מָסַךְ (ma.sakh)
ma.sakh
to mix
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb masakh means to mix or mingle substances together. In the Old Testament, it appears only four times, primarily in poetic and wisdom literature such as Proverbs and Isaiah. The word describes the physical act of blending ingredients, often in the context of preparing drinks or perfumes.
Its most notable usage occurs in Proverbs 9:2, where Wisdom has "mixed" her wine to serve a feast. Here, masakh conveys the idea of producing something new through combination. Similarly, Isaiah 65:11 uses it for those who mix a drink for a god they do not worship, highlighting the artificial nature of idolatrous rituals.
The root sense is straightforward: combining distinct elements into a unified whole. Translators typically render it as "mix" or "mingle," capturing the tangible action without adding abstract theological layers. The word’s rarity makes each occurrence stand out, anchoring its meaning in concrete domestic or ritual practices rather than metaphorical speculation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word masakh describes the simple act of blending ingredients, such as mixing wine or spices. In Proverbs 9:2 and 9:5, Wisdom is portrayed as one who mixes her wine to prepare a feast for guests. This image suggests that true understanding often comes from combining different elements—knowledge, experience, and insight—into something nourishing and complete.
While the word itself refers to physical mixing, its presence in Isaiah 19:14 offers a sobering contrast. There, God mixes a spirit of confusion into Egypt, showing that not all combinations lead to clarity or life. This reminds us that the sources we allow into our minds and hearts matter deeply.
For your daily walk, this word invites you to consider what you are blending together in your own life. Are you mixing truth with error, or wisdom with distraction? The call is to seek the kind of mixture that leads to light and understanding, rather than confusion and darkness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- she has mixed1×
- he has mixed1×
- for/ mixing1×
- [which] I have mixed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מָסָֽכְתִּי\׃1×
- מָסַ֥ךְ1×
- מָסְכָ֣ה1×
- לִ/מְסֹ֥ךְ1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 9:2
She has prepared her meat. She has mixed her wine. She has also set her table.
This verse establishes Wisdom as an active host who prepares a feast, using masakh to show her intentional care in blending resources for guests.
-
Proverbs 9:5
“Come, eat some of my bread, Drink some of the wine which I have mixed!
Here the invitation is direct, linking the mixed wine to the act of drinking and receiving instruction, highlighting the hospitality of wisdom.
-
Isaiah 19:14
Yahweh has mixed a spirit of perverseness in the middle of her; and they have caused Egypt to go astray in all of its works, like a drunken man staggers in his vomit.
This occurrence shifts the tone entirely, showing God using the concept of mixing to introduce a spirit of perverseness that leads Egypt astray.