from מוֹט; a wavering, i.e. fall; by implication, a pole (as shaking); hence, a yoke (as essentially a bent pole); bar, be moved, staff, yoke.
Transliteration:môwṭ
Pronunciation:mote
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun מוֹט (môwṭ, `{{H4132}}`) derives directly from the verb מוּט (mûṭ, `{{H4131}}`), meaning "to totter," "waver," "shake," "slip," or "be moved." Consequently, the primary semantic range of מוֹט encompasses concepts of instability, unsteadiness, slipping, or falling. It denotes a state of being unsettled or precarious.
Beyond this core meaning of movement or instability, מוֹט extends by implication to describe physical objects associated with such movement or, paradoxically, with their prevention or direction. This includes:
1. **A pole or bar:** This usage likely stems from the idea of a pole that can sway or be used to move objects, or as a support that prevents wavering. These are often carrying poles for heavy or sacred objects.
2. **A yoke:** Specifically, the feminine form מוֹטָה (môṭāh) is frequently used for "yoke," a bent pole placed over the necks of oxen for plowing or drawing loads. This sense carries connotations of burden, servitude, or control, as well as the physical movement associated with the animal's labor.
3. **A staff:** Similar to a pole, a staff can be a support (preventing one from slipping) or an instrument for striking (causing movement).
Thus, מוֹט presents a fascinating duality: it can signify a state of vulnerability and instability, or it can refer to a tangible object that either facilitates movement/burden or provides crucial support.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word מוֹט (môwṭ) appears approximately 20 times in the Hebrew Bible, with its feminine form מוֹטָה (môṭāh) appearing an additional 15 times, primarily in the sense of "yoke." Its usage spans both concrete and abstract contexts.
In the **Psalms**, מוֹט frequently describes the state of being "moved" or "shaken," often in a negative construction to affirm divine steadfastness or the security granted by God to the righteous. For instance, [[Psalm 10:6]] declares, "I shall not be moved," expressing a confident trust in God's preservation. Similarly, [[Psalm 15:5]] states concerning the righteous, "He who does these things shall never be moved." This theme is reiterated in [[Psalm 16:8]], [[Psalm 62:2]], [[Psalm 62:6]], and [[Psalm 112:6]], emphasizing the stability of those whose trust is in Yahweh. [[Psalm 55:22]] promises that God "will never permit the righteous to be moved." In [[Psalm 66:9]], God "does not allow our feet to slip" (where "slip" is related to מוֹט). The concept of "slipping" or "falling" (מוֹט) without divine intervention is a recurring motif, highlighting human frailty. [[Proverbs 25:26]] uses מוֹט to describe a righteous person "falling down" or "giving way" before the wicked, likening it to a corrupted spring.
In its concrete sense, מוֹט refers to **poles or bars**, particularly in the context of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. In the book of **Exodus**, מוֹט is used for the "bars" of the altar of burnt offering ([[Exodus 27:8]], [[Exodus 38:7]]), which were used for carrying it. The book of **Numbers** extensively uses מוֹט to describe the "poles" for carrying the sacred articles of the Tabernacle, such as the Ark of the Covenant ([[Numbers 4:6]]), the table of showbread ([[Numbers 4:8]]), the lampstand ([[Numbers 4:11]]), and the altars ([[Numbers 4:14]]). These poles facilitated the careful and reverent transport of holy objects, preventing them from being casually moved or disturbed. Interestingly, [[Numbers 13:23]] describes the spies carrying a large cluster of grapes on a "pole" (מוֹט) from the land of Canaan.
The feminine form מוֹטָה (môṭāh) is prominently used for a **yoke**, often with strong metaphorical implications. In [[Isaiah 58:6]], the prophet calls for the "undoing the bands of the yoke" (מוֹטָה), symbolizing the release from oppression and injustice. Similarly, in **Jeremiah**, the "yoke" (מוֹטָה) is a powerful symbol of servitude and divine judgment. Hananiah's act of breaking the wooden yoke from Jeremiah's neck ([[Jeremiah 28:10]], [[Jeremiah 28:12]]) is a dramatic prophetic act, signifying a false promise of liberation from Babylonian rule, which is then replaced by a heavier "yoke of iron" ([[Jeremiah 28:13]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relative of מוֹט (môwṭ, `{{H4132}}`) is its verbal root, מוּט (mûṭ, `{{H4131}}`), from which its core meaning of "to waver, shake, slip" is derived. Understanding the verb is crucial for grasping the noun's foundational sense.
Other related concepts and words include:
* **For "stability" or "steadfastness" (antonyms):**
* כּוּן (kûn, `{{H3559}}`): "to establish," "prepare," "be firm." Often used in contrast to מוֹט, emphasizing God's unshakeable nature.
* יָצַב (yāṣaḇ, `{{H3320}}`): "to stand firm," "take one's stand."
* אָמַן (ʾāman, `{{H539}}`): "to be firm," "faithful," "trustworthy."
* **For "falling" or "stumbling" (synonyms/related):**
* נָגַף (nāḡap̄, `{{H5062}}`): "to strike," "smite," "stumble."
* כָּשַׁל (kāšal, `{{H3782}}`): "to stumble," "fall."
* **For "yoke" (synonym for the specific meaning):**
* עֹל (ʿōl, `{{H5923}}`): This is another common Hebrew word for "yoke," often used interchangeably or in parallel with מוֹטָה (môṭāh) when referring to a literal or metaphorical burden. While מוֹטָה specifically emphasizes the "pole" aspect, עֹל often focuses on the "burden" aspect.
The semantic field of מוֹט thus intersects with themes of human vulnerability, divine steadfastness, the burdens of life, and the sacred responsibility of carrying God's presence.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of מוֹט (môwṭ) is rich and multifaceted, touching upon themes of divine sovereignty, human dependence, and liberation.
1. **Divine Steadfastness and Human Frailty:** The frequent use of מוֹט in the Psalms to describe not "being moved" is a profound theological statement. It contrasts the inherent instability and vulnerability of humanity with the unshakeable nature of God. The righteous are not moved because God is their firm foundation and support. This emphasizes God's faithfulness and protective care, assuring believers that their ultimate security rests in Him, not in their own strength. It speaks to the divine attribute of immutability and the stability it provides to those in covenant with Him.
2. **Divine Providence and Support:** God is consistently portrayed as the one who prevents the righteous from "slipping" or "being moved" ([[Psalm 66:9]], [[Psalm 121:3]]). This highlights His active providence and His commitment to upholding His people. It underscores the concept that divine intervention is necessary to maintain stability in a fallen world, both physically and spiritually.
3. **Burden, Oppression, and Liberation:** The "yoke" (מוֹטָה) aspect of מוֹט carries significant theological weight, particularly in prophetic literature. It symbolizes the heavy burden of sin, injustice, or foreign domination. Prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah use this imagery to condemn social injustice and to foretell periods of national servitude. The call to "undo the bands of the yoke" ([[Isaiah 58:6]]) is a powerful plea for social justice and liberation, reflecting God's desire for His people to be free from all forms of oppression. The breaking of the yoke, whether by divine judgment or human repentance, signifies a return to freedom and a right relationship with God.
4. **Reverence and Responsibility in Service:** The use of "poles" (מוֹט) for carrying the sacred Tabernacle furnishings underscores the reverence and meticulous care required in handling holy objects. It symbolizes the responsibility of those entrusted with God's presence and commands. The poles ensured that the Ark and other sacred items were carried with dignity and order, preventing any casual or disrespectful "wavering" or disturbance. This points to the sanctity of divine things and the ordered nature of worship and service.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מוֹט (môwṭ, `{{H4132}}`) is a versatile term deriving from the concept of "wavering" or "slipping." Its semantic range extends from abstract notions of instability and falling to concrete objects such as poles, bars, and yokes.
In its abstract sense, מוֹט frequently appears in the Psalms to affirm the unshakeable nature of God and the divine steadfastness that secures the righteous, contrasting with human frailty and vulnerability to "being moved." This highlights God's protective providence and the security found in trusting Him.
Concretely, מוֹט describes the carrying "poles" for the sacred Tabernacle furnishings, emphasizing the reverence and order required in handling holy things. Its feminine form, מוֹטָה, predominantly signifies a "yoke," which serves as a potent symbol of burden, servitude, and oppression in prophetic literature. The prophetic call to "undo the bands of the yoke" underscores God's desire for justice and liberation from all forms of bondage.
In essence, מוֹט encapsulates both the precariousness of human existence and the unwavering strength of God, alongside the burdens of life and the divine promise of freedom. It is a word that speaks to both human dependence and divine power.
TRV