מַשָּׂא (mas.sa)
mas.sa
Massa
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Massa, meaning "burden," identifies one of the sons of Ishmael and his wife Nebaioth in Genesis 25:14. It also serves as a geographical designation for a realm or territory associated with this lineage. In the genealogical records, Massa appears alongside brothers like Kedar and Adbeel, marking him as part of the broader Arab tribal structure during the patriarchal era.
While the name appears primarily in Genesis, it resurfaces in Proverbs 30:1 within the superscription "The words of Agur son of Jakeh, an oracle (massa)." Here, the term shifts from a proper noun to a common noun meaning "oracle" or "burden," likely referring to the weighty nature of divine revelation. This dual usage highlights how biblical Hebrew repurposes names for literary and theological effects, connecting personal identity with prophetic responsibility.
Translators often render Massa as "oracle" in Proverbs to capture its sense of a heavy, significant message from God. The connection between the person and the term suggests that leadership or lineage in ancient Israel was sometimes viewed through the lens of carrying divine messages or burdens for the community.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Massa means burden or oracle, appearing in Genesis as a son of Ishmael and again in Proverbs as a weighty divine message. This dual meaning reminds us that God’s words carry substance and significance for our lives.
When we encounter Scripture described as a massa, it invites us to listen carefully. These are not light or casual statements but profound truths meant to shape our understanding of God and His will.
In daily life, this concept encourages us to treat biblical teachings with reverence. The weight of these messages calls for thoughtful reflection and faithful obedience in our journey with Christ.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Massa1×
- Massa1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַשָּׂ֖א1×
- וּ/מַשָּֽׂא\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 25:14
Mishma, Dumah, Massa,
This verse lists Massa as a son of Ishmael, establishing his place in the patriarchal genealogy.
-
I Chronicles 1:30
Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema,
Chronicles repeats this lineage, confirming Massa's identity within the broader tribal structure.