מַסַּד (mas.sad)
mas.sad
foundation
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun massad refers to a foundation, specifically the base or groundwork upon which a structure rests. In the Hebrew Bible, it denotes the physical lower part of a building that supports the walls above. Its meaning is concrete and structural, pointing to stability and the initial stage of construction.
This word appears only once in the Old Testament, in 1 Kings 5:17. The text describes Solomon’s builders cutting large, costly stones to serve as the massad for the temple. Here, it highlights the careful preparation and durable materials used in laying the groundwork for God’s house. The term emphasizes the importance of a solid start.
As a technical architectural term, massad underscores the value placed on permanence in biblical construction. Unlike words that might imply temporary shelters, this root suggests something intended to endure. Its single occurrence reminds readers that even brief mentions in Scripture can carry significant weight regarding the care taken in sacred projects.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word massad refers to the physical foundation of a building—the bedrock or prepared base that supports everything built above it. In 1 Kings 5:17, we see Solomon’s workers cutting large, costly stones specifically for this purpose. This detail shows that the Temple was not built on a whim, but with careful planning and enduring materials designed to last.
For your faith, this image reminds us that spiritual stability requires a solid start. Just as a house needs a strong base to withstand storms, our lives are strengthened when we build on what is permanent and true. The care taken in laying those stones reflects the value God places on things that endure beyond the temporary.
When you feel uncertain about the future, remember that a secure foundation provides peace. You do not need to carry the weight of everything alone; there is strength in resting on what has been firmly established. This assurance allows us to face each day with quiet confidence and hope.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ from/ [the] foundation1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/מִ/מַּסָּד֙1×
Key Verses
-
I Kings 7:9
All these were of costly stones, even of stone cut according to measure, sawed with saws, inside and outside, even from the foundation to the coping, and so on the outside to the great court.
This verse explicitly mentions the foundation, showing that the costly, sawn stones extended from the base all the way to the coping, ensuring structural integrity throughout the entire building.