from מָרַר; bitterness, i.e. (figuratively) trouble; grief.
Transliteration:môrâh
Pronunciation:mo-raw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term môrâh (`{{H4786}}`) is a rare but poignant noun derived from the root mārar (`{{H4843}}`), which fundamentally signifies "to be bitter," "to show bitterness," or "to cause bitterness." While the root often describes a literal taste (e.g., bitter waters), its semantic range extends powerfully into the realm of human emotion and experience. môrâh specifically captures the *state* or *essence* of this bitterness, translating figuratively to "trouble" or "grief." It denotes a deep, pervasive unpleasantness, often associated with profound sorrow, despair, or the painful reality of a difficult situation. The word encapsulates an internal, subjective experience of severe distress, emphasizing the emotional or existential "bitterness" of one's circumstances.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word môrâh (`{{H4786}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Job:
* **[[Job 17:15]]:** "Where then is my hope? And as for my hope, who can see it? My hope, who can see it? It is a môrâh (`{{H4786}}`) for me."
In this sole occurrence, Job, in the depths of his suffering and despair, expresses the utter futility of his situation. He has lost all earthly hope, and the very idea of hope has become a source of profound bitterness and grief for him. The môrâh here is not just a general trouble, but the specific, cutting pain that arises from the absence of any discernible future or relief. It highlights the psychological and spiritual anguish that accompanies his physical torments and the incomprehensible silence of God. The word powerfully conveys the crushing weight of hopelessness, transforming what should be a source of comfort into a bitter reality.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for môrâh (`{{H4786}}`) is its root, mārar (`{{H4843}}`), which is much more frequently attested. This root is used to describe:
* The bitter waters of Marah ([[Exodus 15:23]]).
* Naomi's self-identification as "Mara" (bitter) due to her affliction ([[Ruth 1:20]]).
* The bitterness of spirit or soul ([[1 Samuel 1:10]], [[Isaiah 38:17]]).
Other related terms that convey aspects of sorrow, distress, or bitterness include:
* mar (`{{H4751}}`): The adjective "bitter," often used for taste but also for emotional pain.
* tōlāʿâ (`{{H8438}}`): "Wormwood," a plant known for its bitterness, often used metaphorically for calamity or injustice ([[Jeremiah 9:15]], [[Lamentations 3:15]]).
* tsarah (`{{H6862}}`): "Distress," "trouble," or "anguish," a broader term for difficult circumstances.
* yagon (`{{H3015}}`): "Sorrow" or "grief," often referring to deep emotional pain.
* ka'as (`{{H3708}}`): "Vexation," "anger," or "grief," often arising from frustration or misfortune.
These terms collectively paint a picture of the multifaceted nature of human suffering as understood and expressed in the Hebrew Scriptures, with môrâh (`{{H4786}}`) specifically emphasizing the deep, internal bitterness of such experiences.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of môrâh (`{{H4786}}`) in the book of Job is profoundly significant for its theological implications. It underscores the depth of human despair when faced with inexplicable suffering and the apparent absence of divine intervention. Job's cry, that even "hope" has become a source of "bitterness," reveals the extreme limits of human endurance and the profound existential crisis that can arise from affliction. The word highlights the reality of a fallen world where profound grief and trouble are not merely external circumstances but can penetrate the very core of one's being, turning even the most fundamental human need (hope) into a source of pain. Theologically, it serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of sin and suffering, implicitly pointing to the ultimate need for a hope that transcends earthly circumstances—a hope that is found only in the steadfast love and sovereignty of God, even when His ways are inscrutable to human understanding.
### Summary
môrâh (`{{H4786}}`) is a rare but impactful Hebrew noun, derived from the root mārar (`{{H4843}}`), meaning "to be bitter." It denotes a profound state of "bitterness," "trouble," or "grief." Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Job 17:15]] powerfully articulates Job's extreme despair, where even the concept of hope has become a source of deep, personal anguish. The word encapsulates the severe emotional and existential suffering that can afflict humanity, serving as a poignant expression of profound distress within the biblical narrative of human suffering and divine sovereignty. It highlights the bitter reality of life's trials and implicitly points to the need for a transcendent hope that can overcome such deep-seated despair.
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