מְבוּסָה (me.vu.sah)
me.vu.sah
subjugation
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun mevusah denotes the act of treading down or crushing something underfoot, resulting in a state of subjugation. It describes the physical force exerted by one party to dominate another, often evoking the image of grapes being crushed in a winepress or an army marching over conquered territory. The word carries a heavy weight of oppression and defeat.
This term appears only three times in the Hebrew Bible, all within the book of Isaiah. It is used to describe the intense suffering and humiliation endured by God’s people during periods of foreign domination. In these contexts, mevusah highlights the vulnerability of the oppressed against the overwhelming power of their enemies.
The root of the word relates to the verb "to tread" or "to press." By focusing on the physical action of crushing, the text emphasizes the tangible reality of political and military defeat. Translators typically render it as "subjugation" or "downtreading," capturing both the violent act and its resulting condition of being controlled by force.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word mevusah paints a vivid picture of being crushed underfoot, like grapes in a press or a conquered people marching over defeated territory. In Isaiah, it describes the heavy reality of subjugation and the humiliation felt by God’s people when foreign powers dominate them. This imagery captures the tangible pain of oppression, where strength is used to break down walls and silence cries for help.
Yet, even in these dark moments of defeat, Scripture reminds us that no power on earth holds ultimate authority. The same God who witnesses this suffering also promises to bring justice and restoration. When you feel overwhelmed by circumstances beyond your control, remember that your value is not defined by the strength of those who oppose you.
History shows that empires rise and fall, but God’s purposes endure. The verses in Isaiah point toward a time when even the most powerful nations will bring tribute to Zion. This offers hope: no matter how deep the subjugation feels, it is temporary. Your faith rests in a God who sees your pain and will ultimately vindicate His people.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ trampling3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/מְבוּסָ֜ה1×
- וּ/מְבוּסָ֗ה1×
- וּ/מְבוּסָ֔ה1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 18:2
that sends ambassadors by the sea, even in vessels of papyrus on the waters, saying, “Go, you swift messengers, to a nation tall and smooth, to a people awesome from their beginning onward, a nation that measures out and treads down, whose land the rivers divide!”
This verse uses the term to describe a powerful nation that 'treads down' others, highlighting the arrogance of those who use force to dominate.
-
Isaiah 18:7
In that time, a present will be brought to Yahweh of Armies from a people tall and smooth, even from a people awesome from their beginning onward, a nation that measures out and treads down, whose land the rivers divide, to the place of the name of Yahweh of Armies, Mount Zion.
Here, the same dominant nation is shown bringing a gift to Mount Zion, suggesting that even oppressors will eventually acknowledge God’s sovereignty.
-
Isaiah 22:5
For it is a day of confusion, and of treading down, and of perplexity from the Lord, Yahweh of Armies, in the valley of vision, a breaking down of the walls, and a crying to the mountains.”
The word appears in a context of national crisis, linking 'treading down' with divine judgment and the breaking down of Jerusalem's walls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word mevusah mean?
Why does Isaiah use such violent imagery for subjugation?
Where else does this word appear in the Bible?
How is mevusah different from general suffering?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Isaiah 3 verses
that sends ambassadors by the sea, even in vessels of papyrus on the waters, saying, “Go, you swift messengers, to a…
Isaiah 18:7In that time, a present will be brought to Yahweh of Armies from a people tall and smooth, even from a people awesome…
Isaiah 22:5For it is a day of confusion, and of treading down, and of perplexity from the Lord, Yahweh of Armies, in the valley of…