feminine of מָגוֹר or of מָגוּר; a fright; also a granary; barn, fear.
Transliteration:mᵉgûwrâh
Pronunciation:meg-oo-raw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מְגוּרָה (mᵉgûwrâh, `{{H4035}}`) presents a fascinating semantic duality, encompassing two seemingly disparate meanings: "fright" or "fear" and "granary" or "barn." This remarkable range stems from its potential derivation from two distinct, though phonetically similar, roots or related nouns.
One primary meaning, "fright" or "fear," connects mᵉgûwrâh to the noun מָגוֹר (magor, `{{H4032}}`), which itself derives from the root גּוּר (gur), meaning "to dread" or "to be afraid." In this sense, mᵉgûwrâh describes a state of intense apprehension or terror.
The second meaning, "granary" or "barn," is thought to relate to the noun מָגוּר (magur, `{{H4033}}`), which signifies "sojourning" or "a dwelling place." This connection suggests a place where things are gathered and stored, akin to a dwelling for harvested produce. While the precise etymological link between "fear" and "granary" within a single word is debated (some scholars suggest homonymy from different roots, others a metaphorical extension), the biblical usage clearly attests to both senses.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term מְגוּרָה (mᵉgûwrâh, `{{H4035}}`) appears in the Hebrew Bible in only two distinct contexts, each exemplifying one of its core meanings.
1. **1 Samuel 17:10 (Fear/Dismay):** "And the Philistine said, 'I defy the ranks of Israel this day. Give me a man, that we may fight together.' When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid."
In this dramatic narrative of David and Goliath, the word מְגוּרָה is used to describe the overwhelming "fear" or "dismay" that gripped King Saul and the entire Israelite army in response to Goliath's challenge. The context makes it clear that the Philistine's taunts instilled a deep-seated terror, paralyzing the Israelite forces. Here, mᵉgûwrâh functions as an intensive noun, emphasizing the profound and widespread nature of their dread.
2. **Haggai 2:16 (Granary/Barn):** "From that time, when one came to a heap of twenty measures, there were but ten; when one came to the wine vat to draw fifty measures, there were but twenty. I struck you with blight and mildew and hail in all the work of your hands; yet you did not turn to me, declares the Lord."
In this prophetic passage, מְגוּרָה refers to a "granary" or "storage place" for harvested grain. The prophet Haggai is relaying the Lord's message to the people of Judah, explaining why their harvests have been meager despite their efforts. The image is of a granary that should be full, yielding twenty measures, but instead contains only ten. This passage highlights divine judgment through agricultural scarcity, emphasizing the emptiness of the mᵉgûwrâh as a sign of God's displeasure with their negligence in rebuilding the Temple.
These two occurrences perfectly illustrate the word's distinct semantic range, demanding careful contextual analysis to discern its intended meaning.
### Related Words & Concepts
The dual nature of מְגוּרָה (mᵉgûwrâh, `{{H4035}}`) links it to different clusters of related terms and concepts:
**Related to "Fear":**
* **מָגוֹר (magor, `{{H4032}}`):** This is the direct masculine noun from which the "fear" sense of mᵉgûwrâh is derived, meaning "fear," "terror," or "dread."
* **יִרְאָה (yirah, `{{H3374}}`):** A broad term for "fear," encompassing both dread and reverential awe toward God.
* **פַּחַד (pachad, `{{H6343}}`):** Often translated as "terror" or "dread," particularly in the face of danger or divine judgment.
* **חֲרָדָה (charadah, `{{H2731}}`):** "Trembling," "anxiety," or "fear," often accompanied by physical manifestation.
* **Concepts:** Panic, dismay, terror, awe, reverence, courage (as an antithesis to fear).
**Related to "Granary/Barn":**
* **מָגוּר (magur, `{{H4033}}`):** The masculine noun related to the "granary" sense, meaning "sojourning" or "dwelling place." This connection suggests a place where things "dwell" or are stored.
* **אֹצָר (otzar, `{{H262}}`):** A general term for a "treasury," "storehouse," or "store."
* **גּוֹרֶן (goren, `{{H1637}}`):** A "threshing floor," which was often the site of initial grain processing and temporary storage before being moved to a granary.
* **מַאֲסָם (ma'asam, `{{H3968}}`):** A "storehouse" or "granary," specifically mentioned in agricultural contexts.
* **Concepts:** Provision, abundance, harvest, scarcity, storage, divine blessing, divine judgment, stewardship.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of מְגוּרָה (mᵉgûwrâh, `{{H4035}}`) is profound, reflecting both the human experience in a fallen world and God's sovereign hand in judgment and provision.
In its sense of "fear" or "dismay," as seen in [[1 Samuel 17:10]], mᵉgûwrâh highlights the human vulnerability to overwhelming terror when faced with seemingly insurmountable threats. The fear of Goliath paralyzed Israel, underscoring the spiritual battle that often accompanies physical conflict. This fear stands in stark contrast to the courage born of faith in God, as exemplified by David. Theologically, it serves as a reminder that fear can be a debilitating force, a consequence of turning away from divine trust, and a manifestation of the enemy's power to intimidate. Yet, it also sets the stage for God's deliverance, demonstrating His ability to overcome even the deepest human dread through His chosen instruments.
In its sense of "granary" or "barn," as in [[Haggai 2:16]], mᵉgûwrâh speaks directly to God's control over material provision and His use of scarcity as a means of discipline and correction. The empty or diminished granary is a tangible sign of divine judgment against a people who had prioritized their own affairs over God's house. It underscores the principle that material blessings are not automatic but are often tied to obedience and faithfulness to the covenant. Conversely, a full mᵉgûwrâh would signify God's blessing and favor, demonstrating His faithfulness to provide for His people when they walk in His ways. This usage implicitly teaches about stewardship, the importance of seeking God's kingdom first, and the ultimate source of all sustenance.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מְגוּרָה (mᵉgûwrâh, `{{H4035}}`) is a unique term in the biblical lexicon, possessing a striking semantic range that encompasses both "fright" or "fear" and "granary" or "barn." Its rare occurrences in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in [[1 Samuel 17:10]] and [[Haggai 2:16]], distinctly illustrate these two meanings. In the former, it portrays the paralyzing terror of the Israelite army before Goliath, stemming from מָגוֹר (magor, `{{H4032}}`), "fear." In the latter, it refers to a "granary" diminished by divine judgment, reflecting a connection to מָגוּר (magur, `{{H4033}}`), "dwelling place" or "storage." Theologically, mᵉgûwrâh thus speaks to the human experience of debilitating fear in the face of overwhelming odds, contrasting with the need for faith in God's deliverance. Simultaneously, it powerfully conveys God's sovereignty over material provision, using the state of the mᵉgûwrâh—whether full or empty—as a tangible sign of blessing or judgment, urging His people towards faithfulness and obedience.
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