also (in plural) feminine מוֹסֵרָה; or מֹסְרָה; from יָסַר; properly, chastisement, i.e. (by implication) a halter; figuratively, restraint; band, bond.
Transliteration:môwçêr
Pronunciation:mo-sare'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H4147 (מוֹסֵר, *môwçêr*), also appearing in its feminine plural form מוֹסֵרָה (*môçĕrāh*), derives from the root `{{H3256}}` יָסַר (*yāsar*), which means "to discipline, to instruct, to correct, to chastise." This etymological connection is crucial for understanding its full semantic range.
Primarily, H4147 denotes a physical instrument of binding or restraint. Its most concrete meaning is a "halter" or "bridle," an apparatus used to control an animal by the head. By extension, it refers to "bands" or "bonds"—any physical restraint that ties or holds something or someone.
Figuratively, H4147 extends to represent "restraint" in a broader sense, often implying a moral or governmental constraint. This can include the "bonds" of a yoke, signifying servitude or obligation, or the "bands" of divine law or covenant, which are intended to guide and limit human behavior. While the base definition includes "chastisement," this is more an implication derived from the root `{{H3256}}` rather than a direct meaning of H4147 itself in most contexts. Instead, H4147 typically refers to the *means* or *symbol* of control, discipline, or captivity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H4147 appears sparingly in the Hebrew Bible, but its occurrences are highly significant, illustrating both its literal and figurative dimensions:
* In [[Job 39:10]], מוֹסֵר is used literally to describe a "halter" for an ox: "Can you bind the wild ox in the furrow with its halter?" Here, it signifies a physical means of control over a powerful, untamed creature.
* [[Psalm 2:3]] presents a profound figurative use: "Let us break their bands in pieces and cast away their cords from us." In this messianic psalm, the "bands" (מוֹסֵר) and "cords" represent the divine authority and rule of the Lord and His Anointed One, which rebellious nations seek to cast off. This highlights מוֹסֵר as a symbol of divinely ordained restraint or obligation.
* [[Jeremiah 2:20]] uses מוֹסֵר in conjunction with a "yoke": "For long ago you broke your yoke and tore off your bonds (מוֹסֵר); and you said, 'I will not serve!'" Here, the "bonds" symbolize the covenant obligations and obedience due to Yahweh, which Judah defiantly rejected, choosing spiritual promiscuity.
* Similarly, [[Jeremiah 5:5]] speaks of the "bonds" of the Lord: "I will go to the great, and will speak to them, for they know the way of the Lord, the justice of their God. But they also have broken the yoke and burst the bonds (מוֹסֵר)." Again, the "bonds" represent the divine law and covenant, which even the supposedly wise and powerful have rejected.
* [[Jeremiah 30:8]] prophesies a future deliverance: "For it will come about on that day," declares the Lord of hosts, "that I will break his yoke from your neck and will tear off your bonds (מוֹסֵר); and strangers will no longer make them their slaves." Here, מוֹסֵר denotes the physical bonds of servitude and oppression imposed by foreign powers, from which God promises liberation.
* In [[Nahum 3:10]], מוֹסֵר describes the "bands" of captivity: "Yet she was carried away, she went into captivity; her infants were dashed in pieces at the head of every street; and they cast lots for her honorable men, and all her great men were bound in chains (מוֹסֵר)." This vividly portrays the literal bonds of war and enslavement.
Across these contexts, H4147 consistently denotes some form of binding or restraint, whether literal (halter, chains of captivity) or figurative (divine law, covenant obligations, oppressive yokes).
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the root `{{H3256}}` יָסַר (to discipline, instruct, correct, chastise), which underpins the meaning of H4147. This connection imbues מוֹסֵר with an underlying sense of intended control, often for corrective purposes.
Closely related is `{{H4148}}` מוּסָר (*mûsār*), a noun derived from the same root, which specifically means "discipline, instruction, correction, chastisement." While מוֹסֵר (H4147) tends to refer to the *instrument* or *symbol* of restraint, מוּסָר (H4148) refers to the *act* or *result* of discipline itself, often in a moral or pedagogical sense. The semantic overlap highlights the idea that restraint can be a form of discipline or instruction.
Other related concepts include:
* Words for "yoke": `{{H4138}}` מוֹטָה (*môṭāh*), which often appears alongside מוֹסֵר (e.g., Jeremiah), symbolizing servitude or burden.
* Words for "binding" or "fettering": `{{H612}}` אָסַר (*’āsar*, to bind), `{{H631}}` אָסוּר (*’āsûr*, bound), `{{H5493}}` סוּר (*sûr*, to turn aside, implying removal of restraint).
* Concepts of divine law, covenant, and commandments, which serve as "bonds" or "restraints" for human conduct.
* The theological concept of human rebellion against divine authority.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H4147 is profound, particularly when understood in light of its root `{{H3256}}` יָסַר (to discipline).
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Human Rebellion:** The most striking theological use of מוֹסֵר is in [[Psalm 2:3]] and [[Jeremiah 2:20]]; [[Jeremiah 5:5]]. Here, the "bands" represent the divine authority and the binding nature of God's covenant and rule. The nations and Israel, in their rebellion, seek to "break" these bonds, signifying a rejection of God's rightful claim to their obedience. This highlights the inherent human tendency to resist divine constraint and assert autonomy, often to their own detriment.
2. **The Nature of True Freedom:** Paradoxically, the "bonds" of God's law and covenant are not meant to be burdensome oppression but rather the framework for true flourishing and freedom. When humanity "breaks" these bonds, it does not lead to liberation but often to spiritual slavery (as seen in Jeremiah's depiction of Israel's idolatry) or literal captivity (as seen in Nahum). Submission to God's "bands" is presented as the path to life and blessing.
3. **Divine Discipline and Deliverance:** While מוֹסֵר itself is not always chastisement, its connection to `{{H3256}}` implies that the "bands" can be instruments of divine discipline or judgment. God allows nations to be bound in captivity (Nahum 3:10) as a consequence of their sin. Conversely, God promises to "tear off" the bonds of oppression (Jeremiah 30:8), demonstrating His power to deliver His people from servitude, whether physical or spiritual.
4. **Messianic Implication:** In [[Psalm 2]], the "bands" that the nations seek to break are those of the Lord and His Anointed. This underscores the unbreakable nature of God's reign and the futility of rebellion against His Christ. The ultimate "bond" is the unbreakable reign of God through His Messiah.
### Summary
H4147 (מוֹסֵר, *môwçêr*) is a Hebrew term signifying a "halter," "band," or "bond," deriving from the root `{{H3256}}` יָסַר (to discipline). Its core meaning encompasses both literal physical restraint and figurative, often metaphorical, bonds. In the biblical narrative, מוֹסֵר appears literally as a halter for an animal or chains of captivity, but more profoundly, it symbolizes the divine authority and covenant obligations that God places upon humanity. The casting off of these "bands" represents human rebellion against God's sovereign rule and His designed order, as powerfully illustrated in [[Psalm 2]] and the prophetic books of Jeremiah. Theologically, מוֹסֵר highlights the tension between divine authority and human autonomy, emphasizing that true freedom is found not in breaking God's "bonds" but in willing submission to His righteous and life-giving restraints. It serves as a potent reminder of God's ultimate control and His power to both bind and deliver.
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