Original Word: מַשָּׁא
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: mashsha'
Pronunciation: mash-SHAH
Phonetic Spelling: (mash-shaw')
Definition: Load, burden, tribute
Meaning: a loan, interest on a, debt

exaction, usury

From nashah; a loan; by implication, interest on a debt -- exaction, usury.

see HEBREW nashah

Word Origin
from nasha
Definition
lending on interest, usury
NASB Translation
exaction (1), usury (2).

מַשָּׁא noun masculine^{Nehemiah 5:10} lending on interest, or usury; — Nehemiah 5:7 (as accusative of congnate meaning with verb), Nehemiah 5:10.

Word Origin: Derived from the root verb נָשָׁא (nasa'), meaning "to lift, carry, take."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • Strong's Greek Number 1156: δανείζω (daneizō) • to lend, to borrow.
• Strong's Greek Number 5110: τόκος (tokos) • interest, usury.

These Greek terms reflect similar concepts in the New Testament, where teachings on lending and financial ethics continue to emphasize the importance of generosity and fairness, as seen in passages like Matthew 5:42 and Luke 6:34-35.

Usage: The term מַשָּׁא is used in the context of financial transactions, specifically referring to a loan or the interest accrued on a debt. It is a term that appears in discussions of economic practices and ethical considerations regarding lending and borrowing.

Context: מַשָּׁא (mashsha') is a noun that appears in the Hebrew Bible in contexts related to financial dealings, particularly in the realm of loans and interest. The concept of מַשָּׁא is closely tied to the ethical and legal standards set forth in the Mosaic Law, which provided guidelines for lending practices among the Israelites. The Torah contains specific instructions regarding the treatment of loans and the prohibition of charging excessive interest, especially to fellow Israelites, as seen in passages such as Exodus 22:25 and Leviticus 25:36-37. These laws were designed to promote fairness and prevent exploitation within the community.

The term מַשָּׁא is not frequently used in the Hebrew Bible, but its implications are significant in understanding the economic and social structures of ancient Israel. The biblical perspective on loans and interest reflects a broader concern for justice, compassion, and the well-being of the community. The ethical considerations surrounding מַשָּׁא highlight the importance of maintaining relationships based on trust and mutual support, rather than financial gain at the expense of others.

הַמַּשָּׁ֥א המשא וּמַשָּׁ֥א ומשא ham·maš·šā hammashSha hammaššā ū·maš·šā umashSha ūmaššāInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts