from נוּחַ; quiet, i.e. (concretely) a settled spot, or (figuratively) a home; (place of) rest.
Transliteration:mânôwach
Pronunciation:maw-no'-akh
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H4494}}` (mânôwach) is a noun derived from the verbal root `{{H5117}}` (nûach), which fundamentally means "to rest, settle down, be quiet, repose." Therefore, the core meaning of `{{H4494}}` revolves around the concept of "rest" or "quietness." Its semantic range is notably broad, encompassing both concrete and figurative applications:
* **Concretely:** It can refer to a "settled spot" or a physical "place of rest." This suggests a location of stability, security, and cessation from movement or labor. Examples might include a dwelling, a harbor, or a secure territory.
* **Figuratively:** It extends to denote a "home," emphasizing not just a physical structure but the sense of security, belonging, and peace found within one's own settled environment or community.
* **Generally:** It signifies the broader concept of "rest" itself, which can imply tranquility, repose, peace, or a state of being settled and undisturbed. This can apply to physical, emotional, or even national states.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H4494}}` appears in various significant contexts throughout the Old Testament, illustrating its multifaceted meaning:
* **Deuteronomy 28:65:** "Among these nations you shall find no `{{H4494}}` (rest), nor shall the sole of your foot have a resting place." Here, `{{H4494}}` signifies the absence of security, stability, and peace for disobedient Israel in exile, highlighting the severe consequences of straying from God's covenant. It speaks to a lack of both physical and existential rest.
* **Ruth 3:1:** Naomi says to Ruth, "My daughter, should I not seek `{{H4449}}` (rest) for you, that it may be well with you?" In this context, "rest" implies a secure home, a husband, and a settled life, particularly within the framework of family and community security through marriage. It represents a desired state of well-being and stability.
* **1 Kings 8:56:** "Blessed be the LORD who has given `{{H4494}}` (rest) to his people Israel, according to all that he promised." This verse, part of Solomon's dedication prayer for the Temple, celebrates God's faithfulness in bringing Israel into the Promised Land, a place of peace and security after their wilderness wanderings and conquests. It signifies a national, covenantal rest.
* **Psalm 116:7:** "Return, O my soul, to your `{{H4494}}` (rest); for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you." This deeply personal verse points to a spiritual and emotional "rest" found in the faithfulness and provision of God. It's not merely a physical location but a state of inner peace and tranquility experienced in divine fellowship.
* **Isaiah 34:14:** "There too the night hag will settle and find for herself a `{{H4494}}` (resting place)." This passage describes the desolation of Edom, where its ruins become a settled spot for wild, unclean creatures, ironically finding a "resting place" where humans once dwelt. It emphasizes the concrete sense of a specific, settled location.
* **Lamentations 1:3:** "Judah has gone into exile because of affliction and hard servitude; she dwells among the nations; she finds no `{{H4494}}` (resting place)." Similar to Deuteronomy 28:65, this verse laments the lack of peace and security for Judah in exile, underscoring the severe consequences of their sin and the absence of God's promised rest.
Across these occurrences, `{{H4494}}` often stands in contrast to states of wandering, affliction, insecurity, or desolation. It can be a physical place (land, home) or an internal state (peace, security, tranquility), frequently linked to God's provision and covenant promises.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of `{{H4494}}` is enriched by its relationship to other Hebrew terms and theological concepts:
* **Root Word:** The most direct relation is to its verbal root, `{{H5117}}` (nûach), "to rest, settle, be quiet." This foundational verb highlights the action or state from which the noun `{{H4494}}` derives.
* **Other Words for Rest:**
* `{{H7673}}` (shābāth): "to cease, desist, rest," prominently used in the context of the Sabbath and divine rest from creation.
* `{{H7280}}` (râgaʿ): "to repose, quiet, still," often referring to a moment of stillness or quietude.
* `{{H5183}}` (nôach): Another noun derived from `{{H5117}}`, also meaning "rest" or "comfort," and famously the name of Noah.
* **Related Concepts:**
* **Security and Safety:** A "place of rest" inherently implies protection from threat and danger.
* **Peace (Shalom):** The holistic well-being and absence of conflict often associated with rest, particularly in a covenantal context.
* **Inheritance and the Promised Land:** For Israel, the land of Canaan was the ultimate "rest" promised by God after their nomadic existence.
* **Covenant Fulfillment:** God's provision of rest is a recurring theme demonstrating His faithfulness to His promises.
* **Divine Presence:** True and lasting rest is often depicted as ultimately found in God's presence and provision.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4494}}` is profound, weaving through themes of divine provision, covenant, and human experience:
* **God as the Giver of Rest:** A central theological truth is that God is the ultimate source and provider of rest for His people. As seen in 1 Kings 8:56, the peace and security Israel experienced in the land were direct gifts from the Lord, underscoring His benevolent sovereignty.
* **Covenantal Rest:** The entry into and possession of the Promised Land represented the fulfillment of God's covenant promise to provide a permanent "rest" for Israel after their wilderness wanderings. This rest, however, was conditional upon their obedience and faithfulness to the covenant. The loss of this rest through exile (Deuteronomy 28:65, Lamentations 1:3) vividly illustrates the consequences of disobedience.
* **Spiritual and Personal Rest:** Beyond the physical and national dimensions, `{{H4494}}` points to a deeper spiritual tranquility. Psalm 116:7 beautifully articulates the soul finding its ultimate "rest" in the Lord, signifying a state of peace, trust, and contentment derived from an intimate relationship with God, regardless of external circumstances.
* **Eschatological Implications:** While `{{H4494}}` is an Old Testament term, the concept of a divinely provided "rest" lays foundational groundwork for New Testament themes, particularly the "rest that remains for the people of God" (e.g., Hebrews 4). This future, ultimate rest in God's eternal presence is the culmination of the promises of rest found in the Old Testament.
* **Rest as Blessing and Judgment:** The presence of `{{H4494}}` is often a sign of God's blessing and faithfulness to His people, while its absence or removal serves as a consequence of sin and a manifestation of divine judgment.
### Summary
`{{H4494}}` (mânôwach) is a rich Hebrew term for "rest," derived from the root `{{H5117}}` "to rest" or "settle." Its semantic range encompasses a concrete "settled spot" or "place of rest," a figurative "home," and the general concept of "quiet" or "tranquility." Biblically, it frequently denotes a state of security, peace, and stability, often contrasted with wandering, insecurity, or affliction. Theologically, `{{H4494}}` highlights God as the ultimate provider of rest, whether it be the physical rest of the Promised Land for Israel, the secure home sought by individuals, or the profound spiritual repose found by the soul in the Lord. It underscores the covenantal nature of God's promises and the consequences of human obedience or disobedience, pointing ultimately to the divine desire for humanity to find enduring peace and security in His presence.
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