Lexical Summary masseketh: Covering, web, woven work Original Word: מַסֶּכֶת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance web From nacak in the sense of spreading out; something expanded, i.e. The warp in a loom (as stretched out to receive the woof) -- web. see HEBREW nacak NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom nasak Definition fabric on a loom NASB Translation web (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs [מַסֶּ֫כֶת] noun feminine web of unfinished stuff, on loom (see GFMPAOS, Oct. 1889, clxxvii); — only absolute מַסָּ֑כֶת Judges 16:13,14. — מָסָךְ, מְסֻכָה see סכך. Topical Lexicon Term and Scope מַסֶּכֶת is the Hebrew word rendered “web” or “fabric on the loom,” denoting the woven material stretched across a loom in the process of being made into cloth. Scriptural Occurrences The word appears only in Judges 16:13 and Judges 16:14, both within the narrative of Samson and Delilah. Delilah’s demand that Samson’s seven locks be woven into the מַסֶּכֶת forms the third of her four attempts to undermine his divinely given strength. “If you weave the seven braids of my head into the fabric on the loom and fasten it with the pin, I will become as weak as any other man” (Judges 16:13). The “fabric” (מַסֶּכֶת) functions as the instrument of deception, though Samson’s strength still prevails until he finally reveals the true secret of his Nazarite vow. Cultural and Historical Background Weaving was a foundational domestic industry in ancient Israel: • Household looms—typically vertical warp-weighted frames—were common, and loom weights, spindle whorls, and weaver’s tools appear frequently in archaeological excavations (for example, at Tel Beersheba and Lachish). Symbolic Themes 1. Deception versus Devotion Delilah’s weaving of Samson’s consecrated hair into the loom expresses a calculated subversion of covenant purpose. The web is a trap, anticipating the cutting of Samson’s locks and the severing of his Nazarite identity. Scripture often contrasts faithful workmanship with snares (Proverbs 1:17–19); here the woven fabric becomes a tangible snare against a man set apart to God. 2. Vulnerability Beneath Strength Samson dozes while his hair is “woven into the fabric” (Judges 16:14). The picture of a sleeping strong man bound to a household loom highlights the paradox of bodily might joined to spiritual negligence. The physical web mirrors the spiritual entanglement that is presently invisible but soon devastating (Judges 16:20). 3. The Loom as Image of Providence Elsewhere in Scripture, weaving imagery underscores God’s sovereign workmanship in lives (Psalm 139:13; Ephesians 2:10). The temporary misuse of a loom in Delilah’s house cannot overturn divine intent; even Samson’s fall will become the occasion for Israel’s deliverance from the Philistines (Judges 16:30–31). God’s redemptive “fabric” is not unraveled by human manipulation. Related Biblical Passages on Weaving • Exodus 26:1 – Tabernacle curtains “of finely spun linen.” These texts frame weaving as a purposeful, skillful activity, often pointing to God’s purposes in creation and redemption. Ministry Reflections • Guarding Consecration Samson laid his consecrated hair too near the hands of one who despised his covenant. Believers safeguard their own consecration by refusing entangling alliances (2 Corinthians 6:14–18). • Skillful Work as Worship Whether preparing Tabernacle curtains or ordinary garments, craftsmanship was an act of service before God. Modern ministry likewise honors vocational faithfulness, recognizing every good work as an offering (Colossians 3:17). • Divine Weaving of Broken Threads Samson’s account reminds the church that even threads misused by sin can be rewoven into God’s larger tapestry of redemption (Romans 8:28). His strength returned when he turned back to the LORD (Judges 16:28–30), illustrating that God can renew those who once allowed their devotion to be woven into worldly webs. Thus, though מַסֶּכֶת surfaces only twice, its contextual richness opens windows into Israelite life, the moral fabric of covenant faithfulness, and the sovereign artistry of God, who ultimately weaves all things for His glory. Forms and Transliterations הַמַּסָּֽכֶת׃ המסכת׃ ham·mas·sā·ḵeṯ hammasSachet hammassāḵeṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Judges 16:13 HEB: רֹאשִׁ֖י עִם־ הַמַּסָּֽכֶת׃ NAS: of my hair with the web [and fasten KJV: locks of my head with the web. INT: of my hair with the web Judges 16:14 2 Occurrences |
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