from an unused root meaning to loom up; a mountain; hill, mount(-ain).
Transliteration:hârâr
Pronunciation:haw-rawr'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term הָרָר (hârâr), Strong's number `{{H2042}}`, derives from an unused root signifying the act of "looming up" or rising prominently. Its primary semantic range encompasses "mountain," "hill," or "mount." This etymological root emphasizes the visual prominence and elevation inherent in the concept of a mountain, suggesting a natural feature that stands out due to its height and mass. While broadly synonymous with other terms for elevated landforms, hârâr specifically conveys the sense of something that projects upward, dominating the surrounding landscape.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Remarkably, the term הָרָר (hârâr) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, found in [[Psalm 30:7]]. The verse states: "By your favor you made my mountain stand strong; you hid your face; I was dismayed." In this solitary occurrence, the "mountain" (הָרָר) is employed metaphorically by David. It does not refer to a literal geological formation but rather symbolizes a state of stability, security, prosperity, or perhaps even the strength of his kingdom or personal well-being. The context is a psalm of thanksgiving where David recounts God's deliverance from distress. The phrase "you made my mountain stand strong" attributes his firm, unshakeable position directly to divine favor. The subsequent shift, "you hid your face; I was dismayed," underscores that this stability is entirely contingent upon God's presence and beneficence, and its withdrawal leads immediately to distress. Thus, hârâr in this unique context powerfully illustrates a divinely established and maintained state of security.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most common and pervasive Hebrew term for "mountain" is הַר (har), Strong's number `{{H2022}}`, which appears hundreds of times throughout the Old Testament. While both hârâr and har translate to "mountain," the extreme rarity of hârâr suggests it might carry a specific nuance, perhaps emphasizing the *looming* or *established* nature of the mountain more directly than the general term har. Other related terms include גִּבְעָה (gibʿāh, `{{H1389}}`), meaning "hill," and various words for "rock" such such as צוּר (ṣûr, `{{H6697}}`) or סֶלַע (selaʿ, `{{H5553}}`), which also convey ideas of strength and refuge. The concept of "mountain" in biblical thought is intrinsically linked to themes of permanence, stability, refuge, divine presence (e.g., Mount Sinai, Mount Zion), and sometimes, obstacles or places of judgment.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of הָרָר (hârâr) in [[Psalm 30:7]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a powerful testament to God's ultimate sovereignty and the source of all true stability. David's "mountain" — his secure position or prosperity — is not inherent but is *made strong* by divine favor. This highlights the biblical truth that human strength, security, and even the stability of earthly kingdoms are not self-derived but are gifts from God. When God's face is hidden, even the most seemingly unshakeable "mountain" can falter. This verse therefore underscores a crucial aspect of biblical theology: all true security and permanence are grounded in God's faithfulness and active involvement. It is God who "forms the mountains" ([[Amos 4:13]]) and establishes them, making them symbols of His enduring power and the stability He can bestow upon His people.
### Summary
The Hebrew word הָרָר (hârâr, `{{H2042}}`), derived from a root meaning "to loom up," denotes a mountain or hill. Its singular occurrence in [[Psalm 30:7]] is highly significant, where it metaphorically represents a state of divinely granted stability and security. Unlike the more common term הַר (har, `{{H2022}}`), hârâr uniquely emphasizes the established and prominent nature of this "mountain" as a direct result of God's favor. Theologically, this solitary usage powerfully illustrates that all true strength, security, and permanence are not intrinsic to human endeavors or earthly structures, but are entirely contingent upon and sustained by the sovereign hand of God.
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