### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **môwṭâh**, represented by `{{H4133}}`, refers to a **pole**, **stave**, or **yoke**. It appears **12 times** across **10 unique verses** in the Bible. While it can denote a literal pole for carrying, it is most often used figuratively to represent a yoke of bondage, oppression, or a heavy burden.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its literal sense, `{{H4133}}` is used for the **staves** used by the Levites to bear the ark of God upon their shoulders [[1 Chronicles 15:15]]. The term is also central to the prophetic conflict between Jeremiah and Hananiah. The LORD commands Jeremiah to make **yokes** and put them on his neck as a sign [[Jeremiah 27:2]]. Later, the prophet Hananiah breaks this **yoke** from Jeremiah's neck in a symbolic act of false prophecy [[Jeremiah 28:10]]. Figuratively, the word signifies oppression, as when God promises to break the **yokes** of Egypt [[Ezekiel 30:18]] or when He describes a true fast as undoing **heavy** burdens and breaking every **yoke** [[Isaiah 58:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning and context of `{{H4133}}`:
* `{{H5923}}` **ʻôl** (yoke): This word is frequently paired with **môwṭâh**. While **ʻôl** is the yoke itself, **môwṭâh** can refer to the "bands" of the yoke, as seen when God promises to break "the **bands** of their **yoke**" ([[Leviticus 26:13]], [[Ezekiel 34:27]]).
* `{{H7665}}` **shâbar** (to burst; break): This verb is consistently used to describe the action taken against the yoke of oppression. God promises he has **broken** the bands of the yoke ([[Leviticus 26:13]], [[Ezekiel 34:27]]), and Hananiah physically **brake** the yoke from Jeremiah's neck [[Jeremiah 28:10]].
* `{{H6677}}` **tsavvâʼr** (neck): This word identifies the place where the yoke is borne, emphasizing the theme of subjugation. Jeremiah is told to put the yokes he makes "upon thy **neck**" [[Jeremiah 27:2]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4133}}` is significant, highlighting themes of bondage, liberation, and judgment.
* **Symbol of Bondage:** The yoke represents the burden of sin and national oppression. God references the "bands of your yoke" when speaking of the deliverance of Israel from being **bondmen** in Egypt [[Leviticus 26:13]]. Isaiah uses it to describe the "heavy burdens" that result from wickedness [[Isaiah 58:6]].
* **Divine Liberation:** God is portrayed as the one who breaks these yokes. He delivers his people by breaking the "bands of their yoke" so they can walk **upright** [[Leviticus 26:13]]. This act demonstrates His power and faithfulness to His people.
* **Prophetic Judgment:** The literal yoke becomes a symbol of divine judgment. After Hananiah breaks the **yokes** of wood, the LORD declares that He will make "yokes of **iron**" in their place, signifying a much harsher and unbreakable judgment [[Jeremiah 28:13]].
### Summary
In summary, **môwṭâh** `{{H4133}}` is a powerful word with both literal and figurative applications. It functions literally as the **staves** for carrying the holy ark, but its deeper meaning is found in its use as a **yoke**. It vividly illustrates the crushing weight of oppression and servitude, the complete freedom found in God's deliverance, and the unyielding nature of divine judgment.
TRV