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).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Môwʼâbîy**, represented by `{{H4125}}`, is a patronymical term for a **Moabite** or **Moabitess**, a descendant from Moab. The term appears 16 times across 16 unique verses, designating individuals from the land of Moab. Its usage is primarily to establish national identity, often in contexts of law, marriage, and historical interaction with Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H4125}}` appears in several significant contexts. A key legal declaration in the book of **Moses** `{{H4872}}` states that a **Moabite** `{{H4125}}` or **Ammonite** `{{H5984}}` is not to enter the **congregation** `{{H6951}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}`, even to the tenth **generation** `{{H1755}}` ([[Deuteronomy 23:3]], [[Nehemiah 13:1]]). This theme of separation is also present when the people of Israel are criticized for failing to separate themselves from the surrounding peoples, including the **Moabites** `{{H4125}}` [[Ezra 9:1]]. The term is famously applied to **Ruth** `{{H7327}}`, who is repeatedly identified as "Ruth the **Moabitess**" ([[Ruth 1:22]], [[Ruth 4:5]], [[Ruth 4:10]]), highlighting her foreign origins even as she is integrated into the lineage of David.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller picture of the context surrounding the **Moabite** `{{H4125}}` identity:
* `{{H7327}}` **Rûwth** (friend; Ruth, a Moabitess): The most renowned **Moabitess** `{{H4125}}` in scripture, whose story of loyalty and redemption is central to her identity. She finds **grace** `{{H2580}}` in the eyes of **Boaz** `{{H1162}}` [[Ruth 2:2]].
* `{{H1162}}` **Bôʻaz** (Boaz, the ancestor of David): The Israelite who purchases the inheritance of **Mahlon** `{{H4248}}` and marries **Ruth** `{{H7327}}` the **Moabitess** `{{H4125}}`, redeeming her and her family line [[Ruth 4:10]].
* `{{H5984}}` **ʻAmmôwnîy** (an Ammonite): Moabites are frequently mentioned alongside Ammonites, particularly in laws of exclusion from the **congregation** `{{H6951}}` ([[Nehemiah 13:1]], [[Deuteronomy 23:3]]).
* `{{H5237}}` **nokrîy** (strange, in a variety of degrees and applications): This term describes the foreign women, including **Moabites** `{{H4125}}`, whom King **Solomon** `{{H8010}}` loved, which turned his heart away from God [[1 Kings 11:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4125}}` is primarily seen in the tension between law and grace.
* **Legal Exclusion:** The status of a **Moabite** `{{H4125}}` is officially one of separation from the covenant community of Israel. They were forbidden from entering the **congregation** `{{H6951}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` [[Deuteronomy 23:3]]. Intermarriage with **Moabites** `{{H4125}}` was a source of spiritual compromise for Israel ([[Ezra 9:1]], [[Nehemiah 13:23]]).
* **Redemptive Inclusion:** The story of **Ruth** `{{H7327}}` the **Moabitess** `{{H4125}}` serves as a powerful testament to God's ability to include those outside the initial covenant promises. Despite her origins, her faithfulness leads to her marriage to **Boaz** `{{H1162}}` and her inclusion in the land of **Bethlehem** `{{H1035}}` [[Ruth 1:22]].
* **Individual Identity:** While often used as a collective label, the term also applies to individuals whose actions define them. **Shimrith** `{{H8116}}` a **Moabitess** `{{H4125}}` was the mother of a conspirator [[2 Chronicles 24:26]], while **Ithmah** `{{H3495}}` the **Moabite** `{{H4125}}` was counted among David's mighty men [[1 Chronicles 11:46]], showing that this identity did not always preclude a place of honor.
### Summary
In summary, **Môwʼâbîy** `{{H4125}}` functions as more than a simple ethnic label. It represents a people group defined by their distinct, and often adversarial, relationship with Israel. While the term is foundational to laws of exclusion designed to preserve Israel's holiness, it is most memorably attached to **Ruth** `{{H7327}}`, whose story illustrates that personal faith and loyalty can transcend national and legal barriers, showcasing a broader redemptive purpose.
TRV