### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **môts**, represented by `{{H4671}}`, refers to **chaff**. It appears **8 times** across **8 unique verses**. The term describes the light, worthless material separated from grain during threshing, serving as a powerful biblical metaphor for that which is insubstantial, fleeting, and easily scattered.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H4671}}` is consistently used to illustrate worthlessness and the effect of judgment. The ungodly are described as being "like the **chaff** which the wind driveth away" [[Psalms 1:4]]. This imagery is expanded to rebellious nations, which God will rebuke and chase "as the **chaff** of the mountains before the wind" [[Isaiah 17:13]]. The term also conveys transience and suddenness, as the multitude of terrible ones will become "as **chaff** that passeth away" in an instant [[Isaiah 29:5]], and the day of God's anger will "pass as the **chaff**" [[Zephaniah 2:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words define the forces that act upon and the state of being like chaff:
* `{{H7307}}` **rûwach** (wind): This is the primary agent that scatters the chaff, appearing frequently alongside it. It represents the power that drives away the wicked, who are like chaff before the **wind** ([[Psalms 1:4]], [[Isaiah 17:13]]).
* `{{H5492}}` **çûwphâh** (whirlwind): This term describes a powerful, violent storm that carries away chaff. It is used to depict the force of judgment that removes the wicked [[Job 21:18]] and scattered nations [[Isaiah 17:13]].
* `{{H5086}}` **nâdaph** (driveth away): This verb describes the action of being dispersed or shoved asunder. It is used to define the fate of the ungodly, who are like chaff which the wind **driveth away** [[Psalms 1:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4671}}` is centered on its use as a metaphor for judgment and worthlessness.
* **The Fate of the Ungodly:** `{{H4671}}` is a primary symbol for the final state of the wicked. They are likened to stubble and **chaff** that the storm carrieth away, lacking substance and permanence ([[Job 21:18]], [[Psalms 1:4]]).
* **Divine Sovereignty in Judgment:** God's power is demonstrated by His ability to scatter His enemies. The angel of the LORD chases them so they become like **chaff** before the wind [[Psalms 35:5]]. Similarly, nations that rise against God are chased away like **chaff** [[Isaiah 17:13]].
* **The Transience of Opposition:** Things that seem formidable, like "the multitude of the terrible ones," are revealed to be as insubstantial as **chaff** that passeth away suddenly [[Isaiah 29:5]]. They are also compared to things that disappear, like a morning cloud or smoke from a chimney [[Hosea 13:3]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4671}}` is a vivid metaphor used consistently throughout scripture. It moves beyond its simple agricultural meaning of winnowed refuse to represent spiritual and moral worthlessness. As **chaff**, the wicked, rebellious nations, and all opposition to God are portrayed as light, insubstantial, and destined to be scattered and driven away by the wind of divine judgment.
TRV