מָאוֹר (ma.or)

ma.or

light

H3974 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 15 verses

H:N-M

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 15 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: H:N-M

Word Overview

The noun ma’or refers to a light source or luminary, distinguishing it from general illumination. In Genesis 1:14-18, God creates these lights to separate day from night and serve as signs for seasons and days. The text emphasizes their function as celestial bodies rather than abstract brightness.

This term appears fifteen times in Scripture, primarily in Genesis and Exodus. While it can describe lamps or lanterns in human contexts, its most significant usage relates to the sun, moon, and stars. These heavenly lights provided order and timekeeping for ancient Israelite life.

The word highlights purposeful design rather than mere radiance. By calling celestial bodies "ma’or," the biblical text presents them as created instruments with specific roles in God’s ordered universe. This usage reflects an ancient understanding of astronomy focused on function over physical composition.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word ma’or points to a specific source of illumination, whether it is the steady glow of the tabernacle lamp or the vast lights in the sky. In Genesis, God creates these luminaries not just for beauty, but to bring order to time and space. This reminds us that light is never random; it serves a purpose within His design.

When we read about the lamps in Exodus, we see how this light became central to worship. The Israelites were asked to provide pure oil so the flame would burn continually before the Lord. This constant light symbolized God’s enduring presence among His people, a visible sign that He was near even in the darkness of the wilderness.

For your daily life, this word invites you to trust in the One who sets the stars and tends the lamps. Just as the ma’or provided reliable guidance for ancient travelers, God’s truth offers steady direction when life feels uncertain. You can rest in the knowledge that He brings clarity and order to your path.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 15 verses where it appears, by frequency.

the/ light5×
for the/ light4×
the/ luminary2×
to/ [the] light of1×
the/ luminaries1×
luminaries1×
light of1×
for/ light1×
a luminary1×
<into>/ luminaries1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

לַ/מָּא֑וֹר3×
הַ/מָּאוֹר֙2×
הַ/מָּאֽוֹר\׃2×
הַ/מָּא֤וֹר2×
מָא֥וֹר1×
מְאֹרֹת֙1×
מְֽאוֹר\־1×
לַ/מָּאֹ֑ר1×
לִ/מְאוֹרֹת֙1×
לִ/מְא֥וֹר1×
לְ/מָא֕וֹר1×
הַ/מָּא֛וֹר1×

Key Verses

Genesis 1:14
God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs to mark seasons, days, and years;

This verse establishes the primary function of ma’or as celestial markers for seasons and time, showing God’s intentional design for creation.
Exodus 27:20
“You shall command the children of Israel, that they bring to you pure olive oil beaten for the light, to cause a lamp to burn continually.

Here ma’or refers to the lamp in the tabernacle, highlighting its role in maintaining a continuous symbol of God’s presence among Israel.
Psalms 90:8
You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence.

The psalmist uses ma’or metaphorically to describe the revealing nature of God’s presence, where hidden sins are brought into open view.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word ma’or mean?

Ma’or refers to a light source or luminary, such as the sun, moon, stars, or a physical lamp. It emphasizes the object that produces light rather than the abstract concept of illumination.

How is ma’or different from other words for light?

While other Hebrew words might describe general brightness or radiance, ma’or specifically denotes a source of light. It is used for celestial bodies in Genesis and for the tabernacle lamps in Exodus.

Why are lights mentioned in the creation account?

In Genesis 1:14-18, God creates ma’or to separate day from night and to mark seasons, days, and years. This shows that light was given a functional role in organizing time and space for humanity.

Every Occurrence (15 verses across 6 books)

Genesis 3 verses

Genesis 1:14

God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs to…

Genesis 1:15

and let them be for lights in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth;” and it was so.

Genesis 1:16

God made the two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He also made…

Exodus 6 verses

Leviticus 1 verse

Numbers 2 verses

Psalms 2 verses

Proverbs 1 verse