Lexical Summary mas: Forced labor, tribute, levy Original Word: מָס Strong's Exhaustive Concordance is afflicted From macac; fainting, i.e. (figuratively) disconsolate -- is afflicted. see HEBREW macac NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom masas Definition despairing NASB Translation despairing man (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs II. [מַס] adjective despairing (literally melting, i.e. failing, collapsing); — לַמָּס Job 6:14 to him also despaireth belongeth kindness, etc. Topical Lexicon Definition and Essence The term מָס (Strong’s 4523) conveys the idea of one who is dissolving, melting away, or wasting into despair. In the single biblical occurrence, the emphasis is not on physical liquefaction but on a person whose inner strength has ebbed to the point of collapse, leaving him vulnerable and in need of steadfast compassion. Scriptural Appearance Job 6:14 supplies the sole occurrence: “A despairing man should have the kindness of his friend, even if he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.” (Berean Standard Bible) Here Job, crushed under suffering, argues that loyalty is owed precisely when a heart is “melting.” The verse reveals how the ancient world understood friendship as covenantal: mercy shown in crisis was a sacred duty. Literary and Emotional Nuance in Job Job’s lament intensifies by choosing a word that pictures a solid substance turning to liquid. His faith is not extinguished, yet his resolve is flowing away. The poetry heightens the pathos: friends who should pour in comfort instead pour out suspicion. The language reminds readers that neglect can hasten spiritual erosion. Historical and Cultural Backdrop Wisdom literature prized mutual aid, and Near-Eastern covenants commonly pledged relief for the vulnerable. In failing Job, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar violate norms recognizable to any ancient hearer. The text thus becomes an ethical mirror for Israel and for later faith communities. Theological Reflection 1. Divine Expectation of Compassion. The verse assumes God’s will that the strong uphold the weak (compare Deuteronomy 15:7-11; Isaiah 58:7). Intercanonical Links While מָס itself is unique, the imagery of melting or fainting recurs. Hearts “melt” in terror before divine judgment (Joshua 2:11), and courage “dissolves” when sin is unchecked (Ezekiel 21:7). Conversely, the Lord strengthens hands that droop (Isaiah 35:3-4; Hebrews 12:12-13). Job 6:14 sits within this canonical pattern: human frailty meets either neglect or divine-aligned support. Ministry and Pastoral Application • Crisis Counseling: The verse authorizes persistent mercy even when the sufferer voices doubt or anger toward God. Illustrative Sermon Points 1. “When Faith Feels Fluid” – God designs friendship to catch the soul before it spills away. Practical Implications for the Contemporary Believer • Evaluate personal readiness to stand with those whose words appear faithless; Job 6:14 calls for steadfastness, not withdrawal. In sum, מָס illuminates the critical moment when a person’s inner life threatens to disintegrate. Scripture answers that moment with the unwavering loyalty of godly companions, revealing both the gravity of human despair and the glory of covenant faithfulness. Forms and Transliterations לַמָּ֣ס למס lam·mās lamMas lammāsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Job 6:14 HEB: לַמָּ֣ס מֵרֵעֵ֣הוּ חָ֑סֶד NAS: For the despairing man [there should be] kindness KJV: To him that is afflicted pity INT: the despairing his friend kindness 1 Occurrence |