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מוּסָד

𐤌𐤅𐤎𐤃

mûwçâd

H4143 noun

SILEX Entry

Root יסד to found, establish, lay a base

Definition

A physical structure or base that supports a building, especially the foundational walls or platform; by extension, the underlying principle or established basis of something. Used both in architectural and metaphorical senses to refer to that which gives stability and permanence.

Semantic Range

building foundation, underpinning of a structure, metaphorical basis or support, source of stability or legitimacy

Root / Etymology

From the root יָסַד (yasad), which means 'to found, establish, lay a foundation.' מוּסָד (mûsāḏ) is a noun formation, specifically a participial or noun form indicating the result or product of the action 'laying a foundation.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In the Hebrew Bible, מוּסָד is attested in poetic and prophetic passages to describe literal building foundations (Isaiah 28:16, referring to a 'precious cornerstone for a sure foundation') and as a metaphor for the enduring establishment of Zion or the land (Isaiah 16:7). The term is distinct from מַסָּד (massād), which can refer to a layer or paved surface, and is more architecturally specific than the general sense of יָסַד (to found/establish). Later Jewish and early Judean texts extend the usage metaphorically to mean the ideological or moral basis of a community. English translations tend to render the word as 'foundation,' sometimes obscuring poetic nuances or metaphorical intent. The term rarely appears in narrative contexts, primarily serving in poetic or prophetic literature to evoke notions of stability, security, or legitimacy.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from יָסַד; a foundation; foundation.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

יסד (y-s-d) — to found, establish, lay a base

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H3245 יָסַד in their being established
H3246 יְסֻד foundation of
H3247 יְסוֹד the foundation
H3248 יְסוּדָה his foundation
H4144 מוֹסָד foundational bases of

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H4143-01 מוּסָ֣ד musad HNcmsa foundation founded base 2

Occurrences in Scripture

2 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H4143-01 Isaiah 28:16 מוּסָ֣ד musad HNcmsa foundation founded base
H4143-01 2 Chronicles 8:16 מוּסַ֥ד musad HNcmsc of the foundation founded base
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