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H4672 · Hebrew · Old Testament
מָצָא
Matsa
Verb
To find, attain, discover

Definition

The Hebrew verb matsa is one of the most common verbs in the Old Testament (occurring over 450 times), meaning to find, to come upon, to attain, or to meet. It can describe accidental discovery, deliberate searching that reaches its goal, or a person 'finding' favor, grace, or something of value.

Usage & Theological Significance

'Seek and you will find' — though this is the New Testament formulation (Matthew 7:7, Greek: heurēthēsetai), the theology saturates the Hebrew matsa. Deuteronomy 4:29 promises: 'If you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart.' The Wisdom tradition is structured around finding — finding wisdom (Proverbs 8:17), finding a good wife (Proverbs 18:22 — 'Whoever finds a wife finds what is good'). Critically, 'finding grace/favor in the eyes of the LORD' (matsa chen) is the foundational covenant formula — Noah found grace (Genesis 6:8), as did Moses (Exodus 33:13). Matsa thus traces the entire arc of grace.

Key Bible Verses

Deuteronomy 4:29 But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.
Proverbs 8:17 I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.
Genesis 6:8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.
Proverbs 18:22 He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.
Jeremiah 29:13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Related Words

External Resources

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