or מָזֹר; from זוּר in the sense of binding up; a bandage, i.e. remedy; hence, a sore (as needing a compress); bound up, wound.
Transliteration:mâzôwr
Pronunciation:maw-zore'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מָזוֹר (mâzôwr), Strong's `{{H4205}}`, is derived from the root זוּר (zûr), which in this context carries the sense of "binding up." This etymological connection provides the foundational meaning for mâzôwr. Primarily, it refers to a "bandage" or "compress," an item used to bind and treat a wound. From this literal sense, its meaning extends to encompass the "remedy" or "healing" that such a bandage provides. Conversely, mâzôwr can also denote the "sore" or "wound" itself, specifically one that requires a compress or binding. Thus, its semantic range encapsulates both the affliction and the means of its alleviation, often highlighting the *absence* of the latter.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term מָזוֹר (mâzôwr) is remarkably rare in the Hebrew Bible, appearing in only two prophetic passages, both of which use it to describe a state of severe, seemingly incurable affliction:
1. **[[Jeremiah 30:13]]**: "There is no one to plead your cause, no healing (מָזוֹר) for your wound; no recovery for you."
In this lament over Judah's impending exile and suffering, mâzôwr is used in a negative construction, emphasizing the utter lack of a remedy or cure for the nation's severe "wound." This "wound" is a metaphor for the devastating consequences of their sin and God's judgment. The absence of mâzôwr here underscores the depth of their despair and the futility of any human attempt to alleviate their suffering. It points to a divinely ordained affliction for which no earthly "bandage" or "medicine" will suffice.
2. **[[Hosea 5:13]]**: "When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah his wound (מָזוֹר), then Ephraim went to Assyria and sent to King Jareb. But he is not able to cure you or heal your wound."
Here, mâzôwr explicitly refers to the "wound" itself—the spiritual and political ailment afflicting both the northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) and Judah. The context reveals their misguided attempt to seek healing and security from foreign powers (Assyria, King Jareb) rather than from the Lord. The prophetic pronouncement that King Jareb is "not able to cure you or heal your wound" directly parallels Jeremiah's usage, reinforcing the idea that this mâzôwr is beyond human or political remedy. It highlights the futility of relying on external, ungodly alliances for deliverance from a divinely ordained consequence.
In both instances, mâzôwr functions as a powerful descriptor of national distress, whether as the wound itself or the desperately needed, yet absent, cure.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of מָזוֹר (mâzôwr) is illuminated by its association with several related Hebrew terms and concepts:
* **זוּר (zûr) - Root**: The root `{{H2114}}` from which mâzôwr is derived, carries various meanings including "to turn aside," "to be a stranger," but also "to bind up" or "to press." The "binding up" sense is crucial for mâzôwr, linking it directly to the act of applying a bandage or compress.
* **רָפָא (rāp̄āʾ) - To Heal**: The verb `{{H7495}}`, "to heal" or "to cure," frequently appears in contexts related to mâzôwr, often in negation ("no one to heal your wound"). This pairing emphasizes the lack of a restorative solution.
* **מַכָּה (makkāh) - Wound/Blow**: `{{H4347}}`, a more general term for a "blow," "strike," or "wound," often describes the physical or national injury that mâzôwr might refer to or seek to remedy.
* **חֹלִי (ḥōlî) - Sickness/Disease**: `{{H2483}}`, "sickness" or "disease," appears alongside mâzôwr in [[Hosea 5:13]], further emphasizing the grave state of affliction.
* **תְּרוּפָה (tᵉrûp̄āh) - Remedy**: `{{H8644}}`, a noun specifically meaning "a remedy" or "healing," shares a conceptual space with mâzôwr when mâzôwr refers to the cure.
* **Concepts of Divine Healing and Judgment**: The usage of mâzôwr in the prophets frequently contrasts human inability to heal with God's ultimate power to wound and to heal (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 32:39]], [[Job 5:18]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of מָזוֹר (mâzôwr) lies in its portrayal of a profound, often spiritual, affliction that is beyond human capacity to remedy. Its rare appearances, exclusively in prophetic contexts, underscore its significance as a descriptor of divine judgment and its consequences:
* **Consequences of Disobedience**: Mâzôwr represents the severe "wound" inflicted upon Israel and Judah as a result of their covenant infidelity, idolatry, and reliance on foreign powers rather than on Yahweh. It vividly portrays the spiritual sickness that leads to national devastation.
* **Futility of Human Solutions**: The consistent message associated with mâzôwr is the absolute inadequacy of human efforts, political alliances, or self-reliance to heal the deep wounds of sin and judgment. Seeking a "bandage" from Assyria, as in Hosea, is presented as a futile and faithless act.
* **Sovereignty of God in Judgment and Healing**: By highlighting the absence of any earthly mâzôwr (remedy), the prophets implicitly point to God as the only one capable of providing true healing. When God inflicts the wound, only He can bind it up. This concept reinforces God's absolute sovereignty over the destiny of His people, both in judgment and in potential restoration. The lack of mâzôwr serves as a call to repentance and a turning back to the divine Physician.
* **Anticipation of Divine Intervention**: While mâzôwr describes a dire state, its prophetic context often hints at a future hope. The very pronouncement of "no healing" serves as a severe warning, designed to drive the people to the only true source of remedy—God Himself. It sets the stage for a future where God, in His mercy, might choose to be the ultimate mâzôwr for His people.
### Summary
מָזוֹר (mâzôwr), Strong's `{{H4205}}`, is a potent Hebrew term derived from a root meaning "to bind up." Its semantic range encompasses both a "bandage" or "remedy" and the "wound" or "sore" itself that requires such treatment. Appearing exclusively in [[Jeremiah 30:13]] and [[Hosea 5:13]], mâzôwr consistently describes a severe, often national or spiritual, affliction for which human solutions are explicitly declared to be ineffective or nonexistent. Theologically, it serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of sin and disobedience, emphasizing the futility of relying on human or foreign powers for deliverance. Ultimately, the absence of mâzôwr in these contexts implicitly points to God as the sole and ultimate source of genuine healing and restoration for the deep wounds inflicted by judgment, underscoring His sovereignty and the necessity of repentance.
TRV