מַסָּה
𐤌𐤎𐤄
Masah
H4531 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Testing or proving, especially in the sense of an ordeal or trial, whether of individuals, groups, or divine entities. Refers to the process or situation in which character, commitment, or loyalty is examined, either through actual events or as a concept. In some contexts, emphasizes the notion of putting someone or something to the test with implications of challenge, proof, or provocation.
Semantic Range
testing, proving, trial, ordeal, circumstance of being tested, judicial examination, provocation (against God), occasion of challenge
Root / Etymology
From the root נָסָה (n-s-h), meaning 'to test,' 'to try,' or 'to prove.' The form מַסָּה is a feminine noun derived from this root, denoting 'the act of testing' or 'trial.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In biblical contexts, מַסָּה is used both for human experiences of trial (such as a time or event of ordeal) and for the concept of testing the divine (notably at Massah in the wilderness, Exodus 17:7, indicating a site where the Israelites 'tested' YHWH). The term may be used in judicial contexts (as with the testing of a case or person) or in narratives describing challenges to faith, endurance, or fidelity. In intertestamental and later literature, semantic overlap with words for 'temptation' emerges, but in biblical usage, מַסָּה fundamentally conveys 'testing' rather than 'enticement to wrongdoing.' English translations as 'temptation' sometimes narrow or shift the meaning, as the biblical concept does not consistently include enticement to sin but rather the proving of faithfulness or resilience.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from נָסָה; a testing, of men (judicial) or of God (querulous); temptation, trial.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
נסה (n-s-h) — to test, to try, to prove
Word Forms
4 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4531-02 |
הַ/מַּסֹּ֨ת | hamasot | HTd/Ncfpa |
the great trials | the testings | 2 |
H4531-03 |
לְ/מַסַּ֖ת | lemasat | HR/Ncfsc |
at the trial of | for testing-of | 1 |
H4531-01 |
בְּ/מַסֹּת֩ | bemasot | HR/Ncfpa |
by trials | in testings | 1 |
H4531-04 |
מַ֝סָּ֗ה | masah | HNp |
of Massah | Testing | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
5 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4531-01 |
Deuteronomy 4:34 | בְּ/מַסֹּת֩ | bemasot | HR/Ncfpa |
by trials | in testings |
H4531-02 |
Deuteronomy 7:19 | הַ/מַּסֹּ֨ת | hamasot | HTd/Ncfpa |
the great trials | the testings |
H4531-02 |
Deuteronomy 29:2 | הַ/מַּסּוֹת֙ | hamasot | HTd/Ncfpa |
the plagues | the testings |
H4531-04 |
Psalms 95:8 | מַ֝סָּ֗ה | masah | HNp |
of Massah | Testing |
H4531-03 |
Job 9:23 | לְ/מַסַּ֖ת | lemasat | HR/Ncfsc |
at the trial of | for testing-of |