מַשְׂטֵמָה
𐤌𐤔𐤈𐤌𐤄
masṭêmâh
H4895 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A condition or attitude of intense and active hostility toward another; a deep-seated animosity or enmity. This noun denotes not only a feeling of hatred but also a state that often leads to overt opposition, actions, or conflict. In context, it communicates a persistent, frequently hostile animus existing between individuals or groups.
Semantic Range
enmity, hostility, deep-seated hatred, animosity, state of being enemies, mutual animosity
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root שטם (shin-tet-mem), which means 'to bear a grudge, hold enmity, hate.' The noun מַשְׂטֵמָה is a feminine abstract formation denoting the state or quality of this enmity or hatred. The form echoes the causative/instrumental pattern (ma-stem nouns) in Hebrew, indicating that it is that which is enmity or causes enmity.
Historical & Contextual Notes
מַשְׂטֵמָה is a rare term in the Hebrew Bible, occurring predominantly in poetic and prophetic contexts (e.g., Ezekiel 25:15; 35:5). In these passages, it expresses not simply transient dislike but rather a longstanding, bitter, and often violent opposition, usually between neighboring peoples (for example, the Philistines or Edomites against the Israelites). The term typically conveys a sustained hostility that can lead to acts of vengeance or violence, exceeding ordinary feelings of dislike. It is distinct from more common terms for hatred such as שִׂנְאָה (sin'ah), suggesting a more active and prolonged enmity. English translations often render it as 'enmity' or 'hatred,' but the nuance of active, enduring opposition may be lost. In later Biblical and post-biblical usage, the concept developed into a broader sense of persistent hostility, sometimes with ethnic or political overtones.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from the same as שֹׁטֵט; enmity; hatred.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
שטם (š-ṭ-m) — to bear a grudge, to hate, to act as an enemy
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4895-01 |
מַשְׂטֵמָֽה | masetemah | HNcfsa |
hostility | deep-seated enmity | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences