from מוּת; death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin; (be) dead(-ly), death, die(-d).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mâveth**, represented by `{{H4194}}`, is the primary term for **death**. It appears 160 times across 155 unique verses. Derived from the root word for "to die," its meaning encompasses natural or violent death, the state or place of the dead (hades), and is used figuratively to represent ruin or pestilence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical texts, `{{H4194}}` is used to frame fundamental choices and consequences. It is set in direct opposition to life, with God commanding His people to choose life over **death** ([[Deuteronomy 30:19]]; [[Jeremiah 21:8]]). The concept is also used to describe the ultimate end of a path that seems right to a man [[Proverbs 14:12]]. Scripture personifies **death** as an insatiable force [[Habakkuk 2:5]], an entity with which one can make a covenant [[Isaiah 28:15]], and a power as strong as love [[Song of Solomon 8:6]]. It also serves as a historical marker, noting the passing of eras with phrases like "after the **death** of Moses" [[Joshua 1:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the concept of `{{H4194}}` and its implications:
* `{{H4191}}` **mûwth** (to die): This primitive root is the verb form from which `mâveth` is derived. It is used when God expresses His desire for the wicked to turn from their ways and not **die** [[Ezekiel 33:11]].
* `{{H2416}}` **chay** (life): As the direct opposite of death, this word is crucial for understanding the choice presented to humanity. It is often paired with `mâveth` to create a stark contrast, as seen in the declaration that **death** and **life** are in the power of the tongue [[Proverbs 18:21]].
* `{{H7585}}` **shᵉʼôwl** (grave, hell): This word denotes the world of the dead, the destination associated with `mâveth`. It is described as a place from which God can ransom his people [[Hosea 13:14]] and a state of silence where there is no remembrance of God [[Psalm 6:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4194}}` is profound, illustrating core biblical truths.
* **Consequence of Sin:** A path of foolishness or evil is shown to result in **death**. Those who hate wisdom are said to "love **death**" [[Proverbs 8:36]], and righteousness is what "delivereth from **death**" [[Proverbs 10:2]].
* **Divine Sovereignty:** God holds ultimate authority over **death**. He takes no pleasure in the **death** of the wicked [[Ezekiel 33:11]] and possesses "the issues from **death**," signifying deliverance [[Psalms 68:20]]. He is the one who can deliver a soul from **death** [[Psalms 33:19]].
* **A Defeated Enemy:** Scripture presents a prophetic hope of victory over **death**. God promises to "swallow up **death** in victory" [[Isaiah 25:8]] and directly challenges it, saying, "O **death**, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction" [[Hosea 13:14]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4194}}` signifies far more than the end of biological life. It represents a spiritual state, a consequence of sin, and a powerful enemy of humanity. From the choice between life and **death** set before Israel to the prophetic promises of its ultimate defeat, **mâveth** is a foundational concept that underscores the gravity of sin and the redemptive power of God.
TRV