or מׇחֳרָתָם; (1 Samuel 30:17), feminine from the same as מָחָר; the morrow or (adverbially) tomorrow; morrow, next day.
Transliteration:mochŏrâth
Pronunciation:mokh-or-awth'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term mochŏrâth (`{{H4283}}`) is a feminine noun derived from the root of machar (`{{H4279}}`), which fundamentally conveys the concept of "tomorrow" or "the next day." Its core meaning is "the morrow" or "the next day," referring to the immediate subsequent day after the day under consideration. It frequently functions adverbially, meaning "tomorrow" or "on the morrow." The variant mochŏrâthām (`{{H4283}}`), as seen in [[1 Samuel 30:17]], incorporates a pronominal suffix, indicating "their morrow" or "the next day for them," emphasizing the temporal succession in relation to a specific group. This word consistently points to the linear progression of time, specifically the very next day in a sequence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term mochŏrâth appears numerous times throughout the Old Testament, predominantly in narrative and legal contexts, underscoring its importance in marking temporal progression and divine timing.
* **Divine Appointment and Certainty:** In instances such as [[Exodus 8:10]] (MT 8:6), Moses sets "tomorrow" (mochŏrâth) as the time for the removal of the frogs, demonstrating divine control over the timing of events. Similarly, [[Exodus 9:5]] declares, "Tomorrow the Lord will do this thing in the land," emphasizing the certainty and imminence of God's action. This usage recurs in [[Judges 20:28]], where the Lord promises victory "tomorrow" against Benjamin, and in [[1 Samuel 11:9]], where Saul assures deliverance "tomorrow."
* **Human Preparation and Anticipation:** Mochŏrâth often appears in conjunction with commands for human preparation or sanctification in anticipation of a divine act. For example, in [[Numbers 11:18]], the Israelites are instructed to sanctify themselves for "tomorrow" (mochŏrâth), when they will eat meat provided by God. Likewise, [[Joshua 3:5]] commands the people to consecrate themselves for "tomorrow," as the Lord will perform wonders among them. This highlights the interplay between divine initiative and human readiness.
* **Liturgical and Calendrical Precision:** In the context of the Mosaic Law, particularly the Feasts, mochŏrâth is crucial for precise calendrical dating. [[Leviticus 23:11]], [[Leviticus 23:15]], and [[Leviticus 23:16]] use "the day after the Sabbath" (mochŏrâth haššabbāṯ) to pinpoint the exact timing for the wave offering and the commencement of the counting of the Omer. This demonstrates the word's precise function in establishing ritual schedules.
* **Duration of Events:** In [[1 Samuel 30:17]], the phrase "from dawn until the evening of the next day" (mochŏrâthām) illustrates the extended duration of David's battle against the Amalekites, spanning into the subsequent day.
Across these contexts, mochŏrâth consistently points to a divinely ordered future, often requiring human response or adherence to specific timing.
### Related Words & Concepts
Mochŏrâth (`{{H4283}}`) is intimately connected with several other Hebrew terms and theological concepts:
* **machar (`{{H4279}}`):** This is the direct root from which mochŏrâth is derived. While machar typically functions adverbially as "tomorrow," mochŏrâth often serves as a noun, "the morrow," though it can also be used adverbially. The semantic range is largely overlapping, with mochŏrâth perhaps emphasizing the *specific day* itself.
* **yom (`{{H3117}}`):** Meaning "day," yom is the foundational concept for mochŏrâth, as the latter always refers to a specific "day" in temporal succession.
* **'achar (`{{H310}}`):** "After, behind." While not morphologically related, mochŏrâth inherently implies a temporal sequence "after today," sharing the concept of succession.
* **'eth (`{{H6256}}`):** "Time, season." Mochŏrâth specifies a particular, immediate point in future time.
* **Divine Timing and Sovereignty:** The frequent association of mochŏrâth with divine pronouncements (e.g., "Tomorrow I will do X") underscores God's absolute control over the temporal dimension.
* **Anticipation and Obedience:** The "morrow" often serves as a temporal marker for human preparation, sanctification, or faithful waiting for God's promised action.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of mochŏrâth extends beyond mere temporal indication, reflecting profound truths about God and humanity.
* **Divine Sovereignty over Time:** The consistent use of mochŏrâth in divine declarations (e.g., "Tomorrow the Lord will do this") powerfully asserts God's absolute control over time. He is not subject to temporal constraints but orchestrates events within time according to His sovereign will. This provides a foundational assurance of His faithfulness and the certainty of His promises.
* **The Immediacy of God's Action:** While referring to the future, mochŏrâth denotes the *immediate* future. This often conveys a sense of urgency, the swiftness of divine judgment, or the promptness of God's deliverance. It emphasizes that God's plans are not indefinitely deferred but are set to unfold very soon.
* **Human Responsibility and Preparation:** The recurring command to "sanctify yourselves for tomorrow" (e.g., [[Joshua 3:5]]) highlights that while God acts providentially, humanity is called to active preparation, obedience, and readiness for His work. The "morrow" becomes a crucible for faith and a call to spiritual and physical readiness.
* **Prophetic and Covenantal Fulfillment:** In certain contexts, the "morrow" can carry a subtle prophetic weight, indicating a divinely appointed time for a specific event to unfold, whether it be judgment, blessing, or the fulfillment of a covenant promise. The setting of a specific "tomorrow" underscores the reliability of God's word.
* **Order and Precision in Worship:** In cultic contexts, mochŏrâth underscores the precise calendrical requirements of the Mosaic Law. The exact timing of rituals, such as those related to the Feasts, reflects the order, holiness, and meticulousness demanded in Israel's worship of a holy God.
### Summary
Mochŏrâth (`{{H4283}}`) is a pivotal Hebrew noun meaning "the morrow" or "the next day," often functioning adverbially as "tomorrow." Derived from machar (`{{H4279}}`), its core denotes immediate temporal succession. Its pervasive use in the Old Testament narratives and legal texts illuminates several profound theological principles: God's absolute sovereignty over the temporal realm, His capacity to orchestrate events for the immediate future, and the corresponding call for human preparation, obedience, and anticipation of His divine actions. Whether signaling impending judgment, miraculous deliverance, or precise liturgical timing, mochŏrâth consistently points to the unfolding of God's will within the linear progression of time, underscoring the unwavering certainty of His promises and the immediacy of His divine presence.
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