מַס (mas)
mas
taskworker
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 20 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun mas refers to a body of forced laborers or a gang of taskworkers, rather than just an abstract tax. In the Old Testament it describes groups of people conscripted for heavy service, such as the Israelite slaves in Egypt (Exodus 1:11) or the Canaanite populations kept as serfs under Solomon’s administration (1 Kings 9:21). The word captures both the workers themselves and the system of servitude they endured.
Its meaning shifts slightly depending on context, covering everything from the physical labor band to the tribute or levy imposed upon them. This distinction appears in passages where conquered peoples are made tributaries (Judges 1:28) versus those describing the officials who supervised these forced labor gangs (1 Kings 4:6). The term carries a heavy weight of oppression, highlighting the burden placed on communities by imperial power.
Etymologically, some scholars link mas to a root meaning to melt or faint, suggesting a tax that drains strength. Others argue it derives from a word for counting or toll, emphasizing the systematic nature of the levy. Regardless of origin, the text consistently portrays mas as a dehumanizing institution, reducing free people to instruments of state building and royal prestige.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word mas describes more than just a tax; it refers to forced laborers or a system of conscription that strips individuals of their freedom. In the Old Testament, this term appears in stories where powerful kings, like Solomon or Pharaoh, impose heavy burdens on people to build cities and temples. It reminds us of the pain caused when human beings are treated as tools for state projects rather than as image-bearers of God.
Yet this word also highlights God’s protection of His people from such oppression. When Israel faced enemies who tried to enslave them, God often intervened to preserve their liberty. For believers today, this serves as a reminder that our worth comes from being freely loved by God, not from what we produce for others. We are called to serve out of love, not fear or coercion.
This understanding invites us to reflect on how we treat those who work for us. Whether in business, church, or family life, we can choose to honor the dignity of others. Instead of demanding service, we can offer respect and fair treatment, reflecting the freedom Christ gives us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 20 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- <into>/ forced labor8×
- the/ forced labor5×
- to/ forced labor of1×
- to/ forced labor1×
- slave gangs1×
- into/ forced labor1×
- a tax1×
- <into>/ forced labor of1×
- <into>/ a slave gang of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לָ/מַֽס\׃\ \ס3×
- לְ/מַס\־3×
- לָ/מַֽס\׃2×
- לָ/מַ֑ס2×
- הַ/מַּ֔ס2×
- מַ֛ס1×
- מִסִּ֔ים1×
- לָ/מַ֥ס1×
- לָ/מַ֖ס1×
- לְ/מַ֔ס1×
- הַ/מַּֽס\׃\ \ס1×
- הַ/מַּ֜ס1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 1:11
Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with their burdens. They built storage cities for Pharaoh: Pithom and Raamses.
This verse introduces the concept of mas as a tool of oppression used by Pharaoh to control the Israelites through forced labor.
-
I Kings 9:15
This is the reason of the forced labor which King Solomon conscripted: to build Yahweh’s house, his own house, Millo, Jerusalem’s wall, Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer.
Here, Solomon uses conscripted laborers to build key structures, showing how mas supported royal prestige and religious projects.
-
I Kings 12:18
Then King Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the men subject to forced labor; and all Israel stoned him to death with stones. King Rehoboam hurried to get himself up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem.
The stoning of Adoram, the official over forced laborers, illustrates the deep resentment this system caused among the people.