מִסָּה
abundance, i.e. (adverbially) liberally
Definition
The Hebrew noun מִסָּה (miççâh) primarily means 'abundance' or 'plenty,' specifically referring to a generous or overflowing quantity. In its single biblical occurrence in Deuteronomy 16:10, it functions adverbially to describe giving a freewill offering 'liberally' or 'according to the abundance' that God has provided. This sense of generous, proportional giving is central to its meaning. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to flow,' reinforcing the concept of an abundant, outpouring gift.
Biblical Usage
This word appears only once in the Old Testament, in Deuteronomy 16:10, within the context of the Festival of Weeks (Shavuot). It instructs the Israelites to bring a freewill offering in proportion to the blessing God has given them: 'Then you shall keep the Feast of Weeks to the LORD your God with the tribute of a freewill offering from your hand, which you shall give as the LORD your God blesses you' (ESV). The term modifies the offering, emphasizing it should be given generously, according to one's abundance.
Etymology
מִסָּה (miççâh) is derived from the root מָסַס (māsas, H4549), which carries the sense of 'melting' or 'dissolving,' and by extension, 'flowing.' This etymological connection suggests the meaning developed from the idea of something that flows out abundantly or freely. The noun form thus captures the concept of a plentiful, outpouring contribution.
Semantic Range
Though used only once, מִסָּה enriches the theology of worship and giving. It frames Israel's offerings not as a fixed tax, but as a joyful, proportional response to God's prior generosity (Deuteronomy 16:10). This principle connects to broader biblical themes of grace-based giving (2 Corinthians 9:7) and stewardship, where worship involves returning to God from the abundance He has provided. Understanding this Hebrew term highlights that true generosity in worship is measured by God's blessing, not mere obligation.
In its ancient Near Eastern context, 'tribute' often referred to a mandatory payment to a sovereign. However, in Deuteronomy 16:10, מִסָּה is paired with a 'freewill offering' (נְדָבָה, nedabah), transforming the concept. Here, it describes a voluntary, celebratory gift given during a pilgrimage festival (the Feast of Weeks), reflecting gratitude for the harvest. This cultural setting distinguishes it from a compulsory tax, emphasizing joyful, communal worship in response to divine provision.
תְּרוּמָה (terumah, H8641) — a 'contribution' or 'heave offering' often used for specific religious dues. נְדָבָה (nedabah, H5071) — a 'freewill offering,' emphasizing voluntary giving. מִנְחָה (minchah, H4503) — a 'gift' or 'offering,' often a grain offering presented to 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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