(Psalm אֲבִירָם or מוּת לַבֵּן; from מוּת and בֵּן with the preposition and article interposed; 'To die for the son', probably the title of a popular song; death, Muthlabben.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma מוּת (Mûwth, `{{H4192}}`) primarily functions as a verb meaning "to die" and can also serve as a noun meaning "death." Its fundamental semantic range encompasses the cessation of life, whether natural, violent, or as a divine judgment. It signifies the termination of existence, the separation of the soul from the body, and the state of being inanimate or lifeless. The term frequently appears in contexts describing mortality, destruction, and the ultimate consequence of sin. While the provided Strong's entry specifically highlights "Muthlabben" (מוּת לַבֵּן) from [[Psalm 9:1]] as a unique usage, this phrase represents a specific, debated interpretation of a musical or contextual instruction, not the core semantic range of the root מוּת itself. The root מוּת is pervasive in the Hebrew Bible, denoting the universal human experience of mortality and its theological implications.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb מוּת and its nominal forms are extensively used throughout the Old Testament, appearing hundreds of times. Its occurrences illuminate various facets of death:
* **Natural Death:** Often used to describe the peaceful end of a long life, as seen with Abraham ([[Genesis 25:8]]), Isaac ([[Genesis 35:29]]), and Jacob ([[Genesis 49:33]]). In these contexts, death is presented as a natural, albeit sorrowful, part of the human condition.
* **Death as Divine Judgment:** A significant theological theme, מוּת frequently denotes death as a direct consequence of divine wrath or disobedience. Examples include the death penalty for various transgressions in the Mosaic Law ([[Exodus 21:12]], [[Leviticus 20:2]]), the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah ([[Genesis 19:17]]), and the plague that struck those who rebelled against Moses and Aaron ([[Numbers 16:30-33]]).
* **Spiritual Death:** While not always explicit in the Old Testament as in the New, the concept of separation from God due to sin can be inferred. The warning in [[Genesis 2:17]], "in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die," refers not only to physical mortality but also to a profound spiritual alienation.
* **Violent Death/Killing:** The verb form can also mean "to kill" or "to put to death," particularly in legal or military contexts ([[Deuteronomy 13:9]], [[Judges 9:54]]).
* **"Muthlabben" in [[Psalm 9:1]]:** This enigmatic phrase, "על־מוּת לַבֵּן" (al-mûth labben), appears in the superscription of Psalm 9. Its precise meaning is highly debated among scholars. Interpretations include:
* A musical instruction, perhaps indicating a tune or melody to which the psalm was to be sung, possibly "concerning the death of the son" or "for the death of the champion."
* A thematic reference to the death of a significant figure, possibly a foreign oppressor or even a Messianic figure.
* A reference to a specific event or person, such as the death of Goliath ("the son of the Benjamite" or "the champion").
Regardless of the precise meaning, this usage highlights the flexibility of מוּת within idiomatic or specialized contexts, though it does not alter the core meaning of "death" or "to die."
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of מוּת is intrinsically linked to its antonym, חַיִּים (chayyim, `{{H2416}}`), meaning "life." The biblical narrative frequently juxtaposes life and death, emphasizing God as the source of life and death as the ultimate human limitation. Other related terms include:
* קֶבֶר (qeber, `{{H6913}}`): "grave" or "burial place," the physical destination after death.
* שְׁאוֹל (sheol, `{{H7585}}`): The underworld or realm of the dead, often depicted as a shadowy existence.
* הָרַג (harag, `{{H2026}}`): A common verb meaning "to kill" or "to slay," often used interchangeably with מוּת in contexts of violent death.
* אֲבֵדָה (avedah, `{{H6}}`: "destruction" or "perishing," often a consequence of death or leading to it.
The consistent presence of מוּת alongside these terms underscores the biblical worldview where death is a profound reality, distinct from life, and often associated with judgment and the grave.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of מוּת is profound and multifaceted within the Hebrew Bible:
* **Consequence of Sin:** From the very beginning, death is presented not as a natural part of creation but as a direct result of humanity's rebellion against God ([[Genesis 2:17]], [[Genesis 3:19]]). It is the ultimate wages of sin ([[Romans 6:23]]).
* **God's Sovereignty:** Despite death's pervasive reality, the Scriptures consistently affirm God's absolute sovereignty over life and death. He is the one who "brings down to Sheol and raises up" ([[1 Samuel 2:6]]), and He alone has the power to give and take life ([[Deuteronomy 32:39]]).
* **Hope Beyond Death:** While the Old Testament's understanding of an afterlife evolves, there are nascent expressions of hope beyond physical death. Prophets like Isaiah ([[Isaiah 26:19]]) and Daniel ([[Daniel 12:2]]) speak of a future resurrection, hinting at God's ultimate victory over death, a theme fully realized in the New Testament with Christ's resurrection.
* **Justice and Redemption:** Death serves as a manifestation of divine justice against sin, yet it also sets the stage for God's redemptive plan. The promise of a Messiah who would conquer death begins to emerge, foreshadowing the ultimate triumph over this enemy.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מוּת (Mûwth, `{{H4192}}`) fundamentally denotes "death" or "to die," encapsulating the cessation of life in all its forms—natural, violent, or as divine judgment. Its pervasive use throughout the Old Testament highlights the universal human experience of mortality and its profound theological implications as the direct consequence of sin. While מוּת appears in various contexts, including the enigmatic "Muthlabben" in [[Psalm 9:1]], its core meaning remains consistent. It stands in stark contrast to "life" (חַיִּים) and is intricately linked to concepts of the grave and the underworld. Theologically, מוּת underscores God's sovereignty over life and death, the gravity of sin, and the nascent hope for a future beyond the grave, pointing towards God's ultimate victory over this final enemy.
TRV