Original Word: מָסָה
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: macah
Pronunciation: maw-shaw'
Phonetic Spelling: (maw-saw')
KJV: make to consume away, (make to) melt, water
NASB: consume, dissolve, melt with fear, melts
Word Origin: [a primitive root]

1. to dissolve

make to consume away, make to melt, water

A primitive root; to dissolve -- make to consume away, (make to) melt, water.

Word Origin
a prim. root
Definition
to melt, dissolve, be liquefied
NASB Translation
consume (1), dissolve (1), melt with fear (1), melts (1).

[מָסָה] verb melt, dissolve, be liquefied (Ethiopic liquefy; Aramaic מְסָא melt away, dissolve, decay, coagulate; Assyrian masû is wash; see also מסס); — only

Hiph`il Perfect3plural הִמְסִיו Joshua 14:8 (on form see Ges^{§ 75} R.17). Imperfect sf . יַּעמסֵם Psalm 147:18; 2masculine singular וַתֶּ֫מֶס Psalm 39:12; אַמְסֶה Psalm 6:7; — cause to dissolve, melt, ice Psalm 147:18; hyperb. בְּדִמְעָתִי עַרְשִׁי אַמְּסֶה Psalm 6:7 with my tears I cause my bed to dissolve; וַתֶּמֶס כָּעָשׁ חֲמוּדוֺ Psalm 39:12 = consume, cause to vanish; figurative followed by לֵב = intimidate Joshua 14:8.

I. [מַסָּה] see מסס. II, III. מַסָּה see נסה.

[מִסָּה] see מִסַּת. מַסְוֶה see סוה

מְסוּכָה = מְשׂוּכָה see II. סוך (שׂוך).

Imagery of Dissolution and Liquefaction

מָסָה evokes the picture of something firm becoming fluid, an inner or outer substance losing coherence. In Scripture that image is applied to emotions (courage), physical tears, human prosperity, and even ice and snow. Behind each usage lies a profound reminder that whatever is not sustained by God’s word will eventually lose its solidity.

Survey of the Four Old-Testament Occurrences

1. Joshua 14:8 – the hearts of Israel “melted” at the fearful report of Canaan.
2. Psalm 6:6 – David’s tears “drench” (literally, dissolve) his couch in a night of repentance.
3. Psalm 39:11 – God’s rebuke causes a man’s “wealth” or “beauty” to melt away like a moth-eaten garment.
4. Psalm 147:18 – the Creator “sends out His word and melts them,” turning winter’s ice into flowing waters.

Fear that Dissolves Resolve (Joshua 14:8)

When ten of the twelve spies discouraged the nation, “the hearts of the people melted.” Caleb’s courage and faith remain firm in contrast. מָסָה thus underscores the destructive power of unbelief in a community, while highlighting the preserving power of wholehearted devotion to the LORD. For pastors and parents alike the account warns that fear can be contagious, but so can faith.

Tears that Dissolve the Bed (Psalm 6:6)

David confesses, “All night I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears”. The verb pictures tears liquefying the very place of rest. Genuine contrition is not superficial; it breaks down self-reliance until only grace can sustain the soul. Penitential worship and pastoral counseling should not rush this God-ordained melting process.

Prosperity that Melts under Rebuke (Psalm 39:11)

“You consume their wealth like a moth—surely every mortal is but a vapor”. In the presence of divine correction, what appears solid—reputation, possessions, physical vigor—dissolves. The psalm teaches believers to hold earthly goods loosely and to measure prosperity by eternal standards. Church leaders may appeal to this verse when warning against materialism or preaching the brevity of life.

Ice that Melts at the Divine Word (Psalm 147:18)

“He sends out His word and melts them; He unleashes His winds, and the waters flow”. Nature’s transformation from frozen rigidity to flowing streams comes solely by God’s command. The same Word that formed creation and melts snow can soften stony hearts. In evangelism and discipleship, confidence rests not in human persuasion but in the penetrating, warming power of Scripture.

Theological and Ministry Implications

• Human firmness is provisional; God alone grants lasting stability.
• Unbelief, sin, and divine discipline can dissolve what seemed unshakeable.
• Repentance often involves an internal “melting” that precedes renewal.
• The Word of God both judges and restores, breaking down resistance and bringing life-giving flow.

Christological Perspective

Jesus experienced the ultimate “melting” of human strength in Gethsemane and on the cross, yet His obedience did not dissolve; it was perfected. Through His resurrection He grants believers a kingdom “that cannot be shaken” (Hebrews 12:28). Thus, every occurrence of מָסָה drives the reader to seek stability in Christ alone.

Devotional Application

Ask: What in my life am I treating as permanent that God may soon melt away? Pray Psalm 147:18, inviting His Word to thaw any frozen places in the heart. Embrace seasons of brokenness, knowing they often precede rivers of refreshment.

אַמְסֶֽה׃ אמסה׃ הִמְסִ֖יו המסיו וְיַמְסֵ֑ם וַתֶּ֣מֶס וימסם ותמס ’am·seh ’amseh amSeh him·sîw himSiv himsîw vatTemes veyamSem wat·te·mes wattemes wə·yam·sêm wəyamsêmInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts