English · KJV
H4906

מַשְׂכִּית

maskîyth /mas-keeth'/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom the same as שֵׂכוּ
Meaninga figure (carved on stone, the wall, or any object); figuratively, imagination
KJV usageconceit, image(-ry), picture
Idioms & phrasesidiom wish.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of maskîyth — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word maskîyth, represented by H4906, refers to a figure or image, but also extends into the figurative realms of imagination and conceit. It appears 6 times across 6 unique verses, highlighting its specific yet significant role in discussing both physical objects of worship and internal states of mind. Its definition encompasses a carved figure, a picture, or an inner thought, wish, or conceit.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In its literal sense, H4906 is frequently used in commands against idolatry. God explicitly forbids Israel to set up H5414 any image H4906 of stone H68 in their land H776 to bow down H7812 to it Leviticus 26:1. This is reinforced with instructions to destroy H6 the inhabitants' pictures H4906 and molten H4541 images H6754 upon entering the promised land Numbers 33:52. Figuratively, the term describes internal corruption, such as when the elders of Israel H3478 practice secret worship in the chambers H2315 of their imagery H4906 Ezekiel 8:12. It is also used for the false security of a rich man H6223 whose wealth H1952 is a high wall in his own conceit H4906 Proverbs 18:11. In a positive context, a well-spoken word H1697 is beautifully compared to apples of gold H2091 in pictures H4906 of silver H3701 Proverbs 25:11.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words clarify the context of idolatry in which H4906 is often found:

  • H457 'ĕlîyl (idol): This term, meaning thing of nought, is used alongside H4906 to emphasize the worthlessness of man-made objects of worship Leviticus 26:1.
  • H6459 peçel (carved (graven) image): Denoting an idol specifically carved from material, this word often appears with H4906 in prohibitions against idolatry Leviticus 26:1.
  • H4676 matstsêbâh (standing image): Referring to a pillar or memorial stone set up for worship, this word is included in the list of forbidden objects that Israel must not rear you up H6965 Leviticus 26:1.

Theological Significance

The theological significance of H4906 is centered on the purity of worship and thought.

  • Condemnation of Physical Idolatry: The term is a key part of the Bible's prohibition against using physical objects to represent or worship God. Israel was commanded not just to avoid but to actively destroy H6 all such pictures H4906 and pluck down H8045 the high places H1116 associated with them Numbers 33:52.
  • Warning Against Internal Pride: The word's use as conceit H4906 reveals a deeper theological truth: false security and pride are a form of internal idolatry. A rich man's H6223 wealth H1952 can become a false refuge in his own mind Proverbs 18:11.
  • The Heart's Secret Desires: H4906 is used to describe both the secret "imagery" of the heart that leads to sin Ezekiel 8:12 and the boundless desires of the wicked, who have more than their heart H3824 could wish H4906 Psalms 73:7. This connects the external act of making an image with the internal state that precedes it.

Summary

In summary, H4906 maskîyth carries a dual warning against both external and internal forms of idolatry. Whether as a physical image H4906 of stone H68 Leviticus 26:1 or as the deceptive conceit H4906 of the human heart Proverbs 18:11, it represents a turning away from the true God. Its usage underscores the biblical principle that worship must be directed toward the unseen Creator, free from reliance on carved figures or self-generated fantasies of security and desire.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a noun across 6 occurrences, inflected in 3 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

  • מַשְׂכִּיּוֹת
  • מַשְׂכִּית
  • מַשְׂכִּית

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

H5414 נָתַן a primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.); add, apply, appoint, ascribe, a H68 אֶבֶן from the root of בָּנָה through the meaning to build; a stone; [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (ch H776 אֶרֶץ from an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth (at large, or partitively a land); [idiom] common, country, e H7812 שָׁחָה a primitive root; to depress, i.e. prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or God); bow (self) down, crouc H6 אָבַד a primitive root; properly, to wander away, i.e. lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy); break, des H4541 מַסֵּכָה from נָסַךְ; properly, a pouring over, i.e. fusion of metal (especially a cast image); by implication, a libation, i.e.

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 6 verses across 5 of the 39 books. Most frequent in Proverbs (2 verses); never once in the other 34.

1
Leviticus
1
Numbers
1
Psalms
2
Proverbs
1
Ezekiel

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.