### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **massôwr**, represented by `{{H4883}}`, is the biblical term for a **saw**. Derived from an unused root meaning to rasp, it appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible. Its singular use occurs within a powerful rhetorical illustration about divine sovereignty.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H4883}}` is in [[Isaiah 10:15]], where the prophet speaks on behalf of God to chastise the arrogance of Assyria. The verse asks, "or shall the **saw** magnify itself against him that shaketh it?" In this context, the **saw** is used as a metaphor for an inanimate tool that has no power or will of its own. It is entirely dependent on the one who wields it, making any boast on the tool's part absurd.
### Related Words & Concepts
The verse in which **massôwr** appears contains several other words for tools and instruments that reinforce its metaphorical meaning:
* `{{H1631}}` **garzen** (an axe; ax): This word appears directly alongside **saw** in the rhetorical question, "Shall the **axe** boast itself against him that heweth therewith?" [[Isaiah 10:15]]. It functions as a parallel example of a tool used for cutting.
* `{{H2672}}` **châtsab** (to cut or carve): This is the action performed by the **axe's** wielder, as seen in the phrase "him that heweth" [[Isaiah 10:15]]. This root is used for hewing stone for houses, digging wells, and even metaphorically for God's judgment through prophets [[Hosea 6:5]].
* `{{H5130}}` **nûwph** (to quiver... shake): This verb describes the action of the one using the **saw** ("him that shaketh it") [[Isaiah 10:15]]. This same word is used to describe God shaking His hand in judgment over nations [[Isaiah 11:15]] or priests performing a wave offering [[Numbers 6:20]].
* `{{H7626}}` **shêbeṭ** (a stick... a clan; rod, sceptre, staff, tribe): The illustration in [[Isaiah 10:15]] continues by comparing the saw's arrogance to a **rod** shaking itself against the one who lifts it, expanding the metaphor to include instruments of authority and correction.
### Theological Significance
Though a simple word, the theological weight of `{{H4883}}` in its context is significant. It serves to illustrate a core principle of God's relationship with the nations and individuals He uses.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The **saw** is an instrument with no independent will. Its use in [[Isaiah 10:15]] is a clear declaration that nations, like Assyria, are merely tools in the hand of God to accomplish His purposes.
* **The Folly of Pride:** The central theme of the passage is the absurdity of an instrument boasting against its master. The image of a **saw** magnifying itself vividly portrays the foolishness of human pride when a person or nation takes credit for power that is not their own.
* **Instrumentality:** Paired with the axe, rod, and staff, the **saw** reinforces the concept that all power and authority are derived. Whether an instrument of construction, judgment, or rule, it is subject to the one who wields it.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4883}}` **massôwr** is a word whose significance is defined entirely by its singular, powerful context. Though it simply means **saw**, its placement in [[Isaiah 10:15]] transforms it into a potent and memorable metaphor. It serves as a stark reminder of divine sovereignty, the subordinate role of human agents, and the profound folly of an instrument boasting against its creator.
TRV