Berean Strong's Lexicon mas: Forced labor, tribute, levy Original Word: מָס Word Origin: Derived from the root verb נָסַס (nasas), meaning "to lift up" or "to carry." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: - G5411 (φόρος, phoros): Refers to a tribute or tax, often used in the context of what is owed to a ruling authority. - G5056 (τέλος, telos): While primarily meaning "end" or "completion," it can also refer to a tax or tribute in certain contexts. Usage: The Hebrew word "mas" primarily refers to a system of forced labor or a levy imposed on a population. It is often used in the context of labor conscripted by a ruling authority, such as a king or a foreign power, for public works or military service. In the biblical narrative, it frequently denotes the burden placed upon the Israelites by foreign rulers or by their own kings. Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Near Eastern societies, including Israel, the imposition of "mas" was a common practice. It was a means for rulers to mobilize labor for large-scale projects, such as building cities, fortifications, or temples. This system was often burdensome and could lead to social unrest, as it placed a heavy demand on the populace. The concept of "mas" reflects the socio-political dynamics of the time, where the power of a king or conqueror was often demonstrated through their ability to command and utilize the labor of their subjects. 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. Strong's Exhaustive Concordance is afflicted From macac; fainting, i.e. (figuratively) disconsolate -- is afflicted. see HEBREW macac 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 |