מָבוֹשׁ (ma.vush)
ma.vush
genitalia
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun māvûš refers to the male genitalia, specifically described as "those that excite shame." It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Deuteronomy 25:11, where it is used in a legal context regarding a fight between two men.
In this single occurrence, the word denotes the private parts of a man whose wife grabs them during a scuffle. The term itself carries an inherent sense of modesty or shame, reflecting the cultural view that these body parts are to be covered and protected from exposure. This usage underscores the seriousness of the law, which imposes a penalty on the woman for interfering in a way that risks humiliating her husband.
The rarity of this word highlights its specific function: it is not a general term for anatomy but one tied directly to social propriety and legal consequence. By naming the body part explicitly, the text leaves no ambiguity about the nature of the offense, emphasizing the need for personal dignity even in moments of conflict.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word māvûš appears only once in the Old Testament, in Deuteronomy 25:11. It refers to male genitalia and carries a strong sense of shame or modesty. This rare term is used in a specific legal case where a woman grabs her husband’s private parts during a fight. The law imposes a penalty on her for this act.
For your faith, this word highlights the biblical value of personal dignity and respect. Even in moments of conflict, our bodies are to be treated with honor. This single verse reminds us that modesty is not just about clothing but about protecting the inherent worth of every person. It calls us to handle relationships with care and restraint.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- on/ genitals/ his1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בִּ/מְבֻשָֽׁי/ו\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 25:11
When men strive against each other, and the wife of one draws near to deliver her husband out of the hand of him who strikes him, and puts out her hand, and grabs him by his private parts,
This verse uses māvûš to specify the exact body part involved in a legal dispute, emphasizing the seriousness of violating personal dignity.