### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun מַשְׂטֵמָה (masṭêmâh, `{{H4895}}`) is derived from a root related to שׁוּט (šûṭ), which signifies "to go to and fro," "to roam," or "to scout." While the immediate base definition provided is "enmity" or "hatred," the etymological connection to this root suggests a more active, perhaps even insidious, form of hostility. It is not merely a passive dislike, but an active, often malevolent, opposition or antagonism. The nuance implies a seeking out or a pervasive quality to this animosity. Thus, מַשְׂטֵמָה denotes a deep-seated, active hostility, perhaps even a vengeful or pursuing enmity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term מַשְׂטֵמָה (masṭêmâh, `{{H4895}}`) is notably rare in the Hebrew Bible, appearing only once in the Masoretic Text, in the prophetic book of Hosea:
* **[[Hosea 9:7]]**: "The days of punishment are coming; the days of recompense are coming; Israel will know it. The prophet is a fool, the man of the spirit is mad, because of your great iniquity and great מַשְׂטֵמָה."
* In this sole occurrence, מַשְׂטֵטָה is juxtaposed with "great iniquity" (רַב עֲוֹנְךָ) and describes the reason for the impending "days of punishment" and "days of recompense." The context is one of divine judgment against Israel for their idolatry, spiritual prostitution, and rejection of God's prophets.
* The phrase "great מַשְׂטֵמָה" (רַבָּה מַשְׂטֵמָה) can be understood in several ways, all pointing to intense hostility:
1. **Israel's hatred/enmity towards God and His prophets:** This interpretation suggests that Israel's "great iniquity" manifested as a profound and active hatred for God's covenant and His messengers, leading them to call the prophets "fools" and "mad." This aligns with the active nature implied by the root.
2. **God's enmity/wrath towards Israel:** Less likely given the parallelism with "iniquity," but some scholars consider it a reference to the divine hostility that will be unleashed as judgment. However, the preceding "your great iniquity" points to Israel's culpability.
3. **The enmity/hostility that Israel will experience:** The "days of recompense" will bring about a period where Israel will be subjected to intense hostility from others, a direct consequence of their actions. This aligns with a passive reception of the "enmity" due to their sin.
* Given the immediate preceding phrase "because of your great iniquity," the most compelling interpretation is that מַשְׂטֵמָה refers to Israel's own deep-seated and active animosity, particularly against the divine word and its bearers. This animosity is so profound that it merits the severe judgment described. The Septuagint translates it as ἔχθρα (echthra), meaning "enmity" or "hatred," supporting this understanding.
### Related Words & Concepts
The rarity of מַשְׂטֵמָה (masṭêmâh, `{{H4895}}`) makes direct semantic comparison challenging, but its meaning of "enmity" or "hatred" links it to several other Hebrew terms:
* **שׁוּט (šûṭ) / שֹׁטֵט (šôṭēṭ)**: The verbal root, meaning "to go to and fro," "to roam," or "to scout." This connection imbues מַשְׂטֵמָה with a sense of active, perhaps even searching or pervasive, hostility. It's not a static emotion but a dynamic force. This root is sometimes used in contexts of malicious intent, as seen with Satan "roaming" the earth in Job (e.g., [[Job 1:7]]).
* **שִׂנְאָה (śinʾâ, `{{H8130}}`)**: The most common Hebrew word for "hatred," often referring to personal animosity, national enmity, or even the hatred of evil. While broader, it shares the core meaning of strong negative emotion.
* **אֵיבָה (ʾêyḇâ, `{{H342}}`)**: "Enmity," often used in a more abstract or foundational sense, as in the primordial enmity between the serpent's seed and the woman's seed ([[Genesis 3:15]]). This term often carries a sense of inherent or divinely ordained opposition.
* **צָרָה (ṣārâ, `{{H6869}}`)**: "Distress," "trouble," or "adversity," but can also imply the hostile pressure exerted by an enemy, thus related to the experience of enmity.
* **מַשְׂטִים (masṭîm)**: A related Aramaic word found in Targumic literature, meaning "adversary" or "accuser," further highlighting the active, opposing nature of the root.
These related terms help to contextualize מַשְׂטֵמָה as a potent and active form of hostility, distinct in its nuance of pervasive or seeking animosity due to its unique etymological link.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of מַשְׂטֵמָה (masṭêmâh, `{{H4895}}`) in [[Hosea 9:7]] places it firmly within the theological framework of divine judgment and the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness.
1. **The Severity of Israel's Apostasy:** The "great מַשְׂטֵמָה" points to the profound depth of Israel's rebellion. It was not merely a lapse but an active, pervasive animosity towards God's truth and His messengers. This highlights the gravity of rejecting divine revelation and embracing idolatry. It suggests that their sin was rooted in a fundamental antagonism towards God's righteous demands.
2. **Divine Recompense:** The "days of מַשְׂטֵמָה" are presented as a direct consequence of Israel's iniquity. This underscores the principle of divine justice: what is sown in active hostility will be reaped in judgment. The very "enmity" they harbored against God and His prophets would be met with a corresponding divine response, whether it be the enmity of nations or the direct judgment of God.
3. **Antithesis to Covenant Love:** The presence of such "great enmity" stands in stark contrast to the covenant relationship God desired with Israel, which was founded on love (אַהֲבָה, `{{H160}}`) and faithfulness (אֱמֶת, `{{H571}}`). The emergence of מַשְׂטֵמָה signifies the utter breakdown of this relationship, leading inevitably to judgment rather than blessing.
4. **Prophetic Vindication:** The context also serves to vindicate the prophets whom Israel dismissed as "fools" and "mad." The coming "days of recompense" and "days of מַשְׂטֵמָה" would prove the prophets' words true, demonstrating that their message was indeed from God, despite Israel's hostile reception.
### Summary
מַשְׂטֵמָה (masṭêmâh, `{{H4895}}`) is a rare but potent Hebrew term, appearing only once in [[Hosea 9:7]]. It signifies "enmity" or "hatred," carrying the nuance of an active, pervasive, and potentially insidious hostility, derived from a root meaning "to roam" or "to scout." In its sole biblical occurrence, it describes the "great enmity" of Israel, which, alongside their "great iniquity," serves as the catalyst for the impending "days of punishment" and "days of recompense" from God. Theologically, מַשְׂטֵמָה underscores the profound nature of Israel's rebellion against God's covenant, highlighting that their sin was characterized by an active antagonism towards divine truth. It serves as a stark reminder of the dire consequences when a people's heart is filled with such deep-seated animosity against their Creator.
TRV