mashakh, `{{H4900}}`) also mean "to draw," מָשָׁה (mâshâh, `{{H4871}}`) seems to carry a more specific connotation of extraction from a state of being submerged or engulfed, often with an emphasis on rescue.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of מָשָׁה (mâshâh, `{{H4871}}`) is profound, primarily stemming from its association with Moses and divine deliverance:
* **Divine Providence and Preservation:** The naming of Moses in [[Exodus 2:10]] is a powerful testament to God's providential care. Even before Moses was called to lead Israel, God's hand was at work, "drawing him out" from certain death. This act of preservation underscores God's active involvement in shaping history and preparing His chosen instruments.
* **Theological Parallel and Foreshadowing:** The literal drawing out of Moses from the Nile serves as a potent theological parallel and foreshadowing. Just as Moses was drawn out of the waters to life, he would later be the instrument through whom God would "draw out" the entire nation of Israel from the "waters" of Egyptian bondage and oppression. Moses' very name becomes a living symbol of God's salvific power.
* **God as Rescuer and Deliverer:** In the poetic language of [[Psalm 18:16]], *mâshâh* powerfully portrays God as the ultimate rescuer. When the psalmist faces overwhelming distress ("many waters"), God intervenes directly to "draw him out." This extends the concept beyond the specific historical event of Moses to a broader theological principle: God is the one who delivers His faithful from the depths of trouble and despair. This highlights God's compassion, power, and faithfulness in rescuing His people.
* **Identity and Destiny:** The verb *mâshâh* links Moses' identity directly to God's saving act. His name is not merely a label but a perpetual reminder of his miraculous preservation and, by extension, his divinely appointed destiny as a deliverer.
### Summary
The Hebrew root מָשָׁה (mâshâh, `{{H4871}}`) fundamentally signifies "to pull out" or "to draw out," encompassing both literal and figurative acts of extraction. Its most prominent literal use is found in [[Exodus 2:10]], where it explains the naming of Moses, who was "drawn out" of the Nile River, a foundational act of preservation. Figuratively, as seen in [[Psalm 18:16]], *mâshâh* describes God's powerful act of delivering individuals from overwhelming peril, emphasizing His role as a divine rescuer. Theologically, this root profoundly underscores God's active providence and His unwavering power to deliver His people from danger. Moses' very name, derived from this root, serves as a perpetual reminder of God's saving intervention, foreshadowing the greater deliverance of Israel from Egypt. Thus, *mâshâh* encapsulates a core aspect of divine salvation: the intentional and mighty act of extracting from danger into safety.
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