or מֹרָא; or מוֹרָהxlit môrâh corrected to môwrâh; (Psalm 9:20), from יָרֵא; fear; by implication, a fearful thing or deed; dread, (that ought to be) fear(-ed), terribleness, terror.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun מוֹרָא (môwrâʼ), transliterated as *môwrâʼ*, derives from the root יָרֵא (yārēʼ) `{{H3372}}`, which primarily signifies "to fear," "to revere," or "to be afraid." מוֹרָא extends this meaning, encompassing "fear," "dread," "terror," and "a fearful thing or deed." Its semantic range thus includes both the subjective experience of fear and the objective quality or entity that inspires such fear. It can denote the emotional state of being terrified, the terrifying nature of an event or person, or the awe-inspiring quality that commands reverence and dread. The nuance of "that ought to be feared" suggests an inherent terribleness or majesty, particularly when applied to divine actions or attributes.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term מוֹרָא appears in various contexts throughout the Hebrew Bible, most frequently describing the dread inspired by God's power and actions, but also by human authority or events.
1. **Divine Manifestations and Acts:** Often, מוֹרָא describes the profound dread or terror inspired by God's mighty deeds. In [[Deuteronomy 4:34]], it refers to the "great terrors" (מוֹרָאִים גְּדֹלִים) by which God delivered Israel from Egypt, highlighting the overwhelming power displayed. Similarly, [[Deuteronomy 26:8]] recounts the Exodus with "great terrors" (וּבְמוֹרָא גָּדֹל), emphasizing the awe-inspiring nature of God's intervention. This usage underscores God's sovereignty and His ability to act decisively in history, eliciting a response of fear from both His people and their adversaries.
2. **Human Authority and Power:** מוֹרָא can also describe the fear or dread inspired by human figures, particularly those in positions of power. For instance, in [[2 Samuel 17:10]], Hushai predicts that all Israel will be terrified (וּמוֹרָא יִמָּס) by David's prowess in battle, suggesting the psychological impact of a formidable warrior. This illustrates how the term can denote the intimidation factor inherent in human strength or authority.
3. **Consequences of Disobedience:** The word can also convey the dread associated with divine judgment or the consequences of sin. While מוֹרָא itself is not the primary term for the "fear of the Lord" as reverent obedience, it certainly points to the terrifying aspect of God's justice and wrath.
4. **Awe and Reverence (Implied):** Although primarily "fear" or "dread," in contexts related to God, מוֹרָא often carries an implicit sense of awe and reverence. The "terribleness" of God is not inherently negative but speaks to His transcendent majesty that evokes a profound, humbling fear. [[Psalm 9:20]] (Hebrew: [[Psalm 9:21]]) mentions "put them in fear, O Lord" (שִׁיתָה מוֹרָא לָהֶם יְהוָה), indicating a divine action to instill dread in the wicked, leading to their recognition of their human frailty.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root יָרֵא (yārēʼ) `{{H3372}}`, from which מוֹרָא is derived. This root encompasses both the concept of being afraid (e.g., of danger) and the more profound sense of reverential awe toward God.
Other Hebrew words conveying aspects of fear or terror include:
* פַּחַד (pachad) `{{H6343}}`: Often translated as "dread," "terror," or "panic." It frequently describes sudden, overwhelming fear.
* אֵימָה (eimah) `{{H367}}`: Denotes "terror," "dread," or "panic," often with a sense of supernatural or divine instigation.
* חֲרָדָה (charadah) `{{H2731}}`: Implies "trembling," "anxiety," or "fear," often a physical manifestation of inner apprehension.
While מוֹרָא is distinct from these, it shares the semantic field of intense emotional or psychological responses to powerful stimuli. Conceptually, מוֹרָא is intimately linked to notions of divine sovereignty, holiness, judgment, and the inherent chasm between the Creator and creature. It points to God's *terribleness* not as evil, but as His overwhelming, unapproachable glory and might.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of מוֹרָא is profound, particularly in its application to God:
1. **Divine Transcendence and Power:** מוֹרָא powerfully underscores God's absolute transcendence and omnipotence. When God acts with מוֹרָא, it demonstrates His unparalleled ability to control history, judge nations, and deliver His people. This concept reinforces the idea that God is utterly distinct from and superior to humanity and all creation.
2. **Holiness and Justice:** The dread inspired by God is intrinsically linked to His holiness. A holy God cannot tolerate sin, and His מוֹרָא serves as a manifestation of His righteous judgment against unrighteousness. It is a terrifying aspect of His justice that ensures accountability.
3. **Motivation for Obedience (Indirect):** While the "fear of the Lord" (yirʼat YHWH) typically refers to reverent submission and obedience, the מוֹרָא of God's power and judgment can serve as a potent deterrent against disobedience. The awareness of God's terrifying might can lead individuals to consider the consequences of their actions and choose the path of righteousness.
4. **The *Otherness* of God:** מוֹרָא highlights the *otherness* of God. He is not merely a benevolent father figure but a majestic, awe-inspiring, and at times terrifying deity whose presence and actions evoke a response of profound dread in the face of His glory. This preserves the proper distinction between Creator and creature.
### Summary
מוֹרָא (môwrâʼ) `{{H4172}}` is a rich Hebrew term derived from יָרֵא `{{H3372}}`, signifying "fear," "dread," "terror," or "a fearful thing." It encapsulates both the subjective human experience of intense apprehension and the objective quality or event that elicits such a response. In biblical literature, מוֹרָא frequently describes the overwhelming awe and dread inspired by God's mighty acts and His inherent holiness and power, as seen in the Exodus narrative. It can also denote the fear inspired by human authority. Theologically, מוֹרָא powerfully conveys God's transcendence, His unwavering justice, and the appropriate human response to His majestic and sometimes terrifying presence, serving to underscore His absolute sovereignty and the profound distinction between Creator and created.
TRV