מַצָּה
a quarrel
Definition
The Hebrew noun מַצָּה (matstsâh) refers to a quarrel, contention, or strife. It describes a state of discord, conflict, or heated dispute between individuals. In Proverbs 13:10, it is contrasted with wisdom, arising specifically from pride. In Proverbs 17:19, it is associated with someone who loves transgression and builds a high gate, metaphorically inviting conflict. In Isaiah 58:4, the word is used in God's rebuke, describing the kind of strife and wickedness that invalidates religious fasting.
Biblical Usage
This word occurs only three times in the Old Testament, exclusively in wisdom and prophetic literature (Proverbs and Isaiah). It is used to describe interpersonal conflict rooted in human sinfulness. In Proverbs, it is a negative behavior warned against in the context of wise living (Proverbs 13:10, 17:19). In Isaiah, it is part of a prophetic condemnation of hypocritical religious practice (Isaiah 58:4).
Etymology
Derived from the root נָצָה (nātsâh, H5327), which means 'to strive' or 'to quarrel.' This root conveys the sense of a struggle or conflict. מַצָּה is the noun form, concretizing the action into the state or instance of quarreling itself.
Semantic Range
This word highlights the biblical view that strife is a destructive fruit of human pride and sin, opposed to godly wisdom and community. It is not merely a disagreement but a contentiousness that disrupts peace and fellowship. In Isaiah 58:4, it is starkly contrasted with true righteousness, showing that religious observance is worthless if accompanied by such behavior. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches reading by clarifying that the Bible condemns the heart attitude that fuels persistent conflict.
In ancient Israelite society, maintaining community harmony (shalom) was a high value, especially within the covenant community. Quarreling (matstsâh) threatened this social fabric and was seen as a serious moral failing. The proverbial association with a 'high gate' (Proverbs 17:19) may imply someone arrogantly inviting attack or litigation, a culturally understood metaphor for pride leading to ruin.
רִיב (rîḇ, H7379) — a broader term for a legal case, dispute, or controversy. מָדוֹן (māḏôn, H4066) — strife, discord, often implying a prolonged state of contention. מְרִיבָה (mərîḇâh, H4808) — strife, quarrel, frequently used in the context of arguing or contending with God.
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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