מַשּׂוֹר (mas.s.vor)
mas.s.vor
saw
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun mas.s.vor refers to a saw, appearing only once in the Hebrew Bible at Isaiah 10:15. In this context, it serves as a concrete image for human arrogance and the absurdity of attributing divine power to an ordinary tool.
Isaiah uses the metaphor to question whether a saw can lift itself above the hand that wields it. The passage highlights that instruments like the saw are merely extensions of human agency; they possess no independent will or authority. By comparing Assyria’s pride to a saw boasting against its user, the text underscores that true power belongs to God alone, while human might is derivative and limited.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word mas.s.vor, meaning saw, appears just once in Scripture at Isaiah 10:15. It paints a vivid picture of a tool boasting against the hand that uses it. This image reminds us that our abilities and positions are not our own to claim as personal glory.
When we feel proud of what we have achieved, this verse invites us to pause. Just as a saw cannot lift itself, we do not generate our own strength or success. Recognizing this brings relief, for it means we do not carry the heavy burden of proving our worth through our own efforts alone.
Instead of striving to elevate ourselves, we can rest in the truth that God is the one who guides and uses us. This perspective shifts our focus from self-promotion to faithful service, allowing us to find peace in being part of His larger plan.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ saw1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/מַּשּׂוֹר֙1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 10:15
Should an ax brag against him who chops with it? Should a saw exalt itself above him who saws with it? As if a rod should lift those who lift it up, or as if a staff should lift up someone who is not wood.
This verse uses the saw as a metaphor to expose the absurdity of pride, showing that instruments have no independent power apart from their user.