מוֹעֵצָה (mo.e.tsah)
mo.e.tsah
counsel
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun moetsah refers to a plan, scheme, or piece of advice that has been carefully considered. It appears in only five verses of the Old Testament, primarily within the wisdom literature of Proverbs and the prophetic warnings of Jeremiah and Micah. In these contexts, it represents the outcome of deliberation—a concrete course of action derived from thoughtful discussion.
Its usage often carries a negative connotation when applied to human schemes opposed to God’s will. For instance, Jeremiah 6:19 describes the people who “delighted in their counsels,” referring to their stubborn adherence to their own plans rather than listening to divine instruction. Similarly, Micah 2:1 condemns those who plot evil on their beds, highlighting how moetsah can signify a calculated, self-serving agenda.
The word is rooted in the verb yatsa, which means to go out or come forth, suggesting that counsel is something that emerges from the mind. Translators typically render it as “counsel” or “plan,” emphasizing that it is not merely a fleeting thought but a structured intention. This distinction is crucial in Proverbs, where the contrast lies between wise counsel that leads to life and foolish schemes that lead to ruin.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word moetsah describes a plan or scheme that has been carefully considered. It is not just a passing thought, but a concrete course of action derived from deliberate discussion. In the Old Testament, this term often carries a warning about human plans that stand in opposition to God’s will. When people rely solely on their own wisdom, they may find themselves trapped by the consequences of their choices.
Scripture invites us to seek guidance that aligns with divine truth rather than stubborn self-interest. Proverbs reminds us that wise counsel leads to life, while foolish schemes lead to ruin. By opening our hearts to God’s instruction, we can avoid the pitfalls of pride and find direction that brings peace. This perspective encourages humility and a willingness to listen beyond our own limited understanding.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- in/ schemes/ their1×
- in/ counsels1×
- from/ schemes/ their1×
- and/ from/ own schemes/ their1×
- <in>/ counsels1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִֽ/מֹּעֲצ֖וֹתֵי/הֶֽם\׃1×
- וּֽ/מִ/מֹּעֲצֹ֖תֵי/הֶ֣ם1×
- בְּ/מֹֽעֲצוֹתָ֑/ם1×
- בְּ/מֹ֣עֵצ֔וֹת1×
- בְּ/מ֖וֹעֵצֹ֣ת1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 1:31
Therefore they will eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own schemes.
This verse shows the direct consequence of following one's own plans, illustrating how self-reliance leads to suffering.
-
Jeremiah 7:24
But they didn’t listen or turn their ear, but walked in their own counsels and in the stubbornness of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward.
Here the term highlights the stubborn refusal to listen to God, showing how independent counsel leads people away from His path.
-
Micah 6:16
For the statutes of Omri are kept, and all the works of Ahab’s house. You walk in their counsels, that I may make you a ruin, and your inhabitants a hissing. You will bear the reproach of my people.”
The prophet links this word to the corrupt practices of past kings, demonstrating how shared evil plans bring national judgment.