apparently from an unused root meaning to perforate, i.e. hollow out; a pan; pan.
Transliteration:masrêth
Pronunciation:mas-rayth'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מַשְׂרֵת ( *masrêth* ), Strong's number `{{H4958}}`, refers specifically to a "pan." The base definition provided by Strong's Lexicon suggests its derivation from an unused root meaning "to perforate" or "hollow out." This etymological insight is crucial, as it describes the fundamental characteristic of a pan: a vessel that is hollowed or concave, designed to contain food for cooking or serving. Its semantic range is narrow, pointing to a concrete, utilitarian object used in domestic settings for food preparation or presentation. It is distinct from other broader terms for vessels or containers, focusing on its specific form and function as a pan.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term מַשְׂרֵת ( *masrêth* ) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in [[2 Samuel 13:9]]. The context is highly significant, occurring during the tragic narrative of Amnon's deception and rape of Tamar:
> "And she took the pan (מַשְׂרֵת), and poured them out before him; but he refused to eat. And Amnon said, 'Send out every man from me.' And they went out every man from him."
In this passage, Tamar, Amnon's sister, is preparing cakes (לְבִבוֹת, *lᵉḇiḇôṯ*) for him at his request, under the pretense that he is ill. The *masrêth* is the vessel from which she serves these cakes. Its singular appearance highlights its specific use in this particular domestic scene. It functions as a mundane object, a common utensil in a household, setting the stage for the unfolding drama. The pan itself is neutral, a simple tool for serving food, yet its presence underscores the normalcy of the domestic setting that is about to be shattered by Amnon's heinous act.
### Related Words & Concepts
While *masrêth* is unique in its single biblical occurrence, it belongs to a broader category of words describing cooking and serving vessels in ancient Israel. Other related terms include:
* `{{H4039}}` *maḥăḇaṯ*: often translated as "pan" or "griddle," specifically used for baking, as seen in priestly instructions for grain offerings ([[Leviticus 2:5]], [[Leviticus 6:21]]). This term is perhaps the closest semantic parallel for a cooking vessel.
* `{{H5518}}` *sîr*: a more general term for a "pot" or "cauldron," used for boiling or stewing ([[Exodus 16:3]], [[2 Kings 4:38]]).
* `{{H3595}}` *kiyôr*: often a "basin" or "laver," but can also refer to a "pot" or "brazier" for cooking ([[1 Samuel 2:14]], [[Zechariah 12:6]]).
* `{{H6748}}` *tsallāḥath*: a "dish" or "bowl," typically for serving or eating ([[2 Kings 21:13]]).
The concept of "hollowing out" from its proposed root connects it to the general principle of creating containers, a fundamental aspect of human technology and daily living. The *masrêth* thus represents a specific form within the broader array of culinary implements essential for sustaining life in the ancient world.
### Theological Significance
As a common domestic utensil, the *masrêth* does not carry direct theological significance in the same way cultic vessels or terms related to God's attributes might. However, its presence in the biblical narrative offers indirect insights:
1. **Grounding in Reality:** The mention of a "pan" grounds the sacred narrative in the mundane realities of daily life. The Bible does not shy away from depicting the ordinary alongside the extraordinary, demonstrating that divine interaction and human drama unfold within the practicalities of existence.
2. **Context for Sin:** In [[2 Samuel 13]], the pan is part of the seemingly innocent domestic scene that precedes a horrific act of sin. It highlights how evil can emerge from seemingly normal circumstances, underscoring the pervasive nature of human depravity even amidst the most common household activities. The pan, a tool for nourishment, becomes part of a setting for violation.
3. **Divine Provision (Indirect):** While not a cultic object, the pan is an instrument for preparing food, a fundamental aspect of sustenance. In a broader biblical context, the provision of food is often attributed to God's gracious hand ([[Psalm 104:14-15]]). The *masrêth* represents the human means by which this divine provision is processed and consumed, reminding us of the practical necessities of life that God sustains.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מַשְׂרֵת ( *masrêth* ), `{{H4958}}`, refers to a "pan," a hollowed-out vessel for cooking or serving. Its singular occurrence in [[2 Samuel 13:9]] places it within the poignant narrative of Amnon and Tamar, where it serves as the serving dish for the cakes Tamar prepares. While a simple, mundane object, its presence underscores the domestic setting and the stark contrast between the ordinary act of serving food and the profound sin that follows. The *masrêth* thus represents the practical necessities of ancient Israelite life, providing a tangible element within a deeply significant biblical account, indirectly pointing to the human condition and the realities of sustenance and sin.
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