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H4614 · Hebrew · Old Testament
מַעֲמָסָה
Maamatsah
Noun, feminine
Burden, load

Definition

The Hebrew noun maamatsah refers to a heavy burden or load — the physical or metaphorical weight that weighs a person down. It comes from the root amats (to be strong/burdensome).

Usage & Theological Significance

Maamatsah appears in Zechariah 12:3, where Jerusalem is described as a 'heavy stone' that will be a burden to all who try to move it — but will wound anyone who tries. This image of the city of God as an immovable, nation-injuring stone finds its New Testament echo in Jesus as the cornerstone that crushes those who fall on it (Matthew 21:44). The word captures the paradox of divine weight: what seems burdensome to human schemes is actually the glory-laden presence of God.

Key Bible Verses

Zechariah 12:3 On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock (maamatsah) for all the nations.
Psalm 38:4 My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden (maamatsah) too heavy to bear.
Isaiah 46:1 Bel bows down, Nebo stoops low; their idols are borne by animals. The images that are carried about are burdensome (maamatsah), a burden for the weary.
Matthew 21:44 Anyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.
1 Peter 2:7 Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, 'The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.'

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