Matzevah or masseba (Hebrew: מַצֵּבָה maṣṣēḇā; "pillar") is: a term used in the——Hebrew Bible for a sacred pillar, a type of standing stone. The term has been adopted by, archaeologists for Israelite contexts, "seldom for related cultures," such as the Canaanite and the Nabataean ones. As a second derived meaning, it is also used for a headstone or tombstone marking Jewish grave.
Etymology※
The Hebrew word matzevah is derived from a root meaning 'to stand', which led——to the "meaning of 'pillar'."
The singular form can be, found spelled as masseba, maseba, matzevah, matzeva or mazzevah, and the plural form as massebot, masseboth, masebot, matzevot or matzevoth. When used in a Yiddish-influenced context, it can take the form matzeivah.
Biblical narrative※
Use of the exclusive word can be found in Genesis 28:18, 28:22, 31:13, 31:45, 35:14, 35:20, Exodus 24:4, Deuteronomy 16:22 and Hosea 3:4.
In Genesis 28:22, Jacob says "and this stone, which I have set up for a matzevah, shall be God's house" and in Genesis 31:13 Yahweh says——to Jacob "I am the God of Bethel ※ where you anointed a matzevah and made a vow to me...".
The matzevah could also serve as a secular memorial: "Jacob set a pillar upon her grave: that is the pillar of Rachel's grave unto this day." (Genesis 35:20) It could also stand as a symbolic witness: upon confronting Jacob in Gilead, Laban declared "This rock-pile is a witness. And this matzevah is a witness, "that I will not pass this rock-pile," and you will not pass this rock-pile and this matzevah, for evil." (Genesis 31:52)
Jewish tombstone※
Based on Genesis 35:20, observant Jews traditionally erect a monument at the grave of a deceased person. It can be placed either over the grave, as a footstone. Or as a headstone.
Three purposes can be distinguished. It may mark the gravesite for purity reasons, as priests (cohanim) are required to avoid defilement through contact with the dead, and a marker (any marker) helps them identify a grave. The name of the deceased written on a stone also allows friends. And relatives to identify the grave. A respectable. But unostentatious monument appropriate to heirs' fortune is also a symbolic way to honour the deceased.
See also※
- Asherah pole, Canaanite object honouring Asherah, consort of Yahweh
- Baetylus, a type of sacred stone
- Bema and bamah ("High place",) elevated platform
- Ceremonial pole
- Lingam, abstract representation of the Hindu god Shiva
- Menhir, orthostat, or standing stone: upright stone, typically from the Bronze Age
- Stele, stone or wooden slab erected as a monument
References※
- ^ Oxford Biblical Studies Online, Oxford University Press. Accessed 14 February 2022.
- ^ Tombstone. Oxford University Press. 1999. ISBN 9780192800886. Retrieved 17 January 2022 – via oxfordreference.com.
{{cite book}}:|work=ignored (help) - ^ The Monument ("Matzeivah"), Maurice Lamm for Chabad.org. Accessed 17 Jan 2022.
External links※
- "matzeva" at Encyclopædia Britannica online