מַחֲשָׁבָה
a contrivance, i.e. (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good
Definition
The Hebrew noun מַחֲשָׁבָה (machăshâbâh) primarily refers to a 'thought,' 'plan,' or 'device.' It encompasses both the concrete sense of a skilled design or invention, such as the intricate craftsmanship in the tabernacle (Exodus 31:4, 35:32-33), and the abstract sense of an intention or purpose formed in the mind. This intention can be morally neutral, evil, or good. For example, it describes humanity's evil thoughts before the Flood (Genesis 6:5), David's purpose to build the temple (1 Chronicles 28:9), and God's own sovereign plans that cannot be thwarted (2 Samuel 14:14).
Biblical Usage
מַחֲשָׁבָה appears 52 times across the Old Testament, from Genesis to the Prophets. In the Pentateuch, it is heavily used in Exodus to describe the skilled designs for the tabernacle's construction. In historical and wisdom literature, it frequently denotes human intentions, often evil plots (e.g., Jeremiah 11:19) but also righteous purposes (e.g., 1 Chronicles 29:18). The prophets use it to contrast the flawed plans of humanity with the perfect, enduring purpose of God (e.g., Isaiah 55:7-9, Jeremiah 51:29).
Etymology
The word derives from the root חָשַׁב (ḥāšab, H2803), meaning 'to think,' 'devise,' 'plan,' or 'calculate.' This root conveys the idea of a mental process leading to a specific outcome. מַחֲשָׁבָה is the noun form, indicating the product of that process—the thought, plan, or invention itself. A variant form, מַחֲשֶׁבֶת (machăshebeth), is also used with the same meaning.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it bridges human and divine cognition. It reveals that human thoughts are continually evaluated by God (1 Chronicles 28:9, Psalm 94:11). It highlights human propensity for evil planning (Genesis 6:5) but also our capacity for godly purpose. Most importantly, it underscores the sovereignty of God, whose plans (מַחֲשָׁבָה) are perfect and unstoppable, offering a stark contrast to the fleeting devices of humanity (Proverbs 19:21, Isaiah 55:8-9). Understanding this range enriches reading by showing the moral quality and ultimate accountability of our inner intentions.
In its concrete sense of 'design' or 'invention,' the word is deeply connected to the ancient Near Eastern culture of skilled craftsmanship, particularly in weaving, metalwork, and woodcarving for sacred objects. This reflects a worldview where artistry and technical skill were seen as the tangible products of deliberate, intelligent thought. The abstract sense aligns with a holistic Hebrew understanding of the heart (לֵב) as the seat of thought and intention, not merely emotion.
יֵצֶר (yēṣer, H3336) — inclination or imagination, often of the heart's intent. דַּעַת (daʿat, H1847) — knowledge or understanding, more about perception than active planning. עֵצָה (ʿēṣâ, H6098) — counsel or advice, often from a collective or external source. רַעְיוֹן (raʿyôn, H7475) — thought or thinking, a rarer Aramaic-influenced term.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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