### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mâshash**, represented by `{{H4959}}`, is a primitive root meaning to **feel of**, **grope**, or **search**. It appears 9 times in 8 unique verses, and its applications range from literal, physical touch to a profound, figurative sense of disorientation and judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H4959}}` is used in several distinct contexts. It describes the act of physical examination, as when Jacob worries his father Isaac will **feel** him and discover his deception [[Genesis 27:12]], which Isaac then does [[Genesis 27:22]]. It is also used for the act of a physical search, such as when Laban **searched** through all of Jacob's belongings for his stolen images ([[Genesis 31:34]], [[Genesis 31:37]]). The term takes on a more metaphorical weight when describing the plague of darkness in Egypt, a darkness so profound that it could be **felt** [[Exodus 10:21]]. The most frequent use, however, is to depict a state of aimless confusion, where people **grope** in darkness or even at noonday as a consequence of judgment ([[Deuteronomy 28:29]], [[Job 5:14]], [[Job 12:25]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the contexts in which `{{H4959}}` is used, particularly its association with darkness and the inability to perceive:
* `{{H2822}}` **chôshek** (darkness): This word, meaning "the dark; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance," is often the setting for the act of groping. It is the tangible substance that could be **felt** in Egypt [[Exodus 10:21]] and the state in which people **grope** without light [[Job 12:25]].
* `{{H5787}}` **ʻivvêr** (blind): Defined as "blind (literally or figuratively)," this word is explicitly linked with `{{H4959}}`. The curse of judgment is to **grope** at noon "as the **blind** gropeth in darkness" [[Deuteronomy 28:29]], highlighting a complete lack of perception.
* `{{H6672}}` **tsôhar** (noonday): Meaning "midday, noon," this term creates a stark contrast, emphasizing the severity of disorientation. To **grope** at **noonday** as if it were night signifies a supernatural confusion that defies natural circumstances ([[Deuteronomy 28:29]], [[Job 5:14]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4959}}` is significant, illustrating themes of perception, judgment, and divine power.
* **Fallibility of Senses:** The story of Isaac and Jacob demonstrates that the physical act of feeling can be deceived. Isaac **felt** Jacob's hands but was still misled, showing that physical perception can be an unreliable path to truth [[Genesis 27:22]].
* **Symbol of Judgment:** Groping is consistently portrayed as a divine curse or a state of misery. The inability to see or find one's way, even in the middle of the day, is a potent symbol of being lost, without divine guidance, and under judgment ([[Deuteronomy 28:29]], [[Job 5:14]]).
* **Tangible Divine Power:** The use of `{{H4959}}` to describe the darkness over Egypt is unique. It portrays God's power not just as an absence of light, but as a physically oppressive force—a darkness that could be **felt**, demonstrating his sovereign control over creation [[Exodus 10:21]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4959}}` moves beyond its simple definition of "to feel." It serves as a powerful descriptor for both literal actions, like searching and touching, and profound spiritual conditions. From the intimate and deceptive touch of a father's hand to the disorienting curse of groping in broad daylight, **mâshash** captures the human experience of seeking, the fallibility of perception, and the tangible reality of divine judgment.
TRV