מִגְעֶ֫רֶת (mig.e.ret)
mig.e.ret
rebuke
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun mig‘eret denotes a sharp rebuke or reproof, appearing in the Hebrew Bible only once. It is found in Deuteronomy 28:20, where it describes the distress and confusion that will befall those who break their covenant with God. In this context, the word conveys more than simple criticism; it suggests a forceful divine correction intended to expose error.
As a construct of the root g‘r, which relates to cutting or separating, mig‘eret carries the weight of a decisive verbal act. It is not a gentle suggestion but a stern warning that leaves the recipient with no room for denial. The single occurrence in Deuteronomy frames it as part of the covenant curses, emphasizing the serious consequences of turning away from divine instruction.
Translators typically render mig‘eret as "rebuke" or "reproof," capturing its direct and uncompromising nature. Its rarity in Scripture highlights the gravity of the situation described in Deuteronomy 28:20, where such a rebuke becomes a tangible sign of broken relationship rather than mere disciplinary instruction.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word mig‘eret appears just once in Scripture, found within the solemn warnings of Deuteronomy 28:20. It describes a sharp rebuke that brings confusion and distress when people turn away from their covenant with God. This is not a gentle hint or a soft suggestion. It is a decisive act of correction meant to expose error and restore direction.
For your faith, this word reminds us that God’s discipline is serious but purposeful. When life feels confusing or blocked, it may be an invitation to examine our path. The rebuke is not meant to destroy you permanently but to call you back to truth. It shows that God cares enough to correct what is broken.
Even in hardship, this rare word points to a God who speaks clearly. He does not leave us in silence. His corrections are firm because they come from love, aiming to guide us back to the way of life and peace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- <the>/ rebuke1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/מִּגְעֶ֔רֶת1×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 28:20
Yahweh will send on you cursing, confusion, and rebuke in all that you put your hand to do, until you are destroyed and until you perish quickly, because of the evil of your doings, by which you have forsaken me.
This verse uniquely uses mig‘eret to describe the confusing distress that follows covenant unfaithfulness, showing it as a tangible sign of broken relationship rather than simple criticism.