also (in plural) feminine מוֹסֵרָה; or מֹסְרָה; from יָסַר; properly, chastisement, i.e. (by implication) a halter; figuratively, restraint; band, bond.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **môwçêr**, represented by `{{H4147}}`, refers to a **bond** or **band**. It appears 11 times across 11 unique verses in the Bible. While it can imply a literal halter or restraint, it is most often used figuratively to represent chastisement, oppression, or the bonds of divine authority.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narrative, `{{H4147}}` is consistently associated with the concepts of control and liberation. It describes the restraints placed upon people, either by oppressors or as a form of divine judgment. The act of dealing with these **bonds** is central to its meaning, whether it is God breaking them to deliver His people [[Psalms 107:14]], or rebellious men seeking to burst them asunder to reject authority [[Psalms 2:3]]. In a prophetic sign, Jeremiah is commanded to physically make **bonds** to symbolize future captivity [[Jeremiah 27:2]]. Conversely, the word is used in a call to captive Zion to "loose thyself from the **bands** of thy neck" [[Isaiah 52:2]], signifying a release from bondage.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context of restraint and freedom associated with `{{H4147}}`:
* `{{H5923}}` **ʻôl** (yoke): This word is frequently used alongside **môwçêr** to describe a heavy burden or oppression. In both [[Jeremiah 2:20]] and [[Jeremiah 5:5]], the rebellious have "broken the **yoke**, and burst the **bonds**."
* `{{H5423}}` **nâthaq** (to tear off; break (off), burst): This verb often depicts the forceful severing of **bonds**. God is said to **brake** the bands of His people [[Psalms 107:14]], while defiant rulers conspire to **break** God's bands asunder [[Psalms 2:3]].
* `{{H6605}}` **pâthach** (to open wide... to loosen): In contrast to a violent break, this term signifies a deliberate release. The psalmist praises God, declaring "thou hast **loosed** my bonds" [[Psalms 116:16]], and God is credited with having **loosed** the bands of the wild ass [[Job 39:5]].
* `{{H2822}}` **chôshek** (darkness): This term describes the state of despair and misery from which people are delivered when their bonds are broken. God brought His people out of **darkness** and the shadow of death and broke their **bands** in sunder [[Psalms 107:14]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4147}}` is significant, highlighting themes of judgment, rebellion, and divine salvation.
* **Divine Liberation:** God is repeatedly portrayed as the one who breaks the **bonds** of His people, delivering them from oppression. This act of liberation is a core theme, as God promises to "burst thy **bonds**" and break the yoke from His people's neck ([[Jeremiah 30:8]], [[Nahum 1:13]]).
* **Human Rebellion:** The act of bursting God's **bonds** is a powerful metaphor for human rebellion against divine law and authority. The kings of the earth conspire to "break their **bands** asunder" [[Psalms 2:3]], and Israel is chastised for having burst its **bonds** to God [[Jeremiah 2:20]].
* **Consequence of Sin:** The strengthening of bonds is presented as a consequence of sin and mockery. The prophet warns mockers that their **bands** will be made strong as a result of a determined judgment from God [[Isaiah 28:22]].
* **Personal Freedom:** The term extends to personal salvation, where an individual's release from affliction is described as the loosing of **bonds**. This is expressed as a personal testimony of deliverance: "O LORD, truly I am thy servant... thou hast loosed my **bonds**" [[Psalms 116:16]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4147}}` is much more than a simple term for a physical restraint. It functions as a powerful symbol in scripture, representing the dynamic relationship between God and humanity. It illustrates the stark contrast between human rebellion, which seeks to break free from divine authority, and divine salvation, where God breaks the bonds of oppression to set His people free. The word's usage demonstrates how a concrete object can convey profound theological truths about judgment, freedom, and redemption.
TRV