### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻetser**, represented by `{{H6114}}`, refers to **restraint** and is used in a phrase to mean **magistrate**. It is a rare term, appearing only **1 time** across **1 unique verse** in the Bible. Its singular use points to the concept of civil authority or its absence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H6114}}` is in [[Judges 18:7]], which describes the city of Laish. The verse states that the people there "dwelt careless, after the manner of the Zidonians, quiet and secure." The critical observation is that "there was no **magistrate** in the land, that might put them to shame in any thing." This context links the lack of a restraining authority directly to a particular kind of social condition.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context in [[Judges 18:7]] help clarify its meaning:
* `{{H3423}}` **yârash**: This word forms the phrase "magistrate" with `{{H6114}}`. It has a broad meaning, including to **possess** or **inherit** ([[Genesis 22:17]], [[Psalms 37:11]]), to **drive out** [[Deuteronomy 9:3]], or to **be poor** [[Proverbs 30:9]].
* `{{H8252}}` **shâqaṭ**: Used to describe the people of Laish as **quiet**, this word means **to repose**. It can signify a land having **rest** from war [[Judges 5:31]] or the **quietness** that results from righteousness [[Isaiah 32:17]].
* `{{H982}}` **bâṭach**: Meaning **to trust** or be confident, this is used to portray the people of Laish as **secure**. It is frequently used in the context of placing **trust** in the LORD ([[Proverbs 3:5]], [[Psalms 28:7]]).
* `{{H983}}` **beṭach**: This word, meaning **safety** or a place of refuge, is used to describe the people of Laish dwelling **careless**. In other contexts, it is associated with the **safety** and **assurance** that comes from God ([[Psalms 4:8]], [[Isaiah 32:17]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H6114}}` is derived almost entirely from its unique context.
* **The Nature of Order:** The absence of a "magistrate" (`{{H3423}}` `{{H6114}}`) in Laish highlights the biblical theme of order. The people were quiet and felt secure, but this peace was rooted in a lack of accountability and restraint.
* **False vs. True Security:** The people of Laish lived "careless" `{{H983}}` and "secure" `{{H982}}`, yet it was a fragile state. True safety and quietness are presented elsewhere as a result of righteousness and trust in the LORD [[Isaiah 32:17]], not the absence of authority.
* **Restraint and Righteousness:** The text notes the magistrate was needed to "put them to shame in any thing" [[Judges 18:7]], implying that restraint is a necessary component for checking unrighteousness and maintaining a just society.
### Summary
In summary, while **ʻetser** `{{H6114}}` appears only once, its singular context in [[Judges 18:7]] is highly instructive. It represents the concept of authoritative restraint. The condition of Laish—a city without a magistrate—serves as a case study on the nature of peace, contrasting a lawless, isolated quietness with the secure and righteous peace that is established under proper authority and trust in God.
TRV