מְגוּרָה (me.gu.rah)
me.gu.rah
fear
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun megurah carries two distinct meanings that depend entirely on context: either "fear" or "terror," and a "storehouse" or "granary." This duality arises from the same root, which conveys the idea of something that causes trembling or awe. In most biblical usage, it refers to the dread inspired by God or an enemy, capturing a sense of deep reverence or panic.
However, in its rarest appearance, the word shifts to describe a physical place of storage. This specific usage occurs in Haggai 2:19, where the prophet uses the term to refer to a granary. Here, the connection between the two meanings becomes clear: just as fear strikes with sudden force, a harvest is gathered and secured in a storehouse for preservation. The word thus links the emotional weight of dread with the tangible security of stored grain.
Because megurah appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, its meaning must be determined by the surrounding text. When it describes an emotion, it highlights the overwhelming power of the divine or the threat of conflict. When it denotes a building, it emphasizes provision and safety. This dual nature reflects how ancient Hebrew thought often connected spiritual realities with physical objects.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word megurah reminds us that fear is not always a sign of weakness, but often a response to overwhelming power. In Isaiah 66:4, it describes the dread that comes when people reject God’s call. This kind of fear is a sobering reality, showing how serious our choices are before Him. It is a warning that ignoring divine guidance leads to isolation and distress.
Yet this word also appears in Haggai 2:19 referring to a storehouse or granary. Here, the meaning shifts from panic to provision. Just as grain is gathered for safety, God promises to bless His people even when they feel empty. This dual nature shows that while fear can strike like a storm, God also provides a place of security and hope.
Understanding megurah helps us see both the weight of our actions and the depth of God’s care. We are invited to trust in His provision rather than be paralyzed by dread. Whether facing spiritual consequences or physical need, this word points us toward the reality of divine justice and mercy.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- in the/ granary1×
- and/ fears/ their1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/מְגֽוּרֹתָ/ם֙1×
- בַּ/מְּגוּרָ֔ה1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 66:4
I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears on them, because when I called, no one answered; when I spoke, they didn’t listen, but they did that which was evil in my eyes, and chose that in which I didn’t delight.”
This verse uses megurah to describe the inevitable dread that falls upon those who persistently reject God's call, highlighting the serious consequences of spiritual disobedience.
-
Haggai 2:19
Is the seed yet in the barn? Yes, the vine, the fig tree, the pomegranate, and the olive tree haven’t produced. From today I will bless you.’”
Here the word refers to a physical storehouse, linking the concept of gathering and preservation with God's promise to bless His people despite their current lack of harvest.