מַסְלוּל (mas.lul)
mas.lul
highway
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun maslul refers to a highway or a well-trodden path, appearing only once in the Hebrew Bible at Isaiah 35:8. In this context, it describes a specific route that will be called "the Way of Holiness," a road where the unclean cannot travel and fools cannot go astray.
Its meaning is grounded in the idea of a marked or established track rather than a mere open space. The word implies a path that has been cleared, defined, and made safe for travel. Isaiah uses this concrete image to promise that God will prepare a secure and direct route for His redeemed people to return from exile.
This single usage carries significant theological weight by linking physical infrastructure with spiritual reality. The highway is not just a road for walking; it is a symbol of divine intervention that removes obstacles and ensures the journey home is safe and holy. Translators typically render it as "highway" or "way," preserving the sense of a designated, purposeful path.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
In Isaiah 35:8, we find a striking image of a highway called "The Holy Way." This was not just any road; it was a cleared, secure path prepared by God for His people to return from exile. The text assures us that the unclean cannot travel this route, nor can wicked fools go astray upon it. It is a place of safety and direction, set apart for those who walk with God.
For your faith life, this word reminds you that God often prepares the way before you even take the first step. When life feels chaotic or uncertain, remember that He establishes paths of holiness and peace. You are invited to trust in His provision, knowing that He clears obstacles and guides your steps toward restoration and hope.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a highway1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַסְל֣וּל1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 35:8
A highway will be there, a road, and it will be called “The Holy Way”. The unclean shall not pass over it, but it will be for those who walk in the Way. Wicked fools shall not go there.
This verse defines the highway as "The Holy Way," a secure route where the unclean cannot pass, symbolizing God's protective preparation for His redeemed people.