מַעֲשֶׂה (ma.a.seh)
ma.a.seh
deed: work
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 202 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun maaseh refers broadly to an action, deed, or the resulting product of that action. Derived from the verb asah, meaning "to do" or "to make," it bridges the gap between human activity and tangible outcome. The sources indicate it can describe a simple transaction, such as asking someone what their occupation is (Genesis 47:3), or a specific act like the preparation of food (Genesis 40:17).
Its range extends to significant divine acts, particularly those involving deliverance and judgment. In Exodus, it frequently describes the physical construction of the Tabernacle, detailing the intricate workmanship of fabrics and metals (Exodus 26-39). It also appears in poetic contexts to praise God’s mighty deeds, such as the plagues or the creation itself, emphasizing that these are not just events but established realities with lasting impact.
A notable feature of maaseh is its capacity to denote both the process and the finished object. Whether referring to the labor of building or the completed structure, the word highlights the connection between intention and execution. This duality allows it to cover everything from daily business pursuits to the solemn "works" of God that inspire awe in the Psalms.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word maaseh bridges the gap between intention and execution, covering both the act of doing and the tangible result. When you read about God’s maaseh in Scripture, it reminds us that His actions leave a lasting mark on history. From the creation of the world to specific acts of deliverance, these deeds are not fleeting events but established realities that shape our understanding of who He is.
For your daily life, this word offers a gentle perspective on your own efforts. Whether you are engaged in skilled craftsmanship or simple labor, your work has value because it reflects the image of a Creator who brings order and beauty from raw materials. Like the intricate tabernacle described in Exodus, your faithful contributions, however small they may seem, become part of something greater when offered with a willing heart.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 202 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] work of57×
- a work of9×
- works/ your7×
- works/ his7×
- deeds/ their7×
- and/ [the] work of7×
- the/ work6×
- work/ his5×
- by/ [the] work of5×
- [the] works of5×
- work<s>/ your4×
- according to/ [the] deed[s] of4×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה31×
- מַעֲשֵׂ֥ה24×
- מַעֲשֵׂ֖ה15×
- מַעֲשֶׂ֑י/ךָ5×
- מַעֲשֵׂ֤ה5×
- כְּ/מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה5×
- מַעֲשֵׂ֣י4×
- כְּ/מַעֲשֵׂ֥ה4×
- מַעֲשֶׂ֤ה3×
- מַעֲשֶׂ֔י/ךָ3×
- מַעֲשֵֽׂ/הוּ\׃3×
- הַֽ/מַּעֲשֶׂ֔ה3×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 5:29
He named him Noah, saying, “This one will comfort us in our work and in the toil of our hands, caused by the ground which Yahweh has cursed.”
This verse uses maaseh to describe the physical toil resulting from the cursed ground, highlighting how human labor is often tied to struggle and survival.
-
Exodus 26:1
“Moreover you shall make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, with cherubim. You shall make them with the work of a skillful workman.
Here the term specifies the skilled craftsmanship required for the tabernacle curtains, showing that maaseh can denote high-level artistic workmanship.
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Exodus 23:12
“Six days you shall do your work, and on the seventh day you shall rest, that your ox and your donkey may have rest, and the son of your servant, and the alien may be refreshed.
The command to rest on the seventh day applies to all who perform this work, linking human labor directly to the rhythm of divine creation.
-
Genesis 47:3
Pharaoh said to his brothers, “What is your occupation?” They said to Pharaoh, “Your servants are shepherds, both we, and our fathers.”
Pharaoh asks about their occupation, using maaseh to refer to one's profession or daily business pursuit in a social context.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the basic meaning of maaseh?
How is maaseh different from melakah?
Does maaseh only refer to human activity?
Every Occurrence (202 verses across 29 books)
Genesis 6 verses
He named him Noah, saying, “This one will comfort us in our work and in the toil of our hands, caused by the ground…
Genesis 20:9Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said to him, “What have you done to us? How have I sinned against you, that you have…
Genesis 40:17In the uppermost basket there were all kinds of baked food for Pharaoh, and the birds ate them out of the basket on my…
Genesis 44:15Joseph said to them, “What deed is this that you have done? Don’t you know that such a man as I can indeed do…
Genesis 46:33It will happen, when Pharaoh summons you, and will say, ‘What is your occupation?’
Genesis 47:3Pharaoh said to his brothers, “What is your occupation?” They said to Pharaoh, “Your servants are shepherds, both we,…