feminine מוֹאָבִיָּה; or מוֹאָבִיתxlit Môwâbîyth corrected to Môwʼâbîyth; patronymical from מוֹאָב; a Moabite or Moabitess, i.e. a descendant from Moab; (woman) of Moab, Moabite(-ish, -ss).
Transliteration:Môwʼâbîy
Pronunciation:mo-aw-bee'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H4125}}` (Môwʼâbîy) is a gentilic noun, derived from `{{H4124}}` (Moab), which refers to the progenitor of the Moabite people and the land they inhabited. As a patronymic, `{{H4125}}` specifically denotes an individual who is a descendant of Moab or an inhabitant of the land of Moab. The term encompasses both masculine (מוֹאָבִי, Môwʼâbîy) and feminine forms (מוֹאָבִיָּה or מוֹאָבִית, Môwʼâbîyth), signifying a "Moabite" man or a "Moabitess" woman, respectively. Its semantic range is primarily geographical and genealogical, identifying a person's national and ancestral origin.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Moabites figure prominently throughout the Old Testament, often in a complex and frequently adversarial relationship with Israel. Their origin is traced to Lot, Abraham's nephew, through an incestuous union with his elder daughter, as recorded in [[Genesis 19:37]]. This foundational narrative sets a tone of moral ambiguity and separation from the Abrahamic lineage.
During the Exodus, the Moabites, alongside the Ammonites, refused to provide Israel with bread and water and even hired Balaam to curse them [[Deuteronomy 23:3-4]], [[Numbers 22:1-6]]. This act of hostility led to a divine decree that "an Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter the assembly of the Lord; even to the tenth generation none of them shall enter the assembly of the Lord forever" [[Deuteronomy 23:3]]. Furthermore, the Moabites were instrumental in leading Israel into idolatry and sexual immorality at Peor [[Numbers 25:1-3]], resulting in a severe plague.
In the period of the Judges, Moab oppressed Israel for eighteen years under King Eglon, until he was assassinated by Ehud [[Judges 3:12-30]]. King Saul fought against the Moabites [[1 Samuel 14:47]], and David later subdued them, though he also found refuge for his parents in Moab during his flight from Saul [[1 Samuel 22:3-4]], and later placed garrisons there [[2 Samuel 8:2]].
A singular and profoundly significant counter-narrative to the general animosity is found in the Book of Ruth. Ruth, a Moabitess (`{{H4125}}`), demonstrates remarkable loyalty and faithfulness to her Israelite mother-in-law, Naomi, declaring, "Your people shall be my people, and your God my God" [[Ruth 1:16]]. Her story culminates in her marriage to Boaz, an Israelite kinsman, and her becoming the great-grandmother of King David [[Ruth 4:17]], and thus an ancestress of the Messiah. This narrative stands in stark contrast to the Deuteronomic prohibition, showcasing God's sovereign grace and the possibility of inclusion for those who turn to Him in faith, regardless of their ethnic origin.
Prophetic literature frequently includes oracles against Moab, foretelling its destruction due to its pride and hostility towards Israel [[Isaiah 15:1-16:14]], [[Jeremiah 48:1-47]], [[Amos 2:1-3]]. These prophecies underscore the consistent divine judgment against nations that oppose God's people and His purposes.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related term is `{{H4124}}` (Moab), which refers to the eponymous ancestor and the land itself. Understanding `{{H4125}}` necessitates understanding its connection to this root. Other related terms include:
* `{{H3878}}` (Lot): The ultimate progenitor of the Moabites.
* `{{H5971}}` ('Ammon): The brother nation of Moab, sharing a similar origin and often linked in biblical narratives and prophetic judgments due to their shared hostility toward Israel and similar cultural practices.
* `{{H6153}}` ('Edom): Another neighboring nation east of the Jordan, frequently grouped with Moab and Ammon in prophetic condemnations.
* Gentilic nouns: `{{H4125}}` belongs to a class of words that identify people by their national or ethnic origin (e.g., Ammonite, Edomite, Philistine), highlighting the importance of tribal and national identity in the ancient Near East.
* Concepts of exclusion and inclusion: The Deuteronomic prohibition against Moabites entering the assembly of the Lord stands in tension with the narrative of Ruth, illustrating the theological tension between legalistic boundaries and divine grace.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4125}}` is multifaceted, encompassing themes of divine judgment, covenant faithfulness, and redemptive grace.
1. **Divine Judgment and Covenant Boundaries:** The Moabites serve as a consistent example of nations outside the covenant, whose actions against Israel (e.g., refusal of aid, hiring Balaam, seducing Israel to idolatry) incurred divine wrath and resulted in their exclusion from the assembly of the Lord. This highlights God's justice and His protection of His covenant people.
2. **Moral Decay and Idolatry:** The Moabites' association with Baal-Peor and their general pagan practices underscore the moral depravity of the nations surrounding Israel and the constant temptation to idolatry that Israel faced.
3. **Sovereign Grace and Inclusion:** The story of Ruth the Moabitess provides a profound counter-narrative. Despite the general prohibition, Ruth's unwavering devotion to Yahweh and her integration into the Israelite community, culminating in her place in the messianic lineage, powerfully demonstrates God's sovereign grace. It foreshadows the inclusion of Gentiles into the people of God, illustrating that faithfulness to Yahweh can transcend ethnic and legal barriers. This narrative anticipates the New Testament's emphasis on faith in Christ as the basis for inclusion, rather than national origin.
4. **Universalism within Particularism:** The Moabite narrative, particularly with Ruth, contributes to the broader biblical theme of God's universal plan of salvation unfolding through His particular covenant with Israel. While Israel was chosen, God's redemptive purposes were never exclusively limited to one nation.
### Summary
`{{H4125}}` (Môwʼâbîy) refers to a Moabite, a descendant or inhabitant of the land of Moab. Historically, the Moabites were often adversaries of Israel, marked by their hostile actions during the Exodus and their role in leading Israel into idolatry, resulting in their exclusion from the assembly of the Lord. Prophetic books frequently pronounce judgment against them, highlighting their pride and opposition to God's people. However, the narrative of Ruth, a Moabitess who becomes an ancestress of King David and thus of the Messiah, stands as a powerful testament to God's redemptive grace. This singular story demonstrates that divine inclusion is not solely bound by ethnic lineage or legalistic prohibition but can extend to those who, like Ruth, demonstrate genuine faith and devotion to the God of Israel, foreshadowing the broader scope of salvation for all peoples.
TRV