מַסָּח (mas.sach)
mas.sach
defense
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun mas.sach appears only once in the entire Old Testament, found in the account of Jehoiada’s coup in 2 Kings 11:6. Its precise meaning remains uncertain among scholars, with no consensus on its etymology or usage. The text describes soldiers stationed at the temple gates, but the exact nature of their duty is unclear.
Lexical sources offer two primary possibilities for this rare word. It may denote a "guard" or defensive position, emphasizing protection. Alternatively, it could mean "alternately" or "by turns," suggesting a rotating shift system. Both interpretations fit the context of organizing temple personnel during a political crisis.
This ambiguity highlights the challenges of translating ancient texts where vocabulary has fallen out of common use. Translators must choose between rendering it as a static guard post or a dynamic rotation schedule. The word serves as a reminder that some biblical terms resist definitive explanation, leaving room for scholarly debate rather than settled doctrine.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word mas.sach appears only once in the Old Testament, tucked into the tense narrative of 2 Kings 11:6. During a dangerous political crisis, Jehoiada organizes temple guards to protect the young king Joash. The text uses this rare term for those stationed at the gate, though scholars debate whether it means a physical barrier or a rotating shift of soldiers.
Even when we cannot pin down every ancient detail, the story remains clear: God provides protection for His people in times of fear. This single verse reminds us that safety often comes through community and careful planning, not just miracles. We can trust that God cares about the practical steps we take to stay secure.
When life feels unstable, remember that you are held by a faithful God who values both spiritual trust and wise action. You do not have to face every threat alone; there is strength in standing together under His care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- by turns1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַסָּֽח\׃1×
Key Verses
-
II Kings 11:6
a third of you shall be at the gate Sur; and a third of you at the gate behind the guard. So you shall keep the watch of the house, and be a barrier.
This verse uses the rare word for a guard or barrier, showing how physical protection was organized to safeguard the young king during a coup.