מַשֶּׁה (mash.sheh)
mash.sheh
loan
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun mashsheh refers specifically to a financial loan or debt. It appears only once in the Old Testament, in Deuteronomy 15:2, where it is used in the construct state as part of a legal instruction regarding economic justice.
In this single occurrence, the word describes money or goods lent to a fellow Israelite. The context highlights a unique provision for the seventh year, known as the Sabbatical year, during which such loans were to be released or forgiven. This usage underscores a theological commitment to preventing permanent poverty within the community by periodically resetting economic burdens.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word mashsheh describes a loan or debt, appearing uniquely in Deuteronomy 15:2. This verse outlines a specific economic justice measure for ancient Israel, requiring creditors to release what was lent to their neighbors during the Sabbatical year. It reflects a divine commitment to preventing permanent poverty and ensuring that community bonds are not broken by financial burdens.
For your faith today, this concept reminds us that resources are held in trust. Just as debts were forgiven to restore balance, we are called to practice generosity and release our own claims when appropriate. This word invites reflection on how we manage what we have been given, encouraging a spirit of freedom rather than rigid entitlement.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] loan of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַשֵּׁ֣ה1×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 15:2
This is the way it shall be done: every creditor shall release that which he has lent to his neighbor. He shall not require payment from his neighbor and his brother, because Yahweh’s release has been proclaimed.
This verse uses mashsheh to define the specific obligation of releasing loans during the Sabbatical year, highlighting the word's role in economic justice.