מַצָּה (mats.tsah)
mats.tsah
strife
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun matsah describes a state of active conflict or heated dispute. It is not merely a difference of opinion but implies a noisy, contentious struggle between parties. The word appears in only three verses in the Old Testament, giving it a concentrated impact wherever it occurs.
In Proverbs 20:3 and 28:25, matsah is presented as something to be avoided, contrasting sharply with the wisdom of keeping quiet or trusting in the Lord. Isaiah 59:7-8 uses the term to depict the chaotic results of wickedness, where paths are marked by destruction and the way of peace is unknown because strife has taken hold.
Translators typically render matsah as "strife" or "contention," capturing its sense of mutual antagonism. The word highlights how conflict disrupts community and spiritual clarity, serving as a warning against the divisive behaviors that fracture relationships and obscure justice.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word matsah describes a heated dispute that goes beyond simple disagreement. It is an active, noisy conflict where mutual antagonism takes hold. When this spirit enters our interactions, it disrupts community and obscures the clarity needed for justice and peace.
Scripture warns us against loving this kind of division. In Proverbs 17:19, we see that seeking out such contention is linked to self-destruction. Instead of fueling arguments, wisdom calls us to humility and listening. We are invited to choose paths that build up rather than tear down.
May you find peace in avoiding these destructive patterns. Trust that God’s way leads to harmony, not chaos. Let your words bring healing instead of strife.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- contention2×
- and/ contention1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַצָּ֑ה2×
- וּ/מַצָּה֙1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 17:19
He who loves disobedience loves strife. One who builds a high gate seeks destruction.
This verse directly links the love of strife with seeking one's own destruction, showing how divisive behavior undermines personal stability.
-
Isaiah 58:4
Behold, you fast for strife and contention, and to strike with the fist of wickedness. You don’t fast today so as to make your voice to be heard on high.
Here the word contrasts empty religious ritual with genuine righteousness, showing that God rejects fasting accompanied by selfish conflict.
-
Proverbs 13:10
Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is with people who take advice.
Although using a related concept, this verse highlights how pride breeds the very quarrels that wisdom seeks to avoid.