מַשּׂוֹר

מַשּׂוֹר

a saw

Definition

מַשּׂוֹר (massôwr) is a Hebrew noun meaning 'a saw,' specifically a tool used for cutting wood or stone. It appears only once in the Old Testament in Isaiah 10:15, where it is used metaphorically. In this passage, the saw is not a literal tool but represents an instrument of judgment or a means of work, questioning its pride or autonomy apart from the one who wields it. The word carries the basic sense of a cutting instrument, with no evidence in the biblical text for distinct specialized meanings beyond this primary definition.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the entire Old Testament, in Isaiah 10:15. In this context, it is employed in a rhetorical question within a prophecy against Assyria: 'Shall the axe boast over the one who hews with it, or the saw magnify itself against the one who wields it?' The usage is entirely metaphorical, comparing the nation of Assyria to a mere tool (the saw) in the hand of God, who is the true wielder. There are no other biblical occurrences to establish patterns of literal usage.

Etymology

The noun מַשּׂוֹר (massôwr) is derived from an unused Hebrew root meaning 'to rasp' or 'to scrape.' This root concept directly informs its meaning as a sawing or cutting tool. It is a primary noun for 'saw' in Biblical Hebrew, with cognates in other Semitic languages supporting this meaning. The development is straightforward from the action of scraping or cutting to the instrument that performs it.

Semantic Range

The theological significance of מַשּׂוֹר lies entirely in its metaphorical use in Isaiah 10:15. This verse powerfully illustrates the doctrine of God's sovereignty and the folly of human pride. Assyria, though a mighty empire, is portrayed as merely an instrument ('a saw') in God's hand to enact judgment on Judah. The word enriches the reading of this prophecy by emphasizing that no tool—no nation or power—can claim autonomy or glory independent of God, the ultimate wielder. It underscores that God remains in control even when using seemingly hostile forces to accomplish His purposes. In the ancient Near East, saws were essential tools for woodworking and stonecutting. They were typically made of metal (often bronze or iron) with teeth, and required two persons to operate on larger materials—one to push and one to pull. Understanding this cooperative operation adds depth to the metaphor in Isaiah 10:15; the saw is entirely dependent on the laborers using it. This differs from a modern power saw, which can operate independently, making the ancient tool a even more fitting symbol for something utterly reliant on an external power. There are no direct synonyms for 'saw' (מַשּׂוֹר) in Biblical Hebrew with distinct usages. Other cutting tools are specified by different words, such as מַגְזֵרָה (magzerah, H4050) — a cutting instrument like shears or a knife, often for metal or hair, not specifically for sawing.

Word Details