מַעֲמָסָה (ma.a.ma.sah)
ma.a.ma.sah
burden
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun maʿămāsâ refers to a heavy load or physical burden. It appears only once in the Old Testament, found in Zechariah 12:3. In this specific context, Jerusalem is described as becoming a "heavy burden" for all the surrounding peoples.
This usage highlights the intense weight and difficulty associated with opposing God’s city. The term conveys a sense of oppressive pressure that becomes too much to bear, illustrating how divine protection can create a formidable obstacle for those who seek harm against it.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word maʿămāsâ describes a heavy load that presses down on those who try to carry it. In Zechariah’s prophecy, Jerusalem itself becomes this burden for the nations surrounding it. This image reminds us that opposing God’s purposes is not just difficult; it is exhausting and ultimately self-defeating.
For your faith, this offers a quiet comfort. When you face opposition or feel weighed down by spiritual battles, remember that the Lord protects what belongs to Him. You do not need to fight every battle alone. His presence can turn a heavy stone into a source of strength for those who trust in Him.
This promise encourages us to rest in God’s sovereignty. Instead of striving to control outcomes or defend ourselves against every attack, we can rely on the Lord’s power. He handles the weight that is too great for human shoulders, allowing His people to walk in peace and confidence.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- burden1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַֽעֲמָסָה֙1×
Key Verses
-
Zechariah 12:3
It will happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all the peoples. All who burden themselves with it will be severely wounded, and all the nations of the earth will be gathered together against it.
This verse uses maʿămāsâ to show how divine protection turns Jerusalem into an unbearable weight for any enemy who tries to attack it.