מַעְצוֹר
𐤌𐤏𐤑𐤅𐤓
maʻtsôwr
H4622 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A state or condition of restraint, hindrance, or impediment; something which restrains, obstructs, or prevents an action, most often used concretely for that which causes holding back (e.g., famine as a withholding of rain).
Semantic Range
restraint, hindrance, impediment, blockage (esp. regarding rain or blessing), famine as the result of withholding, anything that functions as a restraining force or cause
Root / Etymology
From the root עָצַר (ʿaṣar), meaning 'to restrain, to hold back, to shut up.' The noun מַעְצוֹר is a derivative formation indicating the means or result of restraint or an object of hindrance.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In biblical usage, מַעְצוֹר primarily appears in poetic or prophetic contexts to describe famine (as a withholding of rain) or similar circumstances of divinely-caused restraint. Its usage is rare and specific, distinct from other words for famine (such as רָעָב, raʿav). While some translations render it generically as 'restraint' or 'hindrance,' the term often specifically denotes a calamity resulting from being held back, typically water or resources withheld by God. The nuance of 'withdrawal' or 'blockage' of benefit differs from terms indicating active oppression or mere scarcity. The word is not used as a technical term for legal or ritual restraint but more as a descriptor of circumstances or divine action. Later Hebrew does not regularly use this noun, and it does not appear frequently outside the Hebrew Bible.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from עָצָר; objectively, a hindrance; restraint.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
עצר (ʿ-ṣ-r) — to restrain, to hold back, to shut in
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H4623 | מַעְצָר | restraining control |
| H6113 | עָצָר | he restrained |
| H6114 | עֶצֶר | restraint |
| H6115 | עֹצֶר | from restraint |
| H6116 | עֲצָרָה | festival convocation |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4622-01 |
מַעְצ֔וֹר | maetsor | HNcmsa |
restraint | hindrance | restraint | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4622-01 |
1 Samuel 14:6 | מַעְצ֔וֹר | maetsor | HNcmsa |
restraint | hindrance | restraint |