מַשָּׂאָה (mas.sa.ah)
mas.sa.ah
smoke
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun massah appears only once in the Bible, in Isaiah 30:27, where it describes a "smoke" or "uplifted cloud." The word derives from a root meaning to lift up, so it literally refers to something that has been raised high. In this specific context, it depicts the smoke rising from God’s anger.
This single occurrence gives the word a unique theological weight. Isaiah uses it to illustrate how divine judgment is visible and overwhelming, like thick smoke billowing into the sky. The image connects God’s wrath with a physical phenomenon that cannot be ignored, emphasizing the seriousness of His response to rebellion.
Because massah is so rare, it stands out as a vivid metaphor rather than a common term for smoke. Translators often render it simply as "smoke," but the underlying sense of being lifted up adds depth to the picture. It suggests that God’s anger is not hidden but displayed prominently for all to see.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word massah appears only once in Scripture, found in Isaiah 30:27. It describes smoke rising from God’s anger. This rare term paints a vivid picture of divine judgment that cannot be ignored. The image of thick smoke billowing into the sky shows that God’s response to rebellion is visible and overwhelming.
For your faith, this word reminds us that God takes sin seriously. He does not hide His displeasure with wrongdoing. Instead, He reveals it clearly, like smoke rising high. This visibility calls us to repentance and humility. It invites us to turn back to Him while there is still time.
Though the image is striking, it also points to God’s holiness. His anger against evil is real and powerful. Yet, this truth is meant to lead us closer to Him, not drive us away. We can trust that He is just and that His ways are right. May this understanding deepen your reverence for His character.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- lifting up1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַשָּׂאָ֑ה1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 30:27
Behold, Yahweh’s name comes from far away, burning with his anger, and in thick rising smoke. His lips are full of indignation. His tongue is as a devouring fire.
This verse uniquely uses massah to depict God's anger as thick, rising smoke, emphasizing the visible and overwhelming nature of divine judgment.