from מָשָׁה; silk (as drawn from the cocoon); silk.
Transliteration:meshîy
Pronunciation:meh'-shee
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma מֶשִׁי (meshîy, `{{H4897}}`) denotes "silk." Its etymological root lies in the verb מָשָׁה (māshāh, `{{H4871}}`), meaning "to draw out" or "to pull out." This derivation is significant, as it highlights the process by which silk is obtained – meticulously drawn as fine threads from a cocoon. The term therefore intrinsically links the material to its specific method of production. Semantically, meshîy is narrowly defined, referring exclusively to this luxurious fabric and not extending to other types of textiles or fibers. It inherently carries connotations of fineness, rarity, and high value within the ancient Near Eastern context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word מֶשִׁי (meshîy) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in [[Ezekiel 16:10]]. In this powerful allegorical chapter, the prophet Ezekiel vividly portrays Jerusalem's history as an unfaithful bride whom Yahweh rescued, adorned, and elevated, only for her to betray Him. [[Ezekiel 16:10]] states: "I clothed you also with embroidered cloth and sandals of porpoise skin, and I wrapped you in fine linen and covered you with מֶשִׁי (meshîy) (silk)."
In this context, meshîy is listed among other precious and luxurious materials, including "embroidered cloth" (רִקְמָה - riqmâh, `{{H7553}}`) and "fine linen" (שֵׁשׁ - shēsh, `{{H8336}}`). The cumulative effect of these rich descriptions is to emphasize the extraordinary lavishness of God's provision for Jerusalem. Silk, likely an imported and exceedingly rare commodity in ancient Israel, signifies the pinnacle of opulence and status. Its inclusion underscores the immense wealth, beauty, and honor Yahweh bestowed upon His covenant people, elevating them to a position of unparalleled glory among the nations. The verse sets the stage for the subsequent indictment of Jerusalem's apostasy, making her unfaithfulness all the more heinous in light of the divine generosity she received.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **מָשָׁה (māshāh, `{{H4871}}`)**: As the verbal root from which meshîy is derived, this connection is fundamental. It underscores the "drawn out" nature of silk, linking the finished product to its meticulous and delicate extraction process.
* **Luxurious Textiles**:
* שֵׁשׁ (shēsh, `{{H8336}}`): Fine linen, often associated with purity, priestly garments, and royal attire (e.g., [[Exodus 28:5]], [[Genesis 41:42]]).
* בּוּץ (būts, `{{H949}}`): Another term for fine linen or byssus, similar in connotation to shēsh (e.g., [[1 Chronicles 15:27]]).
* רִקְמָה (riqmâh, `{{H7553}}`): Embroidered cloth, signifying intricate craftsmanship and high value, often appearing alongside meshîy in [[Ezekiel 16:10]].
* **Precious Adornments**: The broader category of materials associated with wealth, status, and divine favor, such as gold, silver, and precious stones (e.g., [[Exodus 25:3-7]]), which contribute to the imagery of divine provision and human glory. The New Testament also speaks of luxurious attire in contexts of wealth and judgment (e.g., βύσσος - byssos, `{{G1040}}` and πορφύρα - porphura, `{{G4209}}` in [[Revelation 18:12]], [[Revelation 18:16]]).
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of מֶשִׁי (meshîy) in [[Ezekiel 16:10]] carries profound theological weight within the prophetic narrative.
* **Divine Providence and Lavish Grace**: The presence of silk unequivocally highlights the extravagant nature of God's provision for Israel. Yahweh did not merely sustain His people but adorned them with the most exquisite and costly materials available, elevating them to a position of unparalleled honor and beauty. This speaks volumes about the boundless generosity and love of God for His chosen people.
* **Symbol of Exalted Status**: In the ancient world, silk was an extremely rare and costly commodity, often imported from distant lands (e.g., the Silk Road). Its inclusion in Jerusalem's attire underscores her divinely granted, exalted status as God's chosen bride, set apart and glorified by Him among the nations. It represents a peak of material and symbolic splendor.
* **Contrast with Apostasy**: The profound irony of [[Ezekiel 16]] is that Jerusalem, despite being lavished with such divine gifts, subsequently prostituted herself with other nations and idols. The preciousness of the silk, alongside the other adornments, serves to underscore the magnitude of her ingratitude and spiritual unfaithfulness. The very gifts of God were perverted and used in idolatrous worship (cf. [[Hosea 2:8]]). This highlights the severity of breaking covenant with a generous God.
* **Metaphor for Spiritual Beauty and Glory**: While literally a fabric, in this rich allegorical context, meshîy contributes to the metaphorical depiction of Jerusalem's spiritual beauty and glory, which was entirely a gift from God. Her subsequent defilement of this divinely bestowed beauty makes her sin all the more egregious and tragic.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מֶשִׁי (meshîy, `{{H4897}}`) denotes "silk," a luxurious and highly valued fabric whose name is derived from the verb "to draw out," hinting at its meticulous production. Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Ezekiel 16:10]] places it among the opulent adornments Yahweh bestowed upon Jerusalem, symbolizing His extravagant provision and the exalted status He granted His people. Theologically, meshîy serves as a powerful testament to divine grace and the lavishness of God's covenantal love, starkly contrasting with Jerusalem's subsequent spiritual unfaithfulness and misuse of these very blessings. It represents the pinnacle of material splendor, gifted by God, only to be tragically defiled by human apostasy, thereby emphasizing the profound ingratitude of Israel's rebellion.
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