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 word **môwrâʼ**, represented by `{{H4172}}`, denotes **fear**, **dread**, or **terror**. It appears **13 times** across **12 unique verses** in the Bible, signifying its use in specific, impactful contexts. Derived from the verb to fear `{{H3372}}`, it implies not just an emotion but also a fearful thing or deed.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H4172}}` describes both a divinely ordained authority and God's awesome power. Following the flood, the **fear** of man is established over every beast of the earth and fowl of the air [[Genesis 9:2]]. The term is repeatedly used to describe the mighty acts of God in delivering Israel from Egypt, referred to as "great **terrors**" [[Deuteronomy 4:34]], "great **terribleness**" [[Deuteronomy 26:8]], and "great **terror**" [[Jeremiah 32:21]]. The word also carries the meaning of proper reverence, as when the LORD `{{H3068}}` asks the priests who despise His name, "where is my **fear**?" [[Malachi 1:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concept of fear and dread:
* `{{H3372}}` **yârêʼ** (to fear; morally, to revere): This is the root verb from which `{{H4172}}` is derived. It is used to describe the correct response to God, as seen in Malachi's description of the covenant with Levi, which was given for the **fear** `{{H4172}}` with which he feared `{{H3372}}` God [[Malachi 2:5]].
* `{{H2844}}` **chath** (dread, terror): This word is often used in parallel with `{{H4172}}` to intensify the meaning. In Genesis, the **fear** `{{H4172}}` and **dread** `{{H2844}}` of man are placed upon all creation [[Genesis 9:2]].
* `{{H6206}}` **ʻârats** (to awe or (intransitive) to dread): This term is used to distinguish worldly fear from godly fear. The people are told not to **fear** `{{H3372}}` the world's **fear** `{{H4172}}` or **be afraid** `{{H6206}}`, but to let the LORD be their **dread** `{{H6206}}` [[Isaiah 8:12-13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4172}}` is significant in understanding God's nature and humanity's proper response to Him.
* **Divine Power in Salvation:** The use of `{{H4172}}` to describe the Exodus event highlights that God's deliverance of Israel was accomplished through overwhelming and terrifying power, manifesting as **signs** `{{H226}}`, **wonders** `{{H4159}}`, and "great **terrors**" [[Deuteronomy 4:34]].
* **The Proper Object of Fear:** Isaiah draws a sharp contrast, commanding the people not to fear what the world fears but to sanctify the LORD of hosts, making Him their **fear** `{{H4172}}` and their **dread** `{{H6206}}` [[Isaiah 8:13]].
* **Covenantal Reverence:** The term is linked to covenant relationship. God gave Levi the covenant for the **fear** `{{H4172}}` with which he feared God's name [[Malachi 2:5]]. This fear is a form of honor due to God, which the priests in Malachi's time had failed to give [[Malachi 1:6]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4172}}` conveys a powerful sense of awe that extends beyond simple fright. It is used to characterize the terrifying power God wielded to redeem His people, the reverential honor He is due as Lord, and the authority He grants. The word challenges the reader to direct their fear correctly—not toward worldly threats, but toward the LORD of hosts, who is the one "that ought to be **feared**" [[Psalms 76:11]].
TRV