מַשְׂרֵת

a pan

Definition

The Hebrew noun מַשְׂרֵת (masrêth) refers to a specific type of pan or dish used in food preparation. Its single biblical occurrence in 2 Samuel 13:9 describes the vessel in which Tamar prepared special cakes for her brother Amnon. The word likely denotes a shallow pan or griddle used for baking or frying flatbreads or cakes. While the precise shape and material are not detailed in the text, the context suggests a common household cooking implement.

Biblical Usage

This word appears only once in the Old Testament, in 2 Samuel 13:9. In this narrative context, Tamar uses the מַשְׂרֵת to prepare heart-shaped cakes (לְבִיבוֹת) for Amnon in his chamber. The usage is purely descriptive of a domestic cooking scene within a royal household, serving to advance the tragic story of Amnon's assault on his sister.

Etymology

The noun מַשְׂרֵת is derived from an unused Hebrew root שׂרת, which likely meant 'to perforate' or 'hollow out.' This etymology suggests the pan may have been characterized by a hollowed or concave shape suitable for holding food. It is related to the verb שָׂרַת (śārat, H8334), meaning 'to minister' or 'serve,' possibly indicating an object used in service, like a serving dish.

Semantic Range

In ancient Israelite culture, the מַשְׂרֵת was a common kitchen utensil, likely made of pottery or metal. Its use by Tamar, a princess, in a private chamber rather than a communal kitchen highlights the intimate and deceptive nature of the scene. The preparation of special food in such a vessel was part of customary hospitality and care for an ill family member, making Amnon's subsequent betrayal particularly heinous.

מַחֲבַת (maḥăḇaṯ, H4227) — a flat plate or pan, often for baking bread. סִיר (sîr, H5518) — a pot or kettle for boiling. כִּיּוֹר (kîyôr, H3595) — a basin or laver, often larger and for washing.

Word Details

Scripture References