מָזֶה (ma.zeh)
ma.zeh
empty
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The adjective māzeh describes something that has been completely emptied or exhausted. Its core meaning derives from the idea of being "sucked out," suggesting a state of total depletion where nothing remains. In biblical usage, it conveys a sense of thorough consumption, leaving the subject hollow and void.
This word appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Deuteronomy 32:24. There, it modifies "famine" as one of the disasters that will befall Israel if they break their covenant with God. The choice of this specific term emphasizes the severity of the starvation; it is not merely a lack of food, but a famine so intense that it drains life and strength entirely.
The rarity of māzeh highlights its intensity. By using a word rooted in the image of being sucked dry, the text paints a vivid picture of absolute scarcity. It serves as a stark warning of the physical and spiritual emptiness that results from turning away from divine provision.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word māzeh appears just once in Scripture, describing a famine so severe it leaves people completely hollowed out. In Deuteronomy 32:24, it paints a stark picture of total depletion, where hunger drains every ounce of strength from the body. This vivid imagery reminds us that our physical needs are real and that God sees the depth of human suffering.
While this word carries a heavy warning about the consequences of turning away from God, it also highlights our absolute dependence on Him for sustenance. When we feel spiritually or physically empty, we are reminded that true fullness comes only from His provision. This rare term invites us to trust in His care, knowing that He is the source of all life and strength.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [people] weakened of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מְזֵ֥י1×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 32:24
They shall be wasted with hunger, and devoured with burning heat and bitter destruction. I will send the teeth of animals on them, with the venom of vipers that glide in the dust.
This verse uses māzeh to describe a famine so intense it completely drains life and strength, emphasizing the severity of covenant consequences.