מַשֹּׂא

מַשֹּׂא

partiality (as a lifting up)

Definition

The Hebrew noun מַשֹּׂא (massôʼ) literally means 'a lifting up' or 'a carrying,' derived from the root נָשָׂא (nasa), which means 'to lift, carry, or bear.' In its sole biblical occurrence in 2 Chronicles 19:7, it is used metaphorically to describe 'partiality' or 'respect of persons'—specifically, the unjust act of lifting one person above another in judgment based on external factors rather than on truth and justice. This concept involves showing favoritism or bias, which is explicitly condemned in the context of judicial proceedings. The word encapsulates the idea of an improper elevation or preferential treatment that distorts fairness.

Biblical Usage

This word appears only once in the Old Testament, in 2 Chronicles 19:7. It is used in a judicial context where King Jehoshaphat instructs judges to administer justice without מַשֹּׂא, meaning without partiality or favoritism. The setting is a charge to officials, emphasizing that they must not pervert justice by showing undue respect to persons, whether based on social status, wealth, or other external considerations. This singular usage highlights a key ethical principle in Israel's legal and covenantal framework.

Etymology

מַשֹּׂא comes from the root נָשָׂא (H5375), meaning 'to lift, carry, take up.' As a noun derived from this root, it originally conveyed the concrete sense of 'a burden' or 'that which is lifted.' Over time, it developed a figurative meaning related to 'lifting up' someone in esteem or favor, which in a negative sense evolved into 'partiality'—the act of improperly elevating one person over another. Cognates in other Semitic languages share similar meanings of lifting or carrying.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it addresses God's character and expectations for human justice. God is described as impartial (e.g., Deuteronomy 10:17, Acts 10:34), and מַשֹּׂא in 2 Chronicles 19:7 underscores that human judges, acting under divine authority, must reflect this attribute. It relates to doctrines of justice, righteousness, and covenant faithfulness, warning against corruption that undermines social order. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches Bible reading by highlighting the serious biblical condemnation of favoritism, especially in leadership and legal systems, as a violation of God's standard. In ancient Israelite culture, the judicial system was integral to maintaining covenant community. Showing partiality (מַשֹּׂא) was a grave offense because it threatened the fabric of societal justice, which was seen as divinely ordained. Unlike modern legal systems with formalized checks, ancient Near Eastern societies often relied on the integrity of appointed leaders. The condemnation of מַשֹּׂא reflects a cultural value where fairness was expected regardless of a person's status, contrasting with surrounding cultures where bribery and favoritism might be more tolerated among elites. פָּנִים (panim, H6440) — often in the phrase 'lift up the face,' meaning to show favor or partiality, similar but more idiomatic. שֹׁחַד (shochad, H7810) — a bribe, which leads to partiality in judgment. עַוְלָה (avlah, H5766) — injustice or unrighteousness, a broader term encompassing partiality as a form of wrong.

Word Details