### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word מָשׁוֹט (mâshôwṭ), Strong's H4880, denotes an "oar." It is derived from the verbal root שׁוּט (shûṭ), Strong's `{{H7751}}`, which carries the primary sense of "to go to and fro," "to rove," or "to paddle." This etymological connection clearly establishes mâshôwṭ as the instrument used for propulsion on water, enabling a vessel to move by human effort. The word's semantic range is quite narrow, referring almost exclusively to this specific piece of maritime equipment. Its meaning is concrete and literal in all its biblical occurrences, serving to paint a vivid picture of seafaring and naval activity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term מָשׁוֹט (mâshôwṭ) appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times within the prophetic book of Ezekiel, specifically in the extended lament concerning the destruction of Tyre in chapter 27.
1. **[[Ezekiel 27:6]]**: "Of the oaks of Bashan they have made your oars; your deck of ivory they have made, inlaid in boxwood from the coasts of Cyprus."
In this verse, mâshôwṭ is used to describe a component of the magnificent ship that symbolizes Tyre. The prophet details the luxurious and high-quality materials used in its construction, emphasizing Tyre's immense wealth, craftsmanship, and naval power. The "oaks of Bashan" were renowned for their strength and durability, indicating that even the most functional parts of Tyre's fleet were crafted from premium resources. This detail contributes to the overall portrayal of Tyre as a seemingly invincible maritime empire, whose splendor is about to be utterly dismantled. The oars, therefore, represent the very means of its global reach and economic might.
2. **[[Ezekiel 27:29]]**: "All who handle the oar, the mariners and all the pilots of the sea, will come down from their ships and stand on the shore."
Here, mâshôwṭ is used metonymically to refer to the "handlers of the oar," i.e., the rowers or sailors. This verse depicts the widespread lamentation that will accompany Tyre's downfall. Those who relied on Tyre's maritime enterprise for their livelihood—the mariners, pilots, and those who physically propelled the ships—are forced to abandon their vessels and witness the city's destruction from the shore. The image underscores the complete cessation of Tyre's maritime activity and the profound impact of its judgment on all who were connected to its vast network of trade and seafaring. The oar, in this context, symbolizes the human labor and skill that underpinned Tyre's power, now rendered useless in the face of divine judgment.
In both instances, mâshôwṭ is integral to the detailed and vivid imagery of a powerful maritime city, highlighting its strength and the subsequent, devastating nature of its prophesied collapse.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root שׁוּט (shûṭ), Strong's `{{H7751}}`, from which mâshôwṭ is derived. This root signifies movement, particularly on water, and can refer to rowing or paddling.
Other related concepts and words include:
* **Ships/Vessels**: The broader context of mâshôwṭ is always naval. Words like אֳנִיָּה (ʾŏnîyyāh), Strong's `{{H591}}`, meaning "ship" or "vessel," and צִי (tsîy), Strong's `{{H6716}}`, referring to "ships" or a "fleet," are intrinsically linked.
* **Seafaring Personnel**: The "handlers of the oar" in [[Ezekiel 27:29]] are synonymous with "mariners" (מַלָּח - mallāḥ, Strong's `{{H4417}}`) and "pilots" (חֹבֵל - ḥōvēl, Strong's `{{H2259}}`), emphasizing the human element of naval operations.
* **Maritime Trade and Power**: The oar, as a tool for propulsion, is a symbol of the ability to navigate seas for trade, exploration, and military projection. This connects to concepts of wealth, international influence, and the pride of nations derived from their economic and naval might.
* **Human Effort and Labor**: The oar represents physical exertion and skill, highlighting the human endeavor involved in overcoming natural elements and achieving objectives.
### Theological Significance
While מָשׁוֹט (mâshôwṭ) is a concrete term with no inherent theological meaning, its specific usage within Ezekiel's prophecy against Tyre imbues it with significant theological implications:
1. **Divine Sovereignty Over Human Power**: The detailed description of Tyre's magnificent ship, including its high-quality oars, serves to underscore the extent of human ingenuity, wealth, and power. However, this grandeur is presented only to heighten the contrast with its prophesied destruction. The very instruments of Tyre's global reach—its oars—become useless as God's judgment falls. This illustrates the theological principle that even the most sophisticated and powerful human endeavors are ultimately subject to the sovereign will and judgment of God. No nation, however mighty or self-sufficient, can stand against the divine decree.
2. **Pride and Judgment**: Tyre's detailed portrayal, including its luxurious oars, reflects its immense pride in its self-made prosperity and naval dominance. The meticulous description of its components, from the "oaks of Bashan" to the "ivory inlaid in boxwood," speaks to an idolatry of material wealth and human achievement. The subsequent judgment on Tyre, which renders its oars and sailors impotent, serves as a powerful theological lesson: pride precedes a fall, and God opposes the proud, bringing low those who exalt themselves.
3. **The Scope of Divine Judgment**: In [[Ezekiel 27:29]], the lament of "all who handle the oar" signifies the widespread impact of God's judgment. It is not merely the city's leaders or merchants who suffer, but all those, down to the common laborer, whose lives and livelihoods were intertwined with Tyre's maritime power. This illustrates the comprehensive nature of divine judgment, which affects all strata of society connected to the condemned entity. The oar, therefore, becomes a symbol of the common, yet essential, human labor that is swept away in the tide of judgment.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מָשׁוֹט (mâshôwṭ), Strong's `{{H4880}}`, precisely denotes an "oar," derived from the root שׁוּט (shûṭ), meaning "to go to and fro" or "to paddle." Its two occurrences in [[Ezekiel 27:6]] and [[Ezekiel 27:29]] are pivotal in the prophetic lament against Tyre. In [[Ezekiel 27:6]], the high-quality "oaks of Bashan" used for Tyre's oars symbolize the city's immense wealth, craftsmanship, and formidable naval power. In [[Ezekiel 27:29]], the "handlers of the oar" represent the mariners and laborers whose livelihoods are destroyed by Tyre's downfall, underscoring the widespread impact of divine judgment. Theologically, mâshôwṭ contributes to the vivid imagery that highlights God's absolute sovereignty over human power and pride, demonstrating that even the most elaborate human endeavors and sophisticated tools are ultimately subject to His will. It serves as a stark reminder that all nations, regardless of their perceived strength or self-sufficiency, are accountable to the divine plan, and their pride will inevitably lead to their downfall.
TRV