מוֹרֶה
𐤌𐤅𐤓𐤄
Moreh
H4176 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Proper noun referring to Moreh, a geographical location mentioned in the Hebrew Bible; likely designates a significant landmark (such as a hill or oak represented as 'the terebinth of Moreh' or 'oak of Moreh'), possibly named after a pre-Israelite inhabitant or an association with instruction or oracles. The semantic range includes both the physical site (notably in the narratives of the patriarchs and in Israelite historical geography) and possible connections to an eponymous figure bearing the name Moreh.
Semantic Range
name of a Canaanite individual (possible eponym), landmark site (notably a prominent tree or hill), possible association with the idea of teaching/instruction or oracle, geographical designation in Canaan
Root / Etymology
Derived from the Hebrew root ירה (y-r-h), meaning 'to throw, cast, direct, teach.' The noun form may be related to the idea of 'teacher' or 'one who gives direction,' although in this case, the word functions as a place name, and the exact derivation is uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Hebrew Bible, מוֹרֶה (Môwreh) appears in reference to a locality in the land of Canaan, notably 'the oak/terebinth of Moreh' (אֵלוֹן מוֹרֶה, see Genesis 12:6; Deuteronomy 11:30). It is depicted as a significant landmark for Israelite figures, especially Abraham, marking his arrival in the land of Canaan. The site is associated with divine encounter and revelation. The origin of the name is debated: it may derive from an earlier inhabitant, a person associated with the location (possibly a Canaanite figure), or from the root meaning 'to teach,' suggesting a locale known for oracular or instructional activity. English translations sometimes render it as 'Moreh,' preserving the Hebrew name, or contextualize it as a 'hill' or 'terebinth,' potentially misrepresenting the sense. The usage does not indicate ethnic or religious identity but represents a toponym whose significance is bound more to local tradition or geographic prominence than to the later development of identity terms like 'Jew.' In later tradition, the site retained symbolic resonance, but its exact location remains debated.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
or מֹרֶה; the same as מוֹרֶה; Moreh, a Canaanite; also a hill (perhaps named from him); Moreh.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
ירה (y-r-h) — to throw, shoot, direct, teach, instruct
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H3138 | יוֹרֶה | his early rain |
| H3139 | יוֹרָה | Autumn-Rain |
| H3140 | יוֹרַי | Rain-Causer |
| H3384 | יָרָה | the shooters |
| H3385 | יְרוּאֵל | El-Founded Place |
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4176-02 |
מוֹרֶ֑ה | moreh | HNp |
of Moreh | Moreh (Direction-Giver) | 2 |
H4176-01 |
הַ/מּוֹרֶ֖ה | hamoreh | HTd/Np |
of-Moreh | the Directing-One (Moreh) | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4176-02 |
Genesis 12:6 | מוֹרֶ֑ה | moreh | HNp |
of Moreh | Moreh (Direction-Giver) |
H4176-02 |
Deuteronomy 11:30 | מֹרֶֽה | moreh | HNp |
of Moreh | Moreh (Direction-Giver) |
H4176-01 |
Judges 7:1 | הַ/מּוֹרֶ֖ה | hamoreh | HTd/Np |
of-Moreh | the Directing-One (Moreh) |