### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mᵉgûwrâh**, represented by `{{H4035}}`, holds a dual meaning as either "a fright" and "fear," or "a granary" and "barn." It appears only 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible, making each usage significant. This rare term uniquely bridges the concepts of internal human dread and the physical place of storage and provision.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the scriptures, `{{H4035}}` is used to illustrate two distinct concepts. As "fear," it appears in Psalms as a personal affliction from which one can be rescued. The psalmist declares that after seeking the Lord, he was "delivered me from all my **fears**" [[Psalms 34:4]]. In contrast, Isaiah presents it as a form of divine judgment, where God promises to "bring their **fears** upon them" as a direct consequence for their disobedience and for doing evil [[Isaiah 66:4]]. The word's second meaning, "barn," is found in [[Haggai 2:19]], where it is used in a literal, agricultural question: "Is the seed yet in the **barn**?" This usage occurs within a promise of future blessing from God, contrasting an empty storehouse with impending abundance.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the contexts in which `{{H4035}}` appears:
* `{{H1875}}` **dârash** (to seek or ask): This action is presented as the antidote to fear. The psalmist "sought the LORD" and was delivered from his fears `{{H4035}}` [[Psalms 34:4]].
* `{{H5337}}` **nâtsal** (to snatch away, deliver): This word describes God's direct intervention. He is the one who can **deliver** a person from their fears [[Psalms 34:4]] and the righteous from all their afflictions [[Psalms 34:19]].
* `{{H8586}}` **taʻălûwl** (delusion): This is directly paired with `{{H4035}}` in Isaiah's prophecy of judgment. God declares He will choose the people's "**delusions**" and bring their "fears" upon them for their refusal to hear Him [[Isaiah 66:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4035}}` lies in its contrasting applications, revealing truths about God's character and His interaction with humanity.
* **Fear as a Consequence or Condition:** The word shows that fear can be a natural human condition from which God offers deliverance [[Psalms 34:4]]. It can also be a tool of divine judgment, brought upon those who refuse to hear God's call [[Isaiah 66:4]].
* **The Path to Deliverance:** The context of deliverance from "fears" `{{H4035}}` is centered on human action. One must first seek `{{H1875}}` the Lord, who then hears `{{H6030}}` and delivers `{{H5337}}`. Inaction or disobedience leads to the opposite outcome.
* **Provision vs. Punishment:** The dual meaning of the word creates a powerful theological contrast. Disobedience brings "fears" [[Isaiah 66:4]], while faithfulness is met with the promise of blessing, symbolized by a full "barn" `{{H4035}}` where there was once lack [[Haggai 2:19]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4035}}` is more than a simple word for "fear" or "barn." Its rare usage across scripture highlights a fundamental principle: the relationship between humanity's response to God and the resulting outcome. It powerfully contrasts divine deliverance and blessing with divine judgment, showing that God can rescue from fear but will also bring fears upon the disobedient. This single term encapsulates both the source of human anxiety and the promise of divine provision.
TRV