מַשְׂאֵת

מַשְׂאֵת

properly, (abstractly) a raising (as of the hands in prayer), or rising (of flame); figuratively

Definition

The Hebrew word מַשְׂאֵת (masʼêth) is a noun derived from the root נָשָׂא (nasa), meaning 'to lift up' or 'to carry.' Its primary sense is an 'act of lifting' or 'something lifted,' which unfolds into several concrete and figurative meanings in Scripture. In its most literal sense, it refers to a physical portion of food that is lifted or served, as when Benjamin receives a larger portion from Joseph (Genesis 43:34). It also denotes a 'gift,' 'tribute,' or 'offering' that is lifted up, such as the collection for the temple in 2 Chronicles 24:6, 9. Figuratively, it describes the 'rising' of a signal fire or beacon (Judges 20:38, 40) and the 'lifting up' of hands in prayer (Psalm 141:2). In some contexts, it carries the negative connotation of a 'burden' or 'reproach.'

Biblical Usage

מַשְׂאֵת appears 14 times across various Old Testament books, including historical narratives, poetry, and wisdom literature. Its usage patterns are tied to its core idea of 'lifting.' In historical books, it often refers to a tangible portion, gift, or collection (Genesis 43:34; 2 Samuel 11:8; 2 Chronicles 24:6, 9; Esther 2:18). In Judges, it describes the rising of a signal fire as a military sign (Judges 20:38, 40). In poetic use, Psalm 141:2 beautifully applies it to the spiritual act of lifting hands in prayer. The word adapts to its context, moving from concrete offerings to symbolic gestures.

Etymology

מַשְׂאֵת is a feminine noun derived from the root נָשָׂא (H5375, nasa), a common verb meaning 'to lift, carry, bear, take.' The noun form signifies the result or object of the lifting action. This root is prolific in Hebrew, generating many words related to exaltation, burden, and offering. The semantic range of מַשְׂאֵת flows directly from this root, encompassing everything from a physical portion lifted from a table to a metaphorical burden.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it connects physical acts of giving and lifting with spiritual realities. In Psalm 141:2, the 'lifting up' of hands is directly equated with evening prayer, showing worship as an offering to God. Its use for temple collections (2 Chronicles 24) frames giving as a sacred act of lifting a gift to the Lord. Understanding מַשְׂאֵת enriches reading by revealing how an ordinary word for a portion or signal can illuminate concepts of prayer, offering, and even divine communication (as with the beacon). It bridges the mundane and the sacred. In ancient Israelite culture, the act of 'lifting' a portion of food, especially a choice portion, was a sign of honor and favor, as seen in Genesis 43:34. The 'gift' or 'tribute' sense reflects the common practice of presenting offerings to superiors or deities. The use of a rising column of smoke (Judges 20:38, 40) as a military signal was a practical communication method of the time. The lifting of hands in prayer was a standard physical posture in worship. These uses show a culture where symbolic, physical actions carried deep meaning. תְּרוּמָה (terumah, H8641) — a contribution or heave offering lifted up for sacred use; more specifically cultic. מִנְחָה (minchah, H4503) — a gift or offering, often a grain offering; can be secular or religious. מַתָּנָה (mattanah, H4979) — a general word for gift, without the specific connotation of 'lifting.'

Word Details