4712. metsar

Lexicon

metsar: Distress, straits, trouble

Original Word: מֵצַר
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: metsar
Pronunciation: may-tsar
Phonetic Spelling: (may-tsar')
Definition: Distress, straits, trouble
Meaning: something tight, trouble

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

distress, pain, strait

From qebah; something tight, i.e. (figuratively) trouble -- distress, pain, strait.

see HEBREW qebah

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from tsarar
Definition
straits, distress
NASB Translation
distress (2), terrors (1).

Brown-Driver-Briggs

מֵצַר noun [masculine] straits, distress; — absolute מִןֿ הַמֵּצַר קָרָאתִי Psalm 118:5; plural הַמְּצָרִים Lamentations 1:3 the distresses, of conquered Judah; construct מְצָרֵי שְׁאוֺל Psalm 116:3 the straits of Sheol, i.e. the worst possible ("" חֶבְלֵימָֿוֶת).

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the root verb צוּר (tsur), which means "to bind" or "to be narrow."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • The Greek equivalent of מֵצַר in the Septuagint and New Testament contexts is often associated with Strong's Greek Number G2794, κράτος (kratos), which can denote strength or power but in certain contexts can also imply the exertion of force or pressure, aligning with the idea of being in a tight or constrained situation.

This lexical entry provides a comprehensive understanding of the Hebrew term מֵצַר, illustrating its significance in biblical literature as a representation of distress and the human condition of seeking divine aid in times of trouble.

Usage: The word מֵצַר is used in the Hebrew Bible to denote situations of distress, affliction, or trouble. It conveys the sense of being in a tight spot or under pressure.

Context: • מֵצַר (mēṣar) appears in contexts where individuals or groups experience significant distress or adversity. It is often used in poetic and prophetic literature to describe the emotional and physical constraints faced by the people of Israel or individuals within the narrative.
• The term is employed to express the anguish and pressure of being in dire circumstances, whether due to external threats, personal sin, or divine judgment.
• In the Psalms, מֵצַר is frequently used to depict the psalmist's cry for deliverance from enemies or overwhelming situations. For example, in Psalm 118:5 (BSB), it is written, "In my distress I called to the LORD, and He answered and set me free."
• The concept of מֵצַר is not limited to physical constraints but extends to emotional and spiritual turmoil, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the distress experienced.
• The use of מֵצַר underscores the human experience of vulnerability and the need for divine intervention and relief.

Forms and Transliterations

הַ֭מֵּצַ֥ר הַמְּצָרִֽים׃ המצר המצרים׃ וּמְצָרֵ֣י ומצרי ham·mə·ṣā·rîm ham·mê·ṣar hammêṣar hamməṣārîm hammeTzar hammetzaRim ū·mə·ṣā·rê ūməṣārê umetzaRei

Englishman's Concordance

Psalm 116:3
HEB: חֶבְלֵי־ מָ֗וֶת וּמְצָרֵ֣י שְׁא֣וֹל מְצָא֑וּנִי
NAS: encompassed me And the terrors of Sheol
KJV: compassed me, and the pains of hell
INT: the cords of death and the terrors of Sheol came

Psalm 118:5
HEB: מִֽן־ הַ֭מֵּצַ֥ר קָרָ֣אתִי יָּ֑הּ
NAS: From [my] distress I called
KJV: upon the LORD in distress: the LORD
INT: at From distress called the LORD

Lamentations 1:3
HEB: הִשִּׂיג֖וּהָ בֵּ֥ין הַמְּצָרִֽים׃ ס
NAS: her In the midst of distress.
KJV: overtook her between the straits.
INT: have overtaken the midst of distress

3 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 4712
3 Occurrences

ham·mê·ṣar — 1 Occ.
ham·mə·ṣā·rîm — 1 Occ.
ū·mə·ṣā·rê — 1 Occ.