a primitive root (perhaps rather the same as מוּשׁ through the idea of receding by contact); to withdraw (both literally and figuratively, whether intransitive or transitive); cease, depart, go back, remove, take away.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mûwsh**, represented by `{{H4185}}`, is a primitive root word used to convey the concept of withdrawing or departing. It appears 21 times across 19 unique verses in the Bible. Its meaning encompasses both literal and figurative removal, serving as a term for actions like to **cease, depart, go back, remove,** or **take away**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical contexts, `{{H4185}}` is frequently used to contrast the transient nature of the physical world with the permanence of God's promises. While mountains `{{H2022}}` may **depart** `{{H4185}}` and hills `{{H1389}}` be removed `{{H4131}}`, the LORD's kindness `{{H2617}}` and covenant `{{H1285}}` of peace `{{H7965}}` shall not **depart** `{{H4185}}` from His people [[Isaiah 54:10]]. Similarly, God promises that His spirit `{{H7307}}` and words `{{H1697}}` will not **depart** `{{H4185}}` from the mouth `{{H6310}}` of Israel's seed `{{H2233}}` forever [[Isaiah 59:21]]. The word is also used to describe steadfast devotion, as when Joshua `{{H3091}}`, as a young man `{{H5288}}`, **departed** `{{H4185}}` not from the tabernacle `{{H168}}` [[Exodus 33:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to frame the concept of departure and permanence:
* `{{H4131}}` **môwṭ** (be removed): Often used in parallel with `{{H4185}}`, this word means to waver, shake, or fall. It emphasizes instability and being out of course, as when hills `{{H1389}}` are **removed** `{{H4131}}` [[Isaiah 54:10]].
* `{{H7673}}` **shâbath** (cease): This root, meaning to repose or desist, is used to describe a complete stop. It is used in a conditional promise where the seed `{{H2233}}` of Israel will **cease** `{{H7673}}` from being a nation `{{H1471}}` if God's ordinances `{{H2706}}` **depart** `{{H4185}}` from before Him [[Jeremiah 31:36]].
* `{{H5982}}` **ʻammûwd** (pillar): Signifying a standing column, this word represents a fixed, guiding presence. God demonstrated His faithfulness by not **taking away** `{{H4185}}` the **pillar** `{{H5982}}` of cloud `{{H6051}}` by day or the **pillar** `{{H5982}}` of fire `{{H784}}` by night [[Exodus 13:22]].
* `{{H4171}}` **mûwr** (change, remove): This word means to alter or dispose of. In a lament, it describes how the portion `{{H2506}}` of the people has been **changed** `{{H4171}}` and **removed** `{{H4185}}` from them [[Micah 2:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4185}}` is significant, highlighting key principles of God's character and human responsibility.
* **Divine Permanence:** The word is repeatedly used in the negative to affirm what is eternal. God's kindness `{{H2617}}`, His covenant `{{H1285}}`, and His words `{{H1697}}` are things that will "not **depart**," establishing them as unshakable truths ([[Isaiah 54:10]], [[Isaiah 59:21]]).
* **Sovereign Removal:** As an active verb, **mûwsh** demonstrates God's authority. He promises to **remove** `{{H4185}}` the iniquity `{{H5771}}` of the land `{{H776}}` in a single day `{{H3117}}` [[Zechariah 3:9]] and has the power to physically **remove** `{{H4185}}` even a mountain `{{H2022}}` [[Zechariah 14:4]].
* **Consequences of Sin:** The word is used to describe the persistent nature of sin's consequences. For one who rewards evil `{{H7451}}` for good `{{H2896}}`, evil `{{H7451}}` will not **depart** `{{H4185}}` from his house `{{H1004}}` [[Proverbs 17:13]]. Similarly, in the bloody `{{H1818}}` city `{{H5892}}` full of lies `{{H3585}}`, the prey `{{H2964}}` **departeth** `{{H4185}}` not [[Nahum 3:1]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4185}}` **mûwsh** is a dynamic word that scripture uses to draw a sharp contrast between the temporary and the eternal. On one hand, it describes the removal of physical landmarks, the judgment on families, and the withdrawal of blessings. On the other, its most profound use is in the negative, where it defines the very nature of God's faithfulness: His covenant, His kindness, His Word, and His presence are things that will never depart from His people.
TRV