(also מָעוּז ); or מָעֹז (also מָעֻז; from עָזַז; a fortified place; figuratively, a defence; force, fort(-ress), rock, strength(-en), ([idiom] most) strong (hold).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mâʻôwz**, represented by `{{H4581}}`, describes a fortified place or, figuratively, a defense. It appears **37 times** across **35 unique verses**. Derived from a root meaning to be strong `{{H5810}}`, its core definition encompasses concepts of a fortress, rock, defense, and strength, often in the context of a stronghold or place of safety.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H4581}}` is used both literally and figuratively. It can refer to physical fortifications, such as the "strong holds" of a merchant city [[Isaiah 23:11]] or the "**fortress** of the king of the north" [[Daniel 11:7]]. More frequently, it describes God as the ultimate source of security and power. The LORD is called the "**strength** of my life" [[Psalms 27:1]] and a "**strong hold** in the day of trouble" [[Nahum 1:7]]. The term is also used to highlight misplaced trust, contrasting the failing "**strength** of Pharaoh" [[Isaiah 30:2]] with the reliable strength found in God.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concepts of strength and refuge:
* `{{H5797}}` **ʻôz** (strength): This word is often used in parallel with **mâʻôwz** to denote power and might. It is used to describe God as "my **strength** `{{H5797}}`, and my fortress `{{H4581}}`" [[Jeremiah 16:19]].
* `{{H6697}}` **tsûwr** (rock): As a common metaphor for stability and defense, **tsûwr** reinforces the idea of a stronghold. God is described as the "**rock** `{{H6697}}` of thy strength `{{H4581}}`" [[Isaiah 17:10]].
* `{{H4268}}` **machăçeh** (refuge): This term emphasizes the protective aspect of a stronghold, highlighting it as a shelter. God is presented as "a **refuge** `{{H4268}}` from the storm" and "a **strength** `{{H4581}}` to the poor" [[Isaiah 25:4]].
* `{{H4013}}` **mibtsâr** (fortress): This word is directly associated with physical fortifications and is used alongside **mâʻôwz** to describe the "most **strong** `{{H4581}}` holds `{{H4013}}`" [[Daniel 11:39]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4581}}` is significant, centering on the nature of God as a protector and the proper object of human trust.
* **Divine Refuge:** The most prominent theme is God as a safe haven for His people. He is their **strength** in times of trouble [[Psalms 37:39]], a refuge for the afflicted [[Jeremiah 16:19]], and the hope for the children of Israel [[Joel 3:16]].
* **Source of True Strength:** The word is used to contrast divine power with fallible human strength. Those who make God their **strength** are secure, while those who trust in riches [[Psalms 52:7]] or foreign powers like Pharaoh [[Isaiah 30:3]] will face shame.
* **Strength for the Upright:** The security offered by **mâʻôwz** is not arbitrary; "The way of the LORD is **strength** `{{H4581}}` to the upright" [[Proverbs 10:29]]. This connects divine protection to a righteous walk. The joy of the LORD itself becomes the people's **strength** [[Nehemiah 8:10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4581}}` **mâʻôwz** is a powerful term that conveys both physical security and profound spiritual truth. It moves beyond the image of a mere fortress of stone to define God Himself as the ultimate stronghold for those who trust in Him. Through this word, scripture illustrates that true and lasting strength is not found in human might or worldly wealth, but in the protective power of the Lord.
TRV