a primitive root; to debar (negatively or positively) from benefit or injury; deny, keep (back), refrain, restrain, withhold.
Transliteration:mânaʻ
Pronunciation:maw-nah'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb מָנַע (mânaʻ), Strong's H4513, is a primitive root carrying the core meaning of "to debar," "to keep back," "to restrain," or "to withhold." Its semantic range encompasses both negative and positive dimensions of this action. On one hand, it can signify the withholding of something beneficial, such as blessing, rain, or favor, often as a consequence of disobedience or as a test. On the other hand, it can denote the positive act of restraining or preventing harm, sin, or judgment. This dual capacity highlights the active and intentional nature of the verb, whether it is God or humans performing the action. It implies a deliberate decision not to grant, to hold back, or to prevent an outcome.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb מָנַנַע (mânaʻ) appears frequently in the Hebrew Bible, revealing its diverse applications:
* **Divine Withholding/Restraint:** God is often portrayed as the subject of this verb.
* In [[Genesis 20:6]], God tells Abimelech, "Yes, I know that in the integrity of your heart you have done this, and I also *kept you from* sinning against Me; therefore I did not let you touch her." Here, God actively *restrained* Abimelech from committing a grave sin, demonstrating divine intervention to prevent wrongdoing.
* Similarly, in [[1 Samuel 25:26]], Abigail tells David, "Now therefore, my lord, as the LORD lives and as your soul lives, since the LORD has *restrained you* from shedding blood and from avenging yourself with your own hand, now then let your enemies and those who seek harm for my lord be as Nabal." God's action is again one of preventing bloodshed.
* In a different vein, God can *withhold* blessings. [[Genesis 30:2]] records Jacob's frustration with Rachel, "Am I in the place of God, who has *withheld* from you the fruit of the womb?" This shows God's sovereign control over fertility.
* Conversely, God promises *not to withhold* good from the righteous: "No good thing does He *withhold* from those who walk uprightly" [[Psalm 84:11]]. This affirms God's benevolence toward His faithful.
* [[Isaiah 58:9]] speaks of God's promise to answer prayer when people cease from oppression: "Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry, and He will say, 'Here I am.' If you remove the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger and speaking wickedness, if you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then your light will rise in darkness and your gloom will become like midday. And the LORD will continually guide you, and satisfy your desire in scorched places, and give strength to your bones; and you will be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters do not *fail*." (The usage here is "whose waters do not fail" or "are not withheld").
* **Human Withholding/Restraint:** Humans are also commanded or described as performing this action.
* Ethically, believers are exhorted *not to withhold* good. [[Proverbs 3:27]] states, "Do not *withhold* good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act." This emphasizes generosity and justice.
* In the context of self-control or preventing sin, [[Proverbs 1:15]] warns, "My son, do not walk in the way with them; *restrain* your foot from their path."
* [[Psalm 19:13]] is a prayer for divine assistance in self-restraint: "Also *keep back* Your servant from presumptuous sins; let them not rule over me; then I will be blameless, and I will be innocent of great transgression."
The contexts demonstrate that מָנַע (mânaʻ) can describe a powerful, sovereign act of divine control, a moral imperative for human generosity, or a discipline of self-restraint.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Hebrew words share conceptual overlap with מָנַע (mânaʻ), though with distinct nuances:
* `{{H2820}}` (חָשַׂךְ - ḥāśak): This verb is very close in meaning, often translated as "to withhold," "to refrain," or "to spare." It frequently appears in contexts of sparing judgment or holding back a resource. For example, God *did not spare* His own Son ([[Romans 8:32]], though a Greek word, it reflects the Old Testament concept).
* `{{H3607}}` (כָּלָא - kâlâʼ): Means "to shut up," "to restrain," or "to hold back." It often implies imprisonment or restriction of movement.
* `{{H6113}}` (עָצַר - ʻâtsar): Means "to restrain," "to shut up," or "to detain." It can refer to stopping a flow or preventing an action.
Thematic connections include:
* **Divine Sovereignty:** God's ultimate control over events, blessings, and human actions.
* **Human Responsibility:** The ethical duty to be generous, just, and self-controlled.
* **Justice and Mercy:** God's decision to withhold or not withhold punishment, and humanity's call to extend or withhold compassion.
* **Covenant Fidelity:** The consequences of keeping or breaking covenant, often expressed through God's withholding or granting of blessings.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of מָנַע (mânaʻ) is profound, touching upon both the character of God and the ethical demands on humanity.
* **God's Character:** The use of מָנַע (mânaʻ) reveals God as actively involved in His creation. He is not a passive observer but a sovereign Lord who *restrains* evil ([[Genesis 20:6]], [[1 Samuel 25:26]]) and *determines* the distribution of blessings ([[Genesis 30:2]]). His decision *not to withhold* good from the upright ([[Psalm 84:11]]) underscores His faithfulness and benevolence. Ultimately, the New Testament's declaration that God *did not withhold* His own Son ([[Romans 8:32]]) for the salvation of humanity is the supreme demonstration of His love and self-giving nature, echoing the spirit of this Old Testament concept.
* **Human Ethics and Morality:** The verb also defines human ethical responsibilities. Believers are called *not to withhold* good from those who deserve it ([[Proverbs 3:27]]), highlighting the importance of generosity, justice, and compassion within the community. Conversely, individuals are commanded to *restrain* themselves from evil paths and presumptuous sins ([[Proverbs 1:15]], [[Psalm 19:13]]), emphasizing self-control and moral discipline. This dual application underscores the active choice involved in either extending or denying, doing good or refraining from evil.
* **Divine-Human Relationship:** The concept of withholding or not withholding shapes the covenant relationship. God's blessings are often contingent upon human obedience, and His withholding of blessing can be a form of discipline or judgment. Conversely, human faithfulness can lead to God's abundant provision, where He *does not withhold* any good thing.
### Summary
מָנַע (mânaʻ), a vigorous Hebrew root, signifies the deliberate act of "keeping back," "restraining," or "withholding." Its semantic breadth allows it to describe both the positive act of preventing harm or sin, and the negative act of denying benefits or blessings. In biblical narratives, it powerfully portrays God's active sovereignty—His capacity to intervene and restrain evil, as well as His prerogative to grant or withhold blessings according to His will and covenant promises. For humanity, מָנַע (mânaʻ) serves as a moral imperative, urging believers *not to withhold* generosity and justice from others, while simultaneously demanding self-restraint from sinful paths. The study of מָנַע (mânaʻ) thus illuminates fundamental aspects of divine character, human responsibility, and the dynamic interaction within the covenantal relationship.
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