a primitive root; to yield up; intensively, to precipitate; cast down, terror.
Transliteration:mâgar
Pronunciation:maw-gar'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H4048}}` *mâgar* is a primitive root, conveying a core meaning related to forceful action and its consequence. Its primary definitions include "to yield up," implying a surrender or giving over, often under duress. Intensively, it means "to precipitate," suggesting a sudden, forceful downward motion or causing something to fall or be cast down. The definition further extends to "cast down," directly reflecting this sense of forceful deposition. Intriguingly, the root also carries the meaning of "terror," which can be understood as the psychological effect of being cast down or the state induced by the threat of being precipitated into danger. Thus, `{{H4048}}` encompasses both the action of bringing about a fall or surrender and the fearful state that accompanies such an event. While the verbal occurrences of this root in the Qal stem are rare in the Masoretic Text, its meaning is strongly attested and understood through its nominal derivatives and cognate forms, which vividly portray the concepts of fear, entrapment, and downfall.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As a verbal root in its primary Qal stem, `{{H4048}}` *mâgar* is exceptionally rare in the Hebrew Bible. However, its semantic range is profoundly reflected in its more frequently attested nominal derivative, `{{H4049}}` *mâgôr*, which consistently translates to "terror" or "fear," and by extension, "that which causes terror," such as a "snare" or "trap." This nominal usage provides crucial insight into the verb's conceptual force. The act of "yielding up" or "being cast down" by an enemy, or being "precipitated" into a snare, inherently evokes terror.
For instance, the phrase "terror on every side" (מָגוֹר מִסָּבִיב, *mâgôr missâviv*), derived from the noun `{{H4049}}`, appears prominently in prophetic literature.
In [[Psalm 31:13]], the psalmist laments, "For I hear the slander of many: terror on every side: while they take counsel together against me, they devise to take away my life." Here, the "terror" is a direct result of the enemies' plotting, which aims to "cast down" or "precipitate" the psalmist into ruin.
Similarly, in [[Jeremiah 20:10]], the prophet Jeremiah cries, "For I heard the defaming of many, terror on every side. Report, say they, and we will report it. All my familiars watched for my halting, saying, Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him." The "terror" here is the psychological burden imposed by adversaries seeking to "cast down" or "entrap" the prophet.
The verbal sense of "casting down" or "delivering over" is thus the active force behind the "terror" or "snare" represented by the noun. Though the verb itself is scarce, its meaning profoundly shapes the experience of those facing adversaries who seek to bring about their downfall or entrapment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct and significant related word is the noun `{{H4049}}` *mâgôr* (מָגוֹר), meaning "terror," "fear," or "snare/trap." This noun frequently illustrates the consequences or instruments of the verbal action of `{{H4048}}`.
Other related concepts and their corresponding Hebrew terms include:
* **Fear/Terror:** `{{H6343}}` *pachad* (פַּחַד), often denoting sudden, overwhelming dread; `{{H3372}}` *yir'ah* (יִרְאָה), which can range from reverential awe to paralyzing fear. The "terror" aspect of `{{H4048}}` aligns closely with the experience described by *pachad*.
* **Snare/Trap:** `{{H4170}}` *moqesh* (מוֹקֵשׁ), a trap or snare, often for birds or animals, but metaphorically for people; `{{H6341}}` *pach* (פַּח), a fowler's snare. These terms embody the "precipitating" or "casting down" aspect of `{{H4048}}`, as they are instruments designed to cause a sudden fall or capture.
* **Casting Down/Falling:** `{{H5307}}` *naphal* (נָפַל), to fall, to be cast down; `{{H2040}}` *haras* (הָרַס), to tear down, overthrow, demolish. These verbs describe the outcome or action that `{{H4048}}` implies, whether it be a physical fall or a metaphorical overthrow. The unique contribution of `{{H4048}}` is its focus on the *act* of causing something to yield or be precipitated, often with an implication of danger or entrapment.
### Theological Significance
The conceptual force of `{{H4048}}` *mâgar*, even through its rare verbal attestation and more common nominal derivative, carries significant theological weight. It speaks to the precariousness of human existence in a fallen world, where individuals face the threat of being "cast down" or "precipitated" into ruin by adversaries, whether human or spiritual. This root highlights the experience of vulnerability and the profound sense of "terror" that can accompany such threats.
From a divine perspective, the concept of "casting down" can also be an act of divine judgment against the wicked, where God Himself "yields up" or "precipitates" His enemies into destruction. Conversely, for the righteous, the Lord is portrayed as the one who prevents them from being "cast down" by their foes, offering deliverance from the snares and terrors of life. The repeated cry of "terror on every side" found in the Psalms and Jeremiah underscores the human need for God's steadfast protection and the ultimate futility of human schemes against those whom God upholds. Trust in Yahweh becomes the antidote to the terror that seeks to precipitate one's downfall, for He is the one who can deliver from every snare and cause the wicked to fall into their own traps.
### Summary
The Hebrew root `{{H4048}}` *mâgar* is a primitive root whose core meaning encompasses "to yield up," "to precipitate," "to cast down," and "terror." While its direct verbal occurrences in the Hebrew Bible are rare, its semantic force is powerfully conveyed through its nominal derivative, `{{H4049}}` *mâgôr*, which frequently denotes "terror," "fear," or "a snare/trap." This connection reveals that the root describes both the action of causing a forceful fall or surrender and the profound dread that accompanies such an event or threat. Theologically, `{{H4048}}` illuminates the human experience of vulnerability to adversaries who seek to "cast down" or "entrap," leading to "terror." It also points to God's sovereign power to deliver His people from such dangers and, conversely, to bring about the downfall of the wicked. The concept inherent in `{{H4048}}` underscores the critical importance of divine trust as a refuge from the terrors that seek to precipitate ruin.
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