מַשָּׁק (mash.shaq)
mash.shaq
rushing
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 mashshaq describes the act of running or rushing forward. It appears only once in the Old Testament, found in Isaiah 33:4. In this specific context, it is used to depict the swift movement of plunder being carried away.
Its meaning centers on rapid motion and haste. The word conveys a sense of urgency, capturing the energy of something or someone moving quickly from one place to another. This singular usage highlights how speed can be associated with the transfer of goods during times of conflict.
Translators typically render mashshaq as "running" or "rushing" to preserve this dynamic quality. The rarity of the term makes its single occurrence in Isaiah particularly significant, offering a vivid snapshot of chaotic activity where resources are hastily moved.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word mashshaq paints a vivid picture of sudden, urgent movement. In Isaiah 33:4, it describes how plunder is gathered with the speed of a swarm of locusts. This imagery captures the chaos and haste of conflict, where resources are snatched away in a flash. It reminds us that worldly gains can be fleeting, appearing quickly but disappearing just as fast.
For your faith, this word offers a gentle perspective on what truly lasts. When life feels like it is rushing by or when circumstances change unexpectedly, remember that material things do not have the power to hold steady. Your hope does not rest in accumulating possessions or securing temporary advantages.
Instead, find your stability in God’s enduring promises. While the world may seem to move with frantic energy, you are invited to rest in His unchanging nature. This brief glimpse into ancient Hebrew helps us see through the noise of daily urgency to the peace that only Christ provides.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- like/ [the] rushing of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כְּ/מַשַּׁ֥ק1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 33:4
Your plunder will be gathered as the caterpillar gathers. Men will leap on it as locusts leap.
The term describes the rapid, chaotic gathering of plunder, likening it to the swift movement of locusts to emphasize the fleeting nature of worldly wealth.