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מַשְׂכִּית

𐤌𐤔𐤊𐤉𐤕

maskîyth

H4906 noun

SILEX Entry

Root שׂכה to look, to see, to contemplate

Definition

A carved, sculpted, or engraved figure, typically an image or representation (often on stone or wall), sometimes with cultic or memorial connotations; metaphorically, an object of imagination or mental construct. The term primarily refers to figured stones or engraved images—objects that are created with deliberate artistic or decorative intent, at times with religious or commemorative purposes.

Semantic Range

carved or engraved image, sculpted figure, memorial or cultic stone, drawing or picture on a wall or object, mental image or vision, object of imagination

Root / Etymology

Derived from the root שׂכה (s-k-h), which conveys the notion of looking, seeing, or considering. The form מַשְׂכִּית is a feminine noun pattern that denotes something resulting from the action of the root—in this case, 'what is seen, a representation, or image.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In the Hebrew Bible, מַשְׂכִּית most commonly refers to sculpted or engraved images (e.g., Numbers 33:52; Leviticus 26:1), often in contexts warning against idolatry or the creation of physical representations for worship. The term can indicate various media—stone reliefs, wall carvings, or other durable art objects. While often translated 'image' or 'picture' in English, these terms may be too broad, as מַשְׂכִּית generally implies a crafted, enduring work intended to be seen. In certain prophetic or poetic contexts (Ezekiel 8:12), the term can allude to mental imagery or an inner vision, developing a figurative sense. Later Hebrew and post-biblical usage sometimes narrows its meaning to specific types of idols or even architectural features like 'cemetery stelae.' English translations sometimes use 'picture,' 'image,' or 'idol,' but this does not always capture the full nuance or the craftsmanship inherent to the word. The distinction between מַשְׂכִּית and related terms like פֶּסֶל (pesel, 'idol, statue') and צֶלֶם (tselem, 'image, likeness') lies in focus: מַשְׂכִּית usually emphasizes engraving or carving as the method of creation, rather than simply the form or likeness depicted.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from the same as שֵׂכוּ; a figure (carved on stone, the wall, or any object); figuratively, imagination; conceit, image(-ry), picture, [idiom] wish.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

שׂכה (s-k-h) — to look, to see, to contemplate

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H7914 שְׂכִיָּה gaze-drawing representations of

Word Forms

6 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H4906-01 בְּ/מַשְׂכִּיּ֥וֹת bemasekiot HR/Ncfpc in settings of in carved images of 1
H4906-02 בְּ/מַשְׂכִּיתֽ/וֹ bemasekito HR/Ncfsc/Sp3ms in his imagination in his carved image 1
H4906-04 מַשְׂכִּ֗ית masekit HNcfsa figured engraved image 1
H4906-05 מַשְׂכִּית֑/וֹ masekito HNcfsc/Sp3ms of his imagery his carved image 1
H4906-06 מַשְׂכִּיֹּתָ֑/ם masekiyotam HNcfpc/Sp3mp their-figured-stones their carved representations 1
H4906-03 מַשְׂכִּיּ֥וֹת masekiot HNcfpc imaginings carved images of 1

Occurrences in Scripture

6 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H4906-04 Leviticus 26:1 מַשְׂכִּ֗ית masekit HNcfsa figured engraved image
H4906-06 Numbers 33:52 מַשְׂכִּיֹּתָ֑/ם masekiyotam HNcfpc/Sp3mp their-figured-stones their carved representations
H4906-05 Ezekiel 8:12 מַשְׂכִּית֑/וֹ masekito HNcfsc/Sp3ms of his imagery his carved image
H4906-03 Psalms 73:7 מַשְׂכִּיּ֥וֹת masekiot HNcfpc imaginings carved images of
H4906-02 Proverbs 18:11 בְּ/מַשְׂכִּיתֽ/וֹ bemasekito HR/Ncfsc/Sp3ms in his imagination in his carved image
H4906-01 Proverbs 25:11 בְּ/מַשְׂכִּיּ֥וֹת bemasekiot HR/Ncfpc in settings of in carved images of
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