מֹחַ
𐤌𐤇
môach
H4221 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Marrow—the soft, fatty substance filling the cavities of bones in humans and animals; by extension, the innermost substance or essence. In biblical contexts, references are largely anatomical, referring specifically to the physical marrow within bones, a valued and nourishing part.
Semantic Range
marrow of bones, innermost fatty substance, figuratively (in later usage): essence or core
Root / Etymology
Root/Etymology: Derived from the root מֵחַ (meach), meaning 'marrow.' The word מֹחַ (môach) is either a variant or closely associated in form and meaning. The root idea is 'soft fat' or 'marrow,' referring to the innermost, soft part of bone.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Hebrew Bible, מֹחַ appears in contexts describing sacrificial animals or figures of health and vitality (e.g., Job 21:24; Mic 3:3), where it denotes literal bone marrow—a prized component seen as the seat of strength and nourishment. In later Hebrew (rabbinic and medieval), the term retained its anatomical meaning but was metaphorically expanded to signify the innermost part of various things, including inner thought or essence. The English word 'marrow' is an adequate translation, but biblical usage is primarily anatomical, not metaphorical as in later literature. The related noun מֵחַ (meach) is used similarly, but מֹחַ (môach) often appears in poetic or vivid descriptive language. Distinction should be made from other words for 'fat' (חֵלֶב chalev), which refer more generally to the fatty parts of animals. The biblical texts make no theological or ritual distinction attached uniquely to marrow beyond its association with health or completeness. In translation traditions (LXX, Vulgate), the word is rendered with equivalents for 'marrow' emphasizing physical substance.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from the same as מֵחַ; fat, i.e. marrow; marrow.
Bantu Hebrew
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מח (m-ḥ) — soft fat, marrow
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4221-01 |
וּ/מֹ֖חַ | umocha | HC/Ncmsc |
and marrow | and marrow of | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4221-01 |
Job 21:24 | וּ/מֹ֖חַ | umocha | HC/Ncmsc |
and marrow | and marrow of |