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מַהֲמֹרָה

𐤌𐤄𐤌𐤓𐤄

mahămôrâh

H4113 noun

SILEX Entry

Root uncertain uncertain; possible: to be deep, to be sunken

Definition

A deep pit, chasm, or abyss—referring to a large, potentially dangerous depression in the earth. Used in contexts indicating a literal, physical cavity in the ground, often as a location of hiding or entrapment. The term also evokes metaphorical senses of danger or threat in some passages.

Semantic Range

deep pit, chasm, abyss; specifically, a cistern or cavity in the earth; by context, a place of danger, trap, or entrapment

Root / Etymology

Root uncertain. The form appears to arise from a root *המ״ר (h-m-r), but no such root is attested elsewhere in Biblical Hebrew. The morphology matches other feminine nouns with the -ָה (ah) ending, possibly denoting a place or object. The exact etymological sense remains unclear.

Historical & Contextual Notes

מַהֲמֹרָה occurs only in Jeremiah 41:7, where it describes a cistern or pit used by Ishmael son of Nethaniah for the massacre and concealment of bodies, highlighting notions both of depth and danger. Its rare usage suggests a specialized or regional term, perhaps not part of common vocabulary even in later periods. The Septuagint translates the term with φρέαρβαθύ ('deep pit'), emphasizing its physical depth. Unlike בּוֹר (bōr) or שַּׁחַת (shaḥat), more common terms for pit or grave, מַהֲמֹרָה is unique and possibly archaic or dialectical. English versions employ 'pit' or 'cistern'; however, its solitary biblical use and uncertain root do not allow for certain distinctions beyond its immediate context.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from an unused root of uncertain meaning; perhaps an abyss; deep pit.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

המר (uncertain) (h-m-r (uncertain)) — depth, sunkenness, deep cavity

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H4113-01 בְּ֝/מַהֲמֹר֗וֹת bemahamorot HR/Ncfpa into miry pits in deep pits 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 total occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H4113-01 Psalms 140:11 בְּ֝/מַהֲמֹר֗וֹת bemahamorot HR/Ncfpa into miry pits in deep pits
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