מַחֲשָׁבָה (ma.cha.sha.vah)
ma.cha.sha.vah
plot
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 47 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun machashavah refers to a thought, plan, or device. It describes the internal process of planning as well as the resulting scheme or invention. The word covers both abstract intentions and concrete creations, such as the skilled craftsmanship described in Exodus 31:4.
Its meaning shifts with context. In Proverbs, it often highlights the value of wise counsel, as seen when Proverbs 15:22 notes that plans succeed through many advisers. Conversely, Jeremiah uses it to depict human schemes against God, such as the plots of those seeking Jeremiah’s life in Jeremiah 18:18.
A key distinction appears in Isaiah 55:8-9, where God contrasts His machashavot with human thoughts. This usage emphasizes that divine purposes operate on a higher level than human reasoning. The word captures the full scope of mental activity, from simple calculation to complex strategic design.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we face difficult decisions, it is natural to rely on our own reasoning. This Hebrew word describes those internal plans and schemes we form in our minds. It reminds us that every intention begins as a thought before it becomes an action. We often carry heavy burdens when trying to figure out the best path forward.
Scripture offers a gentle perspective on this human tendency. While we devise our strategies, God sees the heart behind them. Some plans lead to wisdom and success, while others may cause harm. The Bible invites us to bring our intentions before Him rather than carrying them alone. This brings peace when outcomes feel uncertain.
There is comfort in knowing that divine purposes operate on a higher level than human reasoning. When our own understanding falls short, we can trust that God’s plans are steady and enduring. This word encourages us to seek guidance and to rest in the belief that our steps are ordered by a loving Creator who cares about our inner lives.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 47 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- plans7×
- [the] plans of7×
- [the] thoughts of5×
- designs3×
- plans/ their2×
- plans of2×
- plan/ his2×
- and/ purposes/ his2×
- thoughts/ your1×
- thoughts/ their1×
- thoughts/ my1×
- thoughts/ his1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַחְשְׁב֣וֹת9×
- מַחְשְׁב֥וֹת3×
- מַחְשְׁבֹתָ֖/ם2×
- מַ֭חֲשָׁבוֹת2×
- וּ/מַ֨חְשְׁבוֹתָ֔י/ו2×
- מַחֲשָׁבוֹת֒1×
- מַחֲשָׁבֽוֹת\׃1×
- מַחֲשָׁבֹֽת\׃1×
- מַחֲשָׁבֹ֑ת1×
- מַחֲשָׁבָֽה\׃1×
- מַחֲשָׁב֣וֹת1×
- מַחֲשָׁב֗וֹת1×
Key Verses
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Proverbs 16:3
Commit your deeds to Yahweh, and your plans shall succeed.
This verse directly connects committing one's deeds to Yahweh with the success of personal plans, highlighting divine partnership in daily decision-making.
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Psalms 33:11
The counsel of Yahweh stands fast forever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.
It contrasts human uncertainty with the eternal stability of God's own thoughts, providing a foundation for trust when human plans seem fragile.
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Esther 8:5
She said, “If it pleases the king, and if I have found favor in his sight, and the thing seems right to the king, and I am pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews who are in all the king’s provinces.
Here the word describes Haman's wicked scheme, showing how this term applies to malicious intentions that require divine intervention to reverse.
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Proverbs 15:22
Where there is no counsel, plans fail; but in a multitude of counselors they are established.
It emphasizes the practical wisdom of seeking multiple advisers, suggesting that sound plans are rarely formed in isolation.