מַשְׂרֵת (mas.ret)
mas.ret
pan
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun masret refers to a cooking vessel, specifically a pan or shallow dish used for frying. In the Hebrew Bible, this term appears only once, in 2 Samuel 13:9, where it describes the utensil Tamar uses to prepare food for her brother Amnon.
This rare word highlights the domestic setting of the narrative. Unlike deeper pots for boiling, a masret suggests a flat surface for cooking, such as pancakes or cakes, which aligns with the text’s mention of dough being kneaded and cooked on it. The specificity of the object grounds the story in tangible daily life.
Its solitary occurrence makes it a unique lexical marker in Scripture. Translators typically render it as "pan" to convey the immediate, physical reality of the scene. The word serves as a concrete detail that underscores the intimacy and tragedy of the moment, where ordinary kitchen tools become part of a devastating plot.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word masret appears only once in Scripture, grounding a tragic story in the mundane reality of a kitchen pan. In 2 Samuel 13:9, Tamar uses this shallow dish to prepare food for Amnon, unaware that her act of care will lead to violence. This single detail reminds us that God sees the ordinary moments of our lives, even when they are filled with pain or deception.
When we face difficult seasons, it can feel as though our daily routines are disconnected from God’s larger purposes. Yet this rare word shows that He is present in the smallest acts of service and suffering. We do not need grand gestures to be seen by Him; He notices the bread on the table and the tears in the dark.
May you find comfort in knowing that your faithful, quiet efforts are known to God. Even when circumstances seem unjust or confusing, His presence remains steady. You are held in His care, not because of your strength, but because of His enduring love.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ pan1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/מַּשְׂרֵת֙1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 13:9
She took the pan and poured them out before him, but he refused to eat. Amnon said, “Have all men leave me.” Then every man went out from him.
This is the only occurrence of the word, highlighting how a common household object becomes central to a moment of profound betrayal and tragedy.