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 root H4185 (מוּשׁ), transliterated as *mûwsh*, primarily conveys the idea of "to withdraw." This core meaning extends to a semantic range encompassing "to cease," "to depart," "to go back," "to remove," and "to take away." The root can function both intransitively (one withdraws oneself) and transitively (one causes something to withdraw or removes it). The nuanced understanding suggested by its etymological note—"perhaps rather the same as מוּשׁ through the idea of receding by contact"—implies a process of disengagement or a gradual movement away from a point of contact or presence. It signifies a cessation of proximity, activity, or influence, whether literal or figurative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of H4185 (מוּשׁ) in the Hebrew Bible frequently highlight themes of steadfastness, permanence, or their absence.
* **Joshua 1:8**: "This Book of the Law shall not [[Joshua 1:8]] **depart** from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success." Here, the negation of *mûwsh* emphasizes the perpetual and unwavering engagement required with God's Law. It is a divine command for continuous meditation and adherence, ensuring blessing.
* **Judges 6:18**: "Please do not [[Judges 6:18]] **depart** from here until I come to you and bring out my present and set it before you." This is a literal command from Gideon to the Angel of the LORD, requesting the divine messenger to remain physically present. It illustrates the basic sense of "to stay" or "not to move away."
* **Job 23:12**: "I have not [[Job 23:12]] **departed** from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food." Job, in his suffering, asserts his unwavering fidelity to God's word. The negation of *mûwsh* here underscores spiritual steadfastness and integrity in the face of adversity, portraying a deep commitment to divine truth.
* **Isaiah 54:10**: "For the mountains may [[Isaiah 54:10]] **depart** and the hills be removed, but My steadfast love shall not **depart** from you, and My covenant of peace shall not be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you." This profound prophetic declaration employs *mûwsh* in a powerful contrast. The transient nature of the physical world (mountains departing) is set against the immutable, eternal character of God's covenant love and peace. It provides immense assurance of divine faithfulness to His people, even when all else seems to shift.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of H4185 (מוּשׁ) intersects with several other Hebrew terms related to movement, cessation, or removal.
* [[H5493 (סוּר)]] (*sûr*): "to turn aside," "to depart," often implying a deviation from a path or a removal of something. While similar, *sûr* can carry a stronger connotation of turning away or disobedience, whereas *mûwsh* is more about simple withdrawal or cessation.
* [[H5254 (נָסַג)]] (*nāśag*): "to draw back," "to retreat." This term is very close to *mûwsh* in its sense of withdrawal, often used in military or physical retreat.
* [[H7725 (שׁוּב)]] (*shûv*): "to turn back," "to return." While it can imply departing from a previous state, its primary emphasis is on the act of returning, which is distinct from the simple cessation or withdrawal of *mûwsh*.
* [[H6461 (פָּנָה)]] (*pānāh*): "to turn," "to face." In some contexts, it can imply turning away, thus a form of departure, but its core meaning is directional.
The concept of steadfastness is often highlighted by the *negation* of H4185 (מוּשׁ), contrasting with ideas of transience, instability, or abandonment.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of H4185 (מוּשׁ) is most powerfully revealed when it is used in the negative, particularly in divine declarations. When God states that His law, His love, or His covenant will "not depart" (e.g., [[Joshua 1:8]], [[Isaiah 54:10]]), it underscores His immutable character and the unwavering reliability of His promises. This is a foundational aspect of biblical theology, providing the bedrock for Israel's hope and faith. It speaks to the eternal nature of God's word and His covenant faithfulness, standing in stark contrast to the fleeting nature of human endeavors and the created order.
Furthermore, the concept of "not departing" is presented as a virtue for humanity, particularly in relation to God's commands (e.g., [[Job 23:12]]). It signifies a life of unwavering obedience, persistent meditation on Scripture, and steadfast devotion. This theological emphasis on permanence—both divine and human (in response to the divine)—offers assurance and calls for diligent perseverance in faith. Conversely, the potential for something to "depart" can highlight vulnerability, the consequences of sin, or the temporary nature of earthly blessings.
### Summary
H4185 (מוּשׁ) is a significant Hebrew root meaning "to withdraw," "cease," or "depart." Its usage in the biblical text, particularly in its negated form, carries profound theological implications. It serves to underscore the unshakeable faithfulness of God, whose love, covenant, and word are presented as immutable and eternal, standing firm even when the physical world may "depart." For humanity, the call to "not depart" from God's commands reflects a vital aspect of obedience and steadfast devotion. Thus, *mûwsh* functions as a powerful linguistic tool to articulate the contrast between divine permanence and human transience, while simultaneously offering comfort in God's unwavering presence and calling for enduring human fidelity.
TRV