מַסְמֵר (mas.mer)
mas.mer
nail
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun masmer refers to a metal nail, specifically the heavy iron spikes used in ancient construction and carpentry. Unlike modern wire nails, these were substantial fasteners capable of holding timber together with significant force. The word appears only four times in the Hebrew Bible, appearing in contexts that emphasize permanence and structural integrity rather than decorative craft.
In two instances within 2 Chronicles (3:4-5), masmer describes the large gold nails securing the temple’s inner sanctum, highlighting the durability of Solomon’s building. In Jeremiah 10:4, it is used to illustrate the futility of idolatry, where a wooden statue is secured with nails and silver chains so it will not topple over. Isaiah 33:20 also references these sturdy fasteners when describing the stability of Jerusalem’s tents.
The term carries a sense of fixed security. It does not imply temporary joining but rather a permanent attachment that resists movement or collapse. This concrete image serves as a metaphor for steadfastness, contrasting the immovability of God’s dwelling place with the fragile nature of human-made idols.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word masmer refers to a heavy iron nail used in ancient construction. These were not small fasteners but substantial spikes capable of holding timber together with great force. In the Bible, this term appears only four times, always pointing to permanence and structural integrity rather than decorative craft.
In 2 Chronicles, we see gold nails securing Solomon’s temple, symbolizing the enduring nature of God’s dwelling place. Conversely, Jeremiah uses the image of a wooden idol fastened with nails to show how fragile human-made gods truly are—they need our help to stand upright. This contrast reminds us that while idols require constant support, God’s presence is immovable and secure.
For your faith, this word offers comfort in times of instability. Just as these heavy nails held ancient structures against collapse, God’s promises provide a fixed security for your life. You can rest in the knowledge that what He builds will not totter or fall away, offering you a solid foundation amidst changing circumstances.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- with/ nails2×
- of/ nails1×
- for the/ nails1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לַֽ/מִּסְמְרִ֞ים1×
- לְ/מִסְמְר֥וֹת1×
- בְּ/מַסְמְר֧וֹת1×
- בְ/מַסְמְרִ֖ים1×
Key Verses
-
II Chronicles 3:9
The weight of the nails was fifty shekels of gold. He overlaid the upper rooms with gold.
This verse highlights the immense value placed on the temple's permanence, using fifty shekels of gold for nails to signify that God's dwelling is established forever.
-
Jeremiah 10:4
They deck it with silver and with gold. They fasten it with nails and with hammers, so that it can’t move.
Here the nail illustrates the futility of idolatry, as the statue must be fastened with nails and hammers just to keep it from falling over.
-
Isaiah 41:7
So the carpenter encourages the goldsmith. He who smooths with the hammer encourages him who strikes the anvil, saying of the soldering, “It is good;” and he fastens it with nails, that it might not totter.
The carpenter and goldsmith fasten their work with nails so that the idol might not totter, reinforcing the theme of artificial stability versus divine power.