The meaning of “מַצָּה”
Understanding matstsâh reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
unleaved (bread, cake), without leaven. - properly, sweetness - concretely, sweet (i.e. not soured or bittered with yeas...
מַצָּה
unleaved (bread, cake), without leaven. - properly, sweetness - concretely, sweet (i.e. not soured or bittered with yeast) - specifically, an unfermented cake or loaf, or (elliptically) the festival of Passover (because no leaven was then used) 1) unleavened (bread, cake), without leaven.
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 19:3 | “And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.” Word: מַצָּה (matstsâh) | |
| Leviticus 8:2 | “Take Aaron and his sons with him, and the garments, and the anointing oil, and a bullock for the sin offering, and two rams, and a basket of unleavened bread;” Word: מַצָּה (matstsâh) | |
| Deuteronomy 16:8 | “Six days thou shalt eat unleavened bread: and on the seventh day shall be a solemn assembly to the Lord thy God: thou shalt do no work therein.” Word: מַצָּה (matstsâh) | |
| Judges 6:20 | “And the angel of God said unto him, Take the flesh and the unleavened cakes, and lay them upon this rock, and pour out the broth. And he did so.” Word: מַצָּה (matstsâh) | |
| 2 Kings 23:9 | “Nevertheless the priests of the high places came not up to the altar of the Lord in Jerusalem, but they did eat of the unleavened bread among their brethren.” Word: מַצָּה (matstsâh) |