מַשָּׂא

מַשָּׂא

a burden; specifically, tribute, or (abstractly) porterage; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly adoom

Definition

The Hebrew noun מַשָּׂא (massâʼ) primarily means 'a burden' or 'load,' referring to a physical weight to be carried, such as the sacred objects of the tabernacle (Numbers 4:15, 4:24). It extends to the concept of 'tribute' or forced labor, a burden imposed by a ruler. Figuratively, it most significantly denotes a prophetic 'utterance' or 'oracle,' often one of solemn judgment, as seen in the superscriptions of prophecies (e.g., Isaiah 13:1, Nahum 1:1). In a few poetic contexts, it can also refer to a 'song' or 'taunt' (Habakkuk 1:1, Proverbs 30:1).

Biblical Usage

מַשָּׂא is used 59 times across the Old Testament. Its literal sense of a physical 'burden' is common in the Pentateuch, especially in Numbers 4 regarding the Levites' transport duties. The figurative sense of a prophetic 'oracle' dominates in the Prophetic Books, particularly Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Zechariah, and Malachi, where it introduces messages of judgment against nations. The sense of 'tribute' appears in contexts of subjugation (2 Chronicles 17:11). The rare meaning of 'song' is found in the titles of Habakkuk and a section of Proverbs.

Etymology

Derived from the root נָשָׂא (nāśāʼ, H5375), meaning 'to lift, carry, or bear.' מַשָּׂא is the noun form, literally 'a lifting' or 'that which is lifted/carried.' This root connection clearly links the physical act of carrying a load with the metaphorical 'bearing' of a prophetic message.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it bridges the concrete and the revelatory. A prophet's 'burden' (מַשָּׂא) is a weighty message from God that must be 'borne' and delivered. Understanding this term enriches reading by highlighting the gravity and divine authority of prophetic oracles, especially those of judgment. It reminds us that God's word is not trivial but a serious responsibility for both the messenger and the hearer. In its literal sense, the 'burden' reflects the tangible realities of ancient transport and labor, where carrying loads was a daily task. The 'tribute' sense points to the political realities of empire and subjugation. The prophetic 'oracle' was a recognized literary and oral form, a formal declaration often concerning the fate of nations, which audiences would have understood as a serious divine communication. עֹל (ʿōl, H5923) — a yoke, emphasizing servitude or subjugation. סֵבֶל (sēḇel, H5447) — a burden, often of forced labor or hardship. נְאֻם (nəʾum, H5002) — an oracle or utterance, specifically a declaration from God, but without the connotation of 'burden.'

Word Details