### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **môʻal**, represented by `{{H4607}}`, describes a **raising (of the hands)** or **lifting up**. This specific term is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** within the biblical text, making its single usage particularly noteworthy.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H4607}}` is in [[Nehemiah 8:6]], capturing a powerful moment of communal worship. After Ezra `{{H5830}}` blessed the LORD `{{H3068}}` as "the great God" `{{H1419}}` `{{H430}}`, "all the people" `{{H5971}}` responded in unison. Their verbal answer of "Amen, Amen" `{{H543}}` was accompanied by the physical act of the **lifting up** `{{H4607}}` of their hands `{{H3027}}`. This gesture was immediately followed by them bowing their heads and worshipping with their faces to the ground, demonstrating a complete posture of reverence.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context illuminate the meaning of this act of worship:
* `{{H3027}}` **yâd** (hand): This is what is being lifted in the act of `{{H4607}}`. As an indicator of power, means, and direction, the lifting of the hands `{{H3027}}` in [[Nehemiah 8:6]] is a gesture of response directed toward God.
* `{{H543}}` **ʼâmên** (Amen): This word, meaning "truly" or "so be it," is the verbal affirmation spoken by the people as they lift their hands. It confirms their agreement with and participation in Ezra's blessing [[Nehemiah 8:6]].
* `{{H7812}}` **shâchâh** (worship): This is the culminating action in the sequence. The act of lifting up hands is part of a larger movement of worship that concludes with prostrating before the LORD [[Nehemiah 8:6]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4607}}` is understood entirely through its single, specific context.
* **Corporeal Worship:** The use of `{{H4607}}` underscores that worship is not merely an internal sentiment but also a physical expression. The people's response to God's greatness involved their voices, hands, heads, and bodies [[Nehemiah 8:6]].
* **Communal Affirmation:** The "lifting up" of hands was a unified act performed by "all the people" `{{H5971}}`. It served as a collective and visible confirmation of the blessing spoken by Ezra, demonstrating unity in reverence [[Nehemiah 8:6]].
* **A Gesture of Reverence:** Paired with bowing the head `{{H6915}}` and worshipping `{{H7812}}`, the raising of hands is shown to be an act of profound respect and surrender before "the great God" `{{H1419}}` `{{H430}}`.
### Summary
In summary, while **môʻal** `{{H4607}}` is used only once, it provides a vivid snapshot of responsive and physical worship. Its appearance in [[Nehemiah 8:6]] illustrates a moment of unified affirmation where the people of God collectively respond to His greatness not only with their words but with a powerful gesture of "lifting up" their hands in reverence and surrender.
TRV