or (Lamentations 2:22) מָגוּר; from גּוּר in the sense of fearing; a fright (objective or subjective); fear, terror. Compare מָגוֹר מִסָּבִיב.
Transliteration:mâgôwr
Pronunciation:maw-gore'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word מָגוֹר (mâgôwr, `{{H4032}}`) derives from the root גּוּר (gûr), specifically in its less common sense of "to dread" or "to fear," rather than its more frequent meaning of "to sojourn" or "to dwell." This etymological connection immediately positions מָגוֹר as a term denoting a profound emotional state. Its core meaning encompasses "fright," "fear," or "terror." The term can describe both the objective reality that incites fear (that which causes dread) and the subjective experience of fear (the feeling of dread itself). It is a powerful descriptor of overwhelming apprehension. Notably, [[Lamentations 2:22]] presents a variant spelling, מָגוּר (mâgûr), which carries the identical meaning and semantic weight. The base definition also points to the significant phrase מָגוֹר מִסָּבִיב (mâgôwr missāviv), "terror on every side," which encapsulates the pervasive and inescapable nature of this fear.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term מָגוֹר (mâgôwr, `{{H4032}}`) appears primarily in contexts of intense distress, often associated with divine judgment or profound personal suffering. Its occurrences underscore the depth of human vulnerability to overwhelming fear.
A particularly prominent usage is the phrase מָגוֹר מִסָּבִיב (mâgôwr missāviv), "terror on every side," which functions almost as a theological motif. This phrase is found in:
* [[Psalm 31:13]]: Here, the psalmist expresses the terror he experiences due to the slander and plotting of his enemies, indicating a profound sense of being surrounded by threats. The fear is a direct result of external hostility and betrayal.
* [[Jeremiah 6:25]]: This verse warns Judah of impending invasion, depicting a scene where terror will be pervasive, affecting all, including young men and women. It is a prophetic declaration of the terror that will accompany divine judgment.
* [[Jeremiah 20:3]]: In a dramatic moment, the prophet Jeremiah is renamed "Magor-missaviv" by Pashhur, the priest who had him beaten and put in stocks. This renaming signifies that Jeremiah himself has become a source of terror, either because his prophetic messages of doom instill dread in others, or because he embodies the very terror that is coming upon Judah. It is a powerful, almost performative, act of prophetic identification.
* [[Jeremiah 20:10]]: Jeremiah himself laments, "Terror on every side!" as he describes the plots and whispers of those who seek his downfall. This personal cry of despair highlights the intense psychological burden and isolation experienced by the prophet as he faces opposition from all directions.
* [[Jeremiah 46:5]]: This passage describes the terror that grips the Egyptian army as they flee before the Babylonian invasion, depicting a chaotic scene of flight driven by overwhelming fear.
* [[Lamentations 2:22]]: Using the variant spelling מָגוּר (mâgûr), this verse vividly portrays the utter devastation of Jerusalem, lamenting that "terrors were on every side" during the day of the Lord's fierce anger. It encapsulates the complete and pervasive horror of the city's destruction.
Across these contexts, מָגוֹר consistently denotes an oppressive, pervasive, and often inescapable fear, whether experienced individually (as by the psalmist or Jeremiah) or corporately (as by Judah or Egypt). It is a state of being utterly overwhelmed by dread.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of "fear" in Hebrew is rich, and מָגוֹר (mâgôwr, `{{H4032}}`) interacts with several related terms, though it often carries a specific nuance of pervasive or overwhelming terror.
* **Root גּוּר (gûr):** While its primary sense is "to sojourn" (e.g., `{{H1481}}`), the less common sense of "to dread" is the direct source of מָגוֹר. This bifurcation of meaning within the same root is notable, though for מָגוֹר, the "fear" aspect is paramount.
* **Synonyms for Fear/Terror:**
* פַּחַד (pachad, `{{H6343}}`): Often translated as "dread" or "terror," similar in intensity to מָגוֹר, but perhaps without the specific "on every side" nuance.
* יִרְאָה (yir'ah, `{{H3372}}`): "Fear" or "awe," which can range from reverential fear of God to general apprehension. מָגוֹר typically lacks the positive, reverential connotation sometimes associated with יִרְאָה.
* חֲרָדָה (charadah, `{{H2731}}`): "Trembling" or "terror," emphasizing the physical manifestation of fear.
* בְּעָה (be'ah, `{{H1204}}`): "Terror" or "alarm," often implying sudden fright.
* **Antonyms/Counter-concepts:** The presence of מָגוֹר stands in stark contrast to concepts like שלום (shalom, `{{H7965}}`, "peace," "well-being"), בִּטָּחוֹן (bittachon, "trust," "security"), and יֶשַׁע (yesha, `{{H3444}}`, "salvation," "deliverance"). Where מָגוֹר reigns, these positive states are absent.
The phrase מָגוֹר מִסָּבִיב itself becomes a distinct conceptual unit, particularly in the book of Jeremiah, symbolizing the inescapable nature of judgment and suffering.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of מָגוֹר (mâgôwr, `{{H4032}}`) is profound, especially within the prophetic literature and laments.
* **Divine Judgment and Consequence:** Most significantly, מָגוֹר is frequently a manifestation of God's judgment upon a sinful people or nation. It is the terror that accompanies the breaking of covenant and the withdrawal of divine protection. The pervasive nature of this terror ("on every side") underscores the totality and inescapability of God's righteous wrath when it is unleashed. It serves as a stark reminder that sin has dire, terrifying consequences.
* **Prophetic Burden and Identification:** In Jeremiah's experience, being named "Magor-missaviv" highlights the immense burden of the prophetic office. Jeremiah not only *delivers* messages of terror but also *experiences* it deeply, both from the opposition he faces and from his profound identification with the suffering of his people. This demonstrates the spiritual cost of faithfully proclaiming God's challenging word. The prophet becomes a living embodiment of the divine message.
* **Human Helplessness and Vulnerability:** The repeated use of "terror on every side" emphasizes the utter helplessness of humanity when faced with overwhelming forces, whether human enemies or divine judgment. It strips away any illusion of human control or self-sufficiency, forcing an acknowledgment of complete vulnerability.
* **Absence of Divine Presence/Favor:** The presence of מָגוֹר often implies the absence of God's comforting and protective presence. Where God's favor is withdrawn, or His judgment is active, terror fills the void, demonstrating that true security and peace are ultimately found only in Him.
* **Call to Repentance:** While describing a terrifying reality, the prophetic pronouncements involving מָגוֹר also serve as a desperate call to repentance. The very terror described is intended to drive people back to God, to seek refuge from the very wrath that is causing their dread.
### Summary
מָגוֹר (mâgôwr, `{{H4032}}`) is a potent Hebrew term signifying "fright," "fear," or "terror." Derived from the root גּוּר in its sense of dread, it captures both the objective cause and subjective experience of overwhelming apprehension. Its occurrences in the Hebrew Bible, particularly in Psalms, Jeremiah, and Lamentations, consistently depict a pervasive and inescapable dread. The iconic phrase מָגוֹר מִסָּבִיב, "terror on every side," powerfully illustrates this all-encompassing fear, often linked to divine judgment ([[Jeremiah 6:25]], [[Lamentations 2:22]]) or the profound personal suffering of individuals like the psalmist ([[Psalm 31:13]]) and the prophet Jeremiah ([[Jeremiah 20:3]], [[Jeremiah 20:10]]). Theologically, מָגוֹר underscores the severe consequences of sin, the heavy burden of prophetic ministry, and the inherent vulnerability of humanity apart from divine protection. It serves as a stark reminder of God's sovereignty even in judgment, and implicitly, a call to seek refuge in the One who can deliver from all terror.
TRV