### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Pᵉʻôwr**, represented by `{{H6465}}`, primarily refers to **Peor**, a mountain east of the Jordan. It appears 5 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible. The name is also associated with a deity worshipped there, Baal Peor, and signifies a place of significant events in Israel's history, most notably a great sin involving idolatry.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H6465}}` functions both as a geographical location and as a reference to a major incident of apostasy. It is named as a mountain to which Balak brought Balaam [[Numbers 23:28]]. More frequently, it is cited as "the matter of Peor" or "the iniquity of Peor," an event where the Israelites were enticed to commit trespass against the LORD, resulting in a devastating plague upon the congregation ([[Numbers 31:16]], [[Joshua 22:17]]). This act was orchestrated through the "wiles" of the Midianites and the counsel of Balaam [[Numbers 25:18]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the context of the sin associated with Peor:
* `{{H4560}}` **mâçar** (commit): A primitive root meaning to sunder, i.e. (transitively) set apart, or (reflex.) apostatize. It is used to describe how Israel was led to **commit** trespass [[Numbers 31:16]].
* `{{H4604}}` **maʻal** (trespass): Signifies treachery, i.e. sin. This word defines the nature of Israel's transgression in the matter of Peor [[Numbers 31:16]].
* `{{H5230}}` **nâkal** (beguiled): A primitive root that means to defraud, i.e. act treacherously. This is how the Israelites were **beguiled** into sin at Peor [[Numbers 25:18]].
* `{{H6887}}` **tsârar** (vex): A primitive root meaning to cramp, literally or figuratively. It describes the action of the Midianites who sought to **vex** Israel through their deception [[Numbers 25:18]].
* `{{H4046}}` **maggêphâh** (plague): Meaning a pestilence or, by analogy, defeat. This was the direct consequence of Israel's sin, described as the **plague** among the congregation ([[Numbers 25:18]], [[Numbers 31:16]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6465}}` is centered on the consequences of idolatry and spiritual compromise.
* **Treachery and Apostasy:** The "matter of Peor" stands as a prime example of committing **trespass** `{{H4604}}` against the LORD. It illustrates the grave sin of turning away from God to engage with foreign deities [[Numbers 31:16]].
* **Deception and Beguilement:** The incident highlights the danger of subtle spiritual corruption. The Israelites were **beguiled** `{{H5230}}` by the **wiles** `{{H5231}}` of the Midianites, demonstrating how external influences can lead God's people astray [[Numbers 25:18]].
* **Divine Judgment:** The sin at Peor resulted in a severe **plague** `{{H5063}}` from the LORD, serving as a powerful reminder of God's judgment against faithlessness and the tangible consequences of national sin [[Joshua 22:17]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6465}}` is more than a geographical marker for a mountain. It is intrinsically linked to one of Israel's most significant historical and theological failures. The name **Peor** serves as a biblical shorthand for an incident of apostasy, beguilement, and the resulting divine judgment, underscoring the severe consequences of turning away from the LORD.
TRV