a primitive root; to feel of; by implication, to grope; feel, grope, search.
Transliteration:mâshash
Pronunciation:maw-shash'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H4959}}` mâshash is a primitive root that primarily conveys the act of tactile engagement. Its core meaning is "to feel" or "to touch," implying direct physical contact to ascertain information or to explore. By extension, the semantic range expands to "to grope," which suggests a more uncertain or searching form of touch, often in the absence of clear sight or understanding. This nuance implies a deliberate, yet perhaps fumbling, attempt to navigate or discover through the sense of touch. The definition further includes "search," which broadens the scope to a more general quest, still rooted in the idea of careful, perhaps unseeing, exploration.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H4959}}` mâshash appears in several poignant contexts in the Old Testament, illustrating both its literal and metaphorical applications:
* **Literal Tactile Verification:** In the narrative of Jacob and Esau, Isaac, whose eyes were dim, repeatedly uses `{{H4959}}` to verify the identity of his son. In [[Genesis 27:12]], he expresses the fear that Jacob's disguise might be discovered if his father "feels" him. Later, in [[Genesis 27:21]] and [[Genesis 27:22]], Isaac commands Jacob to "come near, that I may feel you," and then indeed "felt him." Here, mâshash is a crucial act of physical discernment, serving as the primary means of identification when sight is compromised.
* **Metaphorical Spiritual Blindness and Disorientation:** The more profound usage of `{{H4959}}` occurs in passages describing a state of spiritual or moral confusion, often as a consequence of divine judgment or human folly.
* In [[Deuteronomy 28:29]], as part of the curses for disobedience, the people are warned that they will "grope at noonday, as a blind man gropes in darkness." This powerful imagery highlights a profound disorientation and helplessness, where even in clear light, they will be unable to find their way, symbolic of a complete loss of divine guidance and understanding.
* Similarly, in [[Job 5:14]], Eliphaz describes the wicked who "grope in the daytime as in the night." This portrays a spiritual blindness so severe that it renders the clarity of day as indistinguishable from the obscurity of night, preventing them from discerning truth or finding a righteous path.
* The prophet Isaiah uses `{{H4959}}` to lament the spiritual state of Israel in [[Isaiah 59:10]]: "We grope for the wall like the blind; we grope as if we had no eyes." This vivid depiction emphasizes a desperate, fumbling search for justice and salvation, a consequence of their sin which has obscured their spiritual vision and left them without direction or support.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of `{{H4959}}` mâshash intersects with several other Hebrew terms and concepts:
* **Tactile Verbs:**
* `{{H5060}}` nāgaʿ (to touch, reach, strike): While mâshash often implies a searching or exploratory touch, nāgaʿ is a more general term for contact, which can be intentional or accidental, for various purposes.
* `{{H2263}}` ḥāzaq (to be strong, grasp, hold fast): This term implies a firm, secure grip, contrasting with the tentative or fumbling nature often associated with mâshash.
* **Concepts of Perception and Guidance:**
* **Blindness:** The concept of `{{H5787}}` ʿiwwēr (blind) is intrinsically linked to the metaphorical use of mâshash, as the act of groping is characteristic of the blind. This blindness extends beyond the physical to spiritual and moral inability to see or understand.
* **Darkness:** `{{H2822}}` ḥōshekh (darkness) is often the literal or metaphorical environment in which one is forced to grope, symbolizing confusion, ignorance, or divine judgment.
* **Light/Guidance:** The antithesis to groping is the presence of `{{H216}}` ʾôr (light) or divine guidance, which enables clear sight and sure footing.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4959}}` mâshash primarily revolves around **discernment, spiritual blindness, and divine judgment**. In its literal sense, as seen in Genesis, it underscores the human reliance on physical senses for verification and the limitations of these senses when impaired. More profoundly, its metaphorical usage in Deuteronomy, Job, and Isaiah paints a stark picture of **spiritual disorientation**.
To "grope" in biblical thought signifies a profound state of being lost, without direction, and unable to perceive truth or righteousness, even when circumstances should be clear. This condition is often presented as a consequence of turning away from God's light, rejecting His statutes, or experiencing His judgment. It highlights the **vulnerability of humanity without divine revelation and guidance**. When the light of God's Word or His presence is withdrawn or ignored, humanity is left to stumble blindly, unable to navigate the complexities of life or discern the path of salvation. The word thus serves as a powerful reminder of humanity's absolute dependence on God for spiritual illumination and direction.
### Summary
The Hebrew root `{{H4959}}` mâshash, meaning "to feel" or "to grope," conveys both a literal tactile action and a profound metaphorical state. While literally describing physical contact for verification, as seen in Isaac's attempt to identify Jacob in [[Genesis 27]], its more significant usage is metaphorical. It powerfully illustrates a condition of **spiritual blindness and disorientation**, where individuals or a nation are left to "grope" in confusion, even in broad daylight ([[Deuteronomy 28:29]], [[Job 5:14]], [[Isaiah 59:10]]). This metaphorical groping signifies a severe lack of divine understanding, guidance, or discernment, often presented as a consequence of sin or divine judgment. Thus, `{{H4959}}` mâshash underscores humanity's desperate need for God's illuminating presence and truth to navigate life's path and avoid spiritual darkness.
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