מָצוֹק (ma.tsoq)
ma.tsoq
distress
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun matsuq describes a state of tight constraint or severe pressure, often translated as "distress" or "straits." It conveys the physical and emotional sensation of being squeezed from all sides, leaving little room to breathe or act. This is not merely mild inconvenience but a crisis point where freedom is restricted by external forces.
Its usage in Scripture highlights moments of acute vulnerability. In Deuteronomy 28:53, it describes the horrific siege conditions where people are so trapped they consider cannibalism, illustrating the word's association with extreme survival pressure. Similarly, in Psalms 118:5 and 119:143, the psalmist cries out from these "straits," portraying a personal crisis where God’s help is the only way out.
The root idea relates to narrowing or constricting. Unlike words for general sadness, matsuq implies an active force pressing in on the individual. Translators often render it as "distress" to capture this sense of being caught in a difficult situation from which deliverance is urgently needed.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word matsuq paints a picture of being tightly squeezed, where pressure comes from every side until there is no room to breathe or act. It describes a crisis point where freedom is restricted by forces beyond our control. This is not simple inconvenience but a severe constriction that leaves us feeling trapped and vulnerable.
When we encounter such tightness in life, the biblical narrative reminds us that help is available even when escape seems impossible. The psalmist cried out from these very straits, finding comfort not in the absence of pressure but in the presence of God’s commandments. This word invites us to bring our most constrained moments into the light of prayer.
Whether facing external opposition or internal anxiety, we are never alone in the squeeze. Scripture shows that this feeling of being overwhelmed is a known human experience met with divine compassion. We can trust that God sees the tightness we feel and offers a way forward through faith.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ in/ [the] distress4×
- distress1×
- and/ anguish1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/בְ/מָצ֔וֹק4×
- מָצ֜וֹק1×
- וּ/מָצ֥וֹק1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 119:143
Trouble and anguish have taken hold of me. Your commandments are my delight.
The psalmist contrasts the immediate pressure of anguish with the enduring delight found in God's instructions.
-
I Samuel 22:2
Everyone who was in distress, everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered themselves to him; and he became captain over them. There were with him about four hundred men.
This verse shows how those in distress often gather together, finding a leader among their shared struggles.
-
Deuteronomy 28:53
You will eat the fruit of your own body, the flesh of your sons and of your daughters, whom Yahweh your God has given you, in the siege and in the distress with which your enemies will distress you.
The term describes the extreme siege conditions that lead to horrific survival choices, highlighting the depth of human vulnerability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word matsuq mean?
How is matsuq different from general sadness?
Where does this word appear in Scripture?
Every Occurrence (6 verses across 4 books)
Deuteronomy 3 verses
You will eat the fruit of your own body, the flesh of your sons and of your daughters, whom Yahweh your God has given…
Deuteronomy 28:55so that he will not give to any of them of the flesh of his children whom he will eat, because he has nothing left to…
Deuteronomy 28:57toward her young one who comes out from between her feet, and toward her children whom she bears; for she will eat them…