Lexical Summary mashshaon: Uplifting, support, refuge Original Word: מַשָּׁאוֹן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance deceit From nasha'; dissimulation -- deceit. see HEBREW nasha' NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom nasha Definition guile, dissimulation NASB Translation guile (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מַשָּׁאוֺן noun [masculine] guile, dissimulation ( > according to LagBN 196 derived from מַשָּׁא, lending on usury); תִּכַּסֶּה שִׂנְאָה בְּמַשָּׁאוֺן Proverbs 26:26 hatred may hide itself with dissimulation. Topical Lexicon Root Idea and Semantic Profile מַשָּׁאוֹן evokes the picture of a calculated cover-up—an intentional wrapping of hostile intent in a cloak of seeming goodwill. While other Hebrew terms for deceit focus on fraud or falsehood, this word spotlights the act of hiding malice beneath a manufactured façade, turning enmity into a performance of friendliness. Canonical Placement and Occasion of Use Its single appearance in Scripture stands in Proverbs 26:26, part of the Hezekian collection of Solomonic sayings (Proverbs 25–29). These chapters stress discernment in social relationships, exposing behaviors that erode covenant community. Here, מַשָּׁאוֹן sits within a cluster of proverbs that warn against the self-destructive nature of duplicity. Portrait of Deceit in Proverbs 26:26 “Though his hatred is concealed by deception, his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.” (Proverbs 26:26) The proverb sketches three movements: 1. Concealed hatred—internal animosity kept under wraps. The verse functions as both diagnosis and prognosis: hypocrisy tries to buy time, but divine wisdom guarantees unveiling. Theological Emphases 1. Moral Transparency – Yahweh, who “desires truth in the inmost being” (Psalm 51:6), will not allow malicious camouflage to stand indefinitely. Historical and Cultural Insights Ancient Near Eastern society placed high value on hospitality and oaths. Using social conventions to mask hatred constituted a grave breach of covenant loyalty (ḥesed). Proverbs 26:26 answers this context by assuring readers that communal mechanisms—and ultimately divine oversight—will unmask treachery. Intertextual Parallels • Genesis 37:4 – Joseph’s brothers “could not speak peaceably” though they later feigned friendliness, illustrating the peril of veiled hatred. Practical Implications for Ministry • Pastoral Care – Leaders must cultivate environments where grievances are handled openly, preventing relational decay masked by polite pretense. Christological Considerations The cross brings ultimate exposure: human hostility toward God, long masked by ritual and religion, is unveiled and judged in Christ. At the same time, the crucified and risen Lord embodies perfect transparency—“in Him there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5)—providing both the model and means for integrity. Eschatological Horizon Final judgment will consummate what Proverbs 26:26 anticipates. Concealment is temporary; every motive will be laid bare before the judgment seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10). Thus מַשָּׁאוֹן warns not merely of social embarrassment but of eternal accountability. Summary מַשָּׁאוֹן captures the strategy of hiding hatred behind a pleasant front. Proverbs deploys the term once, yet with laser precision: counterfeit kindness cannot outlast the exposing light of divine justice. The wise therefore renounce duplicity, pursue heart-level honesty, and trust God to vindicate truth in His time. Forms and Transliterations בְּמַשָּׁא֑וֹן במשאון bə·maš·šā·’ō·wn bemashshaon bəmaššā’ōwnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Proverbs 26:26 HEB: תִּכַּסֶּ֣ה שִׂ֭נְאָה בְּמַשָּׁא֑וֹן תִּגָּלֶ֖ה רָעָת֣וֹ NAS: covers itself with guile, His wickedness KJV: is covered by deceit, his wickedness INT: covers hatred guile will be revealed his wickedness 1 Occurrence |
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