### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **môrâh**, represented by `{{H4786}}`, means **grief** or trouble, stemming from a root word for bitterness. This term is exceptionally specific, appearing only **1 time** in the Bible. Its singular use provides a focused look into a moment of profound emotional distress in the lives of two of Israel's key patriarchal figures.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H4786}}` is in [[Genesis 26:35]], where it describes the reaction of Isaac and Rebekah to their son's wives. The verse states that these women "were a **grief** of mind unto Isaac and to Rebekah" [[Genesis 26:35]]. This usage pinpoints the word's meaning as an internal, figurative bitterness that causes deep emotional trouble for an individual's spirit or mind.
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of `{{H4786}}` is understood through the people and concepts involved in the verse:
* `{{H3327}}` **Yitschâq** (Isaac): Defined as the son of Abraham, **Isaac** is a central figure in God's covenant [[Exodus 2:24]]. He is one of the patriarchs to whom God swore to give the land [[Deuteronomy 30:20]], and it is his mind that experiences this grief.
* `{{H7259}}` **Ribqâh** (Rebekah): The wife of Isaac [[Genesis 25:21]], **Rebekah** shared in this grief. Later, she expresses a similar sentiment, stating she is "weary of my life" due to the daughters of Heth [[Genesis 27:46]].
* `{{H7307}}` **rûwach** (spirit, mind, breath): This word is used for the **mind** that is afflicted by the grief in [[Genesis 26:35]]. It is a versatile term that can also refer to the Spirit of God [[Isaiah 61:1]] or the human spirit in general [[Proverbs 29:23]].
### Theological Significance
While appearing only once, the theological weight of `{{H4786}}` is tied to its specific context:
* **The Humanity of Patriarchs:** The use of **môrâh** highlights that foundational figures of faith like Isaac and Rebekah were subject to deep personal sorrow. It demonstrates that living within God's covenant did not preclude them from experiencing profound "grief of mind" [[Genesis 26:35]].
* **Source of Grief:** The trouble is explicitly linked to family matters, underscoring the significant impact that interpersonal relationships had on the spiritual and emotional well-being of the patriarchs.
* **Grief of the Mind/Spirit:** The pairing of **grief** `{{H4786}}` with **mind** `{{H7307}}` illustrates the biblical understanding of sorrow as an affliction of the spirit. The same part of a person that can be filled with God's Spirit [[Isaiah 44:3]] is also the part that can be consumed with bitterness.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4786}}` is a highly specific term whose singular appearance offers a poignant snapshot of human suffering. It is not just a general sadness but a "bitterness" or **grief** that afflicts the mind. Its use in [[Genesis 26:35]] gives a deeply personal and human dimension to the patriarchs Isaac and Rebekah, showing their vulnerability to the kind of familial sorrow that affects a person's very spirit.
TRV