מֹרֶךְ
𐤌𐤓𐤊
môrek
H4816 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A state or condition of softness or weakness, often used figuratively to denote fearfulness, lack of courage, or moral or emotional faintheartedness. In most biblical contexts, it refers to the internal quality or feeling of diminished resolve or courage, rather than a merely physical softness.
Semantic Range
softness (literal), tenderness, weakness, emotional weakness, faintheartedness, fearfulness, lack of courage
Root / Etymology
From the root רָכַךְ (r-k-k), which fundamentally means 'to be soft, tender, weak.' The noun מֹרֶךְ is derived by nominalization, indicating the state or quality of being soft or tender, and thus, by extension, susceptible to emotional or psychological faintness or fear.
Historical & Contextual Notes
מֹרֶךְ is a rare term, occurring only in a few biblical texts (notably Deuteronomy 20:8). In its historical usage, it describes the internal condition of individuals in the face of impending conflict, specifically those who are 'soft' or fainthearted, as opposed to being resolute or courageous. The underlying imagery is of softness or lack of rigidity—qualities metaphorically applied to emotional resolve. In later translation traditions and English, the sense has been typically rendered as 'fear' or 'faintheartedness,' although the Hebrew concept is grounded in 'softness' or pliancy as a physical root. Contrast is to be made with other Hebrew terms for fear (e.g., יָרֵא), which emphasize the experience of fright or terror, whereas מֹרֶךְ accentuates the lack of firmness or internal strength. Usage is generally limited to emotional or psychological contexts rather than physical softness.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
perhaps from רָכַךְ; softness, i.e. (figuratively) fear; faintness.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
רככ (r-k-k) — softness, tenderness, weakness
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4816-01 |
מֹ֨רֶךְ֙ | morekhe | HNcmsa |
a faintness | fainthearted softness | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4816-01 |
Leviticus 26:36 | מֹ֨רֶךְ֙ | morekhe | HNcmsa |
a faintness | fainthearted softness |