מַעֲמָסָה
𐤌𐤏𐤌𐤎𐤄
maʻămâçâh
H4614 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A state or condition of burden, something that is a source of heavy load, trouble, or hardship. The term denotes burdensomeness, particularly in a figurative sense of emotional or social encumbrance, not solely physical weight.
Semantic Range
state of being a burden, burdensomeness, condition of oppression or exaction, source of hardship or affliction
Root / Etymology
Derived from the Hebrew root עָמַס (amas), meaning 'to load, carry a load, bear a burden.' The form מַעֲמָסָה is a feminine abstract noun formation (pattern מַעֲCָCָה) signifying the quality or state of being burdensome.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The singular form מַעֲמָסָה appears in post-exilic biblical texts (notably in Nehemiah 5:15) describing social or economic oppression among the returning community in Yehud (Persian period Judea). The term captures not a single physical object but a broader condition or experience of oppression, taxation, or exaction by authorities. English translations often render this as 'burden' or 'burdensome demand,' but the Hebrew nuance can encompass societal hardship or oppressive duty. This distinguishes it from related terms such as מַשָּׂא (massa', H4853), which typically refers to specific loads, prophecies, or apostasies, and עֹל (ʿol, H5923), which emphasizes the yoke's restraining or controlling function. The term מַעֲמָסָה is rare and conveys a particular focus on the status or experience of being weighed down by exactions or heavy demands, typically by leaders or governors.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from עָמַס; burdensomeness; burdensome.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
עמס (ʿ-m-s) — to load, bear a load, burden
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H5986 | עָמוֹס | Amos |
| H6006 | עָמַס | loaded-down ones |
| H6007 | עֲמַסְיָה | Yah Has Borne |
| H6021 | עֲמָשָׂא | Burden-Bearer |
| H6022 | עֲמָשַׂי | Burden-Bearer |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4614-01 |
מַֽעֲמָסָה֙ | maamasah | HNcfsa |
burdensome | burdensomeness | burdensomeness | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4614-01 |
Zechariah 12:3 | מַֽעֲמָסָה֙ | maamasah | HNcfsa |
burdensome | burdensomeness | burdensomeness |