from the same as שֵׂכוּ; a figure (carved on stone, the wall, or any object); figuratively, imagination; conceit, image(-ry), picture, [idiom] wish.
Transliteration:maskîyth
Pronunciation:mas-keeth'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H4906}}` (maskîyth) is derived from a root often associated with looking or seeing, possibly related to `{{H7906}}` (śākhāh), "to look," or `{{H7907}}` (śekhew), "a figure." This etymological connection provides insight into its primary semantic range, which encompasses both tangible and intangible representations.
At its core, `{{H4906}}` refers to a "figure," "image," or "picture," often one that is carved, engraved, or depicted on a surface like stone or a wall. This denotes a physical, visual representation. However, the term also extends figuratively to the realm of the mind, signifying "imagination," "conceit," or a "wish" or "desire." This dual nature—spanning from concrete, visible objects to abstract, internal mental constructs—is crucial for understanding its nuanced usage in the biblical text. The range thus moves from an external artistic or idolatrous depiction to an internal mental state or aspiration.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of `{{H4906}}` in the Hebrew Bible reveal its diverse applications, often with strong theological implications:
* **Idolatrous Images:** Most frequently, `{{H4906}}` is employed in contexts condemning idolatry. In [[Leviticus 26:1]], it refers to "any image of stone" (אֶבֶן מַשְׂכִּית) that the Israelites are forbidden to set up for worship. Similarly, [[Numbers 33:52]] commands the destruction of the Canaanites' "pictures" (מַשְׂכִּיּוֹתֵיהֶם), which are explicitly linked with "molten images" and "high places," clearly denoting cultic objects. In [[Ezekiel 8:12]], the "chambers of his imagery" (חַדְרֵי מַשְׂכִּיתוֹ) describe the secret idolatrous practices of the elders of Israel, likely referring to carved or painted images on the walls, as implied by [[Ezekiel 8:10]]. In these instances, `{{H4906}}` highlights the tangible forms of forbidden worship.
* **Artistic Depiction:** In [[Proverbs 25:11]], `{{H4906}}` takes on a more neutral or even positive connotation: "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver" (בְּמַשְׂכִּיּוֹת כָּסֶף). Here, "pictures" refers to artistic engravings, settings, or filigree work, emphasizing beauty, appropriateness, and craftsmanship rather than idolatry. This usage demonstrates the term's capacity to describe any form of visual representation, not exclusively religious ones.
* **Internal Desire/Imagination:** A distinct figurative usage appears in [[Psalm 73:7]], where it is translated as "heart could wish" (מַשְׂכִּיּוֹת לֵבָב). The verse describes the wicked whose "eyes stand out with fatness; they have more than heart could wish." Here, `{{H4906}}` refers to the internal desires, imaginings, or conceits of the heart, representing an abundance that surpasses even their deepest aspirations. This shifts the meaning from an external object to an internal mental or emotional state.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic range of `{{H4906}}` connects it to several important biblical concepts:
* **Idolatry:** It frequently appears alongside other terms for idols, such as `{{H6459}}` (pesel, "graven image"), `{{H4541}}` (massēkhāh, "molten image"), and `{{H6754}}` (tselem, "image" or "likeness," often used for idols but also for humanity as made in God's image). The use of `{{H4906}}` in this context underscores the comprehensive nature of the prohibition against any physical representation of deity or any object of worship apart from God.
* **Mental Constructs:** The figurative sense of "imagination" or "wish" links `{{H4906}}` to words describing human thought and intention, such as `{{H3336}}` (yetser, "formation," "purpose," "imagination," often in a negative sense, as in the "imagination of the heart" in [[Genesis 6:5]]) and `{{H4284}}` (maḥashāvāh, "thought," "device," "plan"). This connection highlights that idolatry can originate not only in external objects but also in the internal desires and mental constructs of the human heart that displace God.
* **Visual Representation:** The root meaning connects it to verbs of seeing and beholding, emphasizing the visual nature of the "figure" or "picture." This contrasts with God's nature as an invisible Spirit who cannot be adequately represented by any physical form.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4906}}` is profound, particularly in its primary association with idolatry:
* **Prohibition of Idolatry:** The repeated use of `{{H4906}}` in the context of divine prohibitions (e.g., [[Leviticus 26:1]], [[Numbers 33:52]]) underscores the absolute nature of God's command against creating physical representations for worship. This prohibition is foundational to the First and Second Commandments, asserting God's unique identity as the invisible, transcendent Creator who cannot be confined or depicted by human artifice. To create a `{{H4906}}` for worship is to diminish God's glory and to misrepresent His nature.
* **God's Transcendence and Invisibility:** The prohibition of `{{H4906}}` as an object of worship reinforces the theological truth of God's transcendence and His spiritual, invisible nature. Unlike the pagan deities who were often associated with physical images, the God of Israel cannot be seen or contained by human constructs. Worship must therefore be in spirit and truth, not through material forms.
* **Internal Idolatry:** The figurative meaning of `{{H4906}}` as "imagination" or "wish" in [[Psalm 73:7]] extends the concept of idolatry beyond physical objects to the desires and aspirations of the heart. This suggests that anything that takes precedence over God in one's affections or thoughts—any "conceit" or "wish" that becomes ultimate—can function as an idol. This highlights the comprehensive nature of sin, which includes not only outward acts but also inward dispositions.
* **Human Creativity and its Perversion:** While `{{H4906}}` can denote legitimate artistic expression (as in [[Proverbs 25:11]]), its frequent use in idolatrous contexts serves as a stark reminder of humanity's propensity to pervert its God-given creativity by directing worship towards created things rather than the Creator.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H4906}}` (maskîyth) holds a rich and dual semantic range, encompassing both a concrete "figure," "image," or "picture" and the abstract "imagination," "conceit," or "wish." While it can refer to legitimate artistic craftsmanship, its most prominent usage in the Old Testament is in contexts condemning idolatry, where it denotes a forbidden physical representation used for worship. This highlights God's unique transcendence and invisibility, emphasizing that He cannot be depicted or contained by human-made forms. Furthermore, its figurative sense points to the potential for internal idolatry, where the desires and mental constructs of the heart can usurp God's rightful place. Thus, `{{H4906}}` serves as a powerful reminder of the comprehensive nature of the prohibition against idolatry, extending from outward physical objects to the innermost intentions and aspirations of the human spirit.
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