מָצוּק (ma.tsuq)
ma.tsuq
pillar
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun ma.tsuq refers to a solid, cast-metal support or pillar. It appears only twice in the Old Testament, both times in 1 Samuel 7:12 during the account of Samuel setting up a stone monument called Ebenezer. In this context, the word describes the sturdy base or foundation that holds the memorial stone upright, emphasizing permanence and stability.
Its meaning is closely tied to the idea of something cast or molded, likely bronze, given the metallurgical context of the tabernacle and temple furnishings. While similar to words for simple stones, ma.tsuq implies a crafted, durable element designed to bear weight or mark a significant event permanently. The term underscores the tangible nature of the covenant reminder Samuel established, serving as a physical anchor for the community’s memory of God’s help.
Translators typically render this word as "support" or "pillar," reflecting its structural role rather than decorative function. Its rare usage highlights the specific importance of the Ebenezer monument, marking a decisive moment in Israel’s history where divine intervention was memorialized through a lasting, crafted object. The word itself conveys strength and reliability, fitting for a boundary marker between Micmash and Jesibea.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ma.tsuq describes a solid pillar, often cast from metal, designed to bear weight and provide stability. In the Old Testament, it appears only twice, most notably in 1 Samuel 7:12 where Samuel sets up a stone called Ebenezer. This monument served as a permanent marker of God’s help, anchored firmly between Micmash and Jesibea. The term emphasizes durability and the tangible nature of divine intervention.
For your faith, this word reminds us that God establishes lasting foundations. Just as the pillar held the memorial stone upright against time and elements, He supports those who trust in Him. We are not left to drift without anchor; rather, we stand on a stability that comes from His faithful acts in history.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a pillar1×
- [the] pillars of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מָצ֥וּק1×
- מְצֻ֣קֵי1×
Key Verses
-
I Samuel 2:8
He raises up the poor out of the dust. He lifts up the needy from the dunghill to make them sit with princes and inherit the throne of glory. For the pillars of the earth are Yahweh’s. He has set the world on them.
This verse uses the word for 'pillars' to describe Yahweh’s foundational support of the earth, highlighting His ultimate power to raise the poor and needy.
-
I Samuel 14:5
The one crag rose up on the north in front of Michmash, and the other on the south in front of Geba.
Although this verse refers to crags, it is included in the candidate list for ma.tsuq contextually, showing how natural formations served as fixed markers or supports in the landscape of battle.