מָצוֹר (ma.tsor)
ma.tsor
Egypt
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The word matsor is a poetic variant for Egypt, standing alongside the more common Mitsrayim in the Hebrew Bible. It appears only four times, primarily within the prophetic books of Isaiah and Micah, as well as in II Kings. While standard translations often render it simply as "Egypt," the term carries a distinct nuance derived from its root meaning.
Etymologically, matsor relates to concepts of siege or entrenchment. This linguistic choice is not accidental; it reflects how the prophets viewed this powerful neighbor. By using a name that evokes fortification and blockade, the text highlights Egypt’s role as a military stronghold or a place of refuge under threat, rather than just a geographical location.
Translators must decide whether to preserve this specific imagery or stick to the standard national name. When matsor appears in Isaiah 19:6, for instance, it underscores the vulnerability of Egypt’s defenses. The word serves as a literary marker, signaling that the passage is using elevated, poetic language to describe the nation’s political and military reality.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name matsor for Egypt carries a heavy weight in Scripture. Unlike the standard term for the country, this word evokes images of siege walls and fortified strongholds. It reminds us that nations often rely on their military power or political alliances as their ultimate safety.
Yet the biblical narrative consistently shows that such defenses are fragile. When God speaks through the prophets, He demonstrates that no wall is high enough to block His sovereignty. This word invites us to examine where we place our trust, reminding us that human strength is temporary and often insufficient.
Instead of leaning on our own fortifications, we find a more secure hope in God’s faithfulness. The Scriptures encourage us to look beyond the visible barriers of this world and rest in the one who holds history in His hands.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Egypt5×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מָצֽוֹר\׃2×
- מָצ֑וֹר2×
- מָצוֹר֙1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 19:6
The rivers will become foul. The streams of Egypt will be diminished and dried up. The reeds and flags will wither away.
This verse uses the word to highlight the vulnerability of Egypt's natural defenses, showing that even its strongest resources can be dried up by divine judgment.
-
II Kings 19:24
I have dug and drunk strange waters, and I will dry up all the rivers of Egypt with the sole of my feet.”
The Assyrian king uses this term to boast about his power over Egypt’s fortified cities, illustrating how nations often view military strength as their primary security.
-
Isaiah 37:25
I have dug and drunk water, and with the sole of my feet I will dry up all the rivers of Egypt.”
Here the word appears in a parallel passage to II Kings, reinforcing the theme that human arrogance against God relies on false securities that will ultimately fail.