מְצוּדָה
ma.tsu.dah
fortress
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Hebrew word מְצוּדָה (ma.tsu.dah) is defined as a "fortress." This term is used 17 times in the Bible. A fortress is a fortified structure designed for defense and protection, often built on a strategic location such as a hill or a high place. The word מְצוּדָה can refer to a physical stronghold, such as a fortified city or a defensive wall. However, it can also be used metaphorically to describe a place of safety or refuge, where one can find protection from harm or danger. In this sense, the word can convey a sense of security and stability. The significance of the word מְצוּדָה lies in its association with protection and safety. In the biblical context, a fortress can represent a haven from external threats, but it can also be a symbol of internal strength and resilience. By using this word, the biblical authors emphasize the importance of finding refuge and protection in times of need.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
17 total occurrences across the text
On the cliff he dwells, and makes his home, on the point of the cliff, and the stronghold.
Psalms 18:2Yahweh is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower.
Psalms 31:2Bow down your ear to me. Deliver me speedily. Be to me a strong rock, a house of defense to save me.
Psalms 31:3For you are my rock and my fortress, therefore for your name’s sake lead me and guide me.
Psalms 71:3Be to me a rock of refuge to which I may always go. Give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.
Psalms 91:2I will say of Yahweh, “He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.”
Psalms 144:2my loving kindness, my fortress, my high tower, my deliverer, my shield, and he in whom I take refuge, who subdues my people under me.
1 Samuel 22:4He brought them before the king of Moab; and they lived with him all the time that David was in the stronghold.
1 Samuel 22:5The prophet Gad said to David, “Don’t stay in the stronghold. Depart, and go into the land of Judah.” Then David departed, and came into the forest of Hereth.
1 Samuel 24:22David swore to Saul. Saul went home, but David and his men went up to the stronghold.
2 Samuel 5:7Nevertheless David took the stronghold of Zion. This is David’s city.
2 Samuel 5:9David lived in the stronghold, and called it David’s city. David built around from Millo and inward.
2 Samuel 5:17When the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines went up to seek David, but David heard about it and went down to the stronghold.
2 Samuel 22:2and he said: “Yahweh is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, even mine;
2 Samuel 23:14David was then in the stronghold; and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem.
1 Chronicles 11:5The inhabitants of Jebus said to David, “You will not come in here.” Nevertheless David took the stronghold of Zion. The same is David’s city.
1 Chronicles 11:16David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was in Bethlehem at that time.