מוּסָד
a foundation
Definition
The Hebrew noun מוּסָד (mûwçâd) refers to a foundation, specifically the prepared base or substructure upon which a building is erected. It denotes something that is established, laid down, or set firmly in place. In its two biblical occurrences, it describes the completed foundation of Solomon's Temple (2 Chronicles 8:16) and is used metaphorically by God as the 'tested stone,' a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation in Isaiah 28:16.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only twice in the Old Testament. In 2 Chronicles 8:16, it refers literally to the finished foundation of the Temple, marking a key stage in its construction. In Isaiah 28:16, it is used in a profound prophetic metaphor, where God declares He is laying in Zion a 'precious cornerstone, a sure foundation' (ESV), shifting the meaning from a physical structure to a symbolic, messianic promise of stability and salvation.
Etymology
Derived from the root verb יָסַד (yâsad, H3245), meaning 'to found, establish, or lay a foundation.' מוּסָד is a passive participle noun form, indicating something that has been 'founded' or 'established.' It shares this root with other words related to founding and establishment.
Semantic Range
Theologically, this word is significant primarily through its use in Isaiah 28:16. This prophecy is a cornerstone of messianic expectation, quoted in the New Testament (Romans 9:33, 1 Peter 2:6) to identify Jesus Christ as the sure foundation of God's salvation. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading of both the prophetic promise and its New Testament fulfillment, emphasizing God's initiative in providing an unshakable basis for faith.
In ancient Israelite culture, a secure foundation was critical for any permanent structure, especially for the Temple, which represented God's dwelling place among His people. The concept conveyed permanence, stability, and careful preparation. The metaphorical use in Isaiah would have resonated with an audience familiar with construction and the importance of a reliable cornerstone for a building's integrity.
יְסוֹד (yesôwd, H3248) — a more common synonym for 'foundation,' often used interchangeably but with a slightly broader semantic range. שָׁת (shâth, H7896) — a verb meaning 'to set, place,' sometimes used for laying foundations. מַשְׂאֵת (maś'êth, H4609) — refers to a 'structure' or 'building' as a whole, which includes its foundation.
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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