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מוֹסֵר (mo.ser)

mo.ser

bond

H4147 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 10 verses

H:N-M

Quick Reference

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

Definition

Definition

band, bond

Brown-Driver-Briggs

[מוֹסֵר] n.m. band, bond, poet. & late

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

band, bond

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The Hebrew word מוֹסֵר describes a bond or fetter, often made of rope or leather, used to restrain an animal or a person. In Scripture, this imagery shifts from physical captivity to spiritual realities. We see it in Job describing the wild donkey’s freedom, and in Psalms celebrating God breaking chains that held people in darkness.

For your faith, this word reminds you that true liberty comes from Yahweh alone. Whether referring to the rebellious nations in Psalm 2 or Israel’s idolatrous bonds in Jeremiah, the text shows that human efforts to bind us are temporary. God has the power to burst these fetters and set His people free.

When you feel restricted by sin, fear, or circumstance, remember that the same God who loosened the wild donkey’s bonds can release you. You are invited to rest in the assurance that no chain is stronger than His deliverance.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • fetters/ your2×
  • fetters2×
  • fetters/ their1×
  • and/ fetters/ your1×
  • and/ fetters/ their1×
  • and/ [the] fetters of1×
  • [the] fetters of1×
  • <to>/ fetters/ my1×

Forms in the text

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

  • מוֹסֵרֽוֹת\׃1×
  • מוֹסֵר֖וֹת1×
  • מוֹסְרֹתַ֔יִ/ךְ1×
  • מוֹסְרֵ֣י1×
  • מֽוֹסְרוֹתֵ֑י/מוֹ1×
  • מֽוֹסְרֵי/כֶ֑ם1×
  • לְ/מוֹסֵרָֽ/י\׃1×
  • וּ/מוֹסְרוֹתֶ֖י/ךָ1×
  • וּ/מוֹסְר֖וֹתֵי/הֶ֣ם1×
  • וּ/מֹסְר֥וֹת1×

Key Verses

  • Psalms 116:16
    Yahweh, truly I am your servant. I am your servant, the son of your servant girl. You have freed me from my chains.

    This verse highlights personal deliverance, where the psalmist identifies as a servant whose bonds have been broken by Yahweh.

  • Jeremiah 2:20
    “For long ago I broke off your yoke, and burst your bonds. You said, ‘I will not serve;’ for on every high hill and under every green tree you bowed yourself, playing the prostitute.

    Here the word illustrates Israel’s voluntary return to idolatry after God had previously burst their bonds of obedience.

  • Psalms 2:3
    “Let’s break their bonds apart, and cast their cords from us.”

    The rebellious nations use this term to describe their desire to cast off the authority and constraints imposed by God.

  • Isaiah 52:2
    Shake yourself from the dust! Arise, sit up, Jerusalem! Release yourself from the bonds of your neck, captive daughter of Zion!

    Jerusalem is commanded to release herself from these bonds as part of a prophetic call to rise from captivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word מוֹסֵר mean?

מוסר (H4147) translates to 'bond,' 'fetter,' or 'chain.' It typically refers to physical restraints made of rope or leather used to bind animals, such as donkeys, or to restrain people in captivity.

In what context is מוֹסֵר used in the Old Testament?

The word appears in contexts of physical restraint, spiritual rebellion, and divine deliverance. For example, Job uses it for wild animals, while prophets like Jeremiah use it to describe Israel’s bondage to sin or political oppression.

How does this word relate to the concept of freedom in Scripture?

מוסר is frequently paired with verbs meaning 'to break' or 'loosen,' emphasizing that God is the source of liberation. Passages like Psalm 116:16 celebrate His power to burst these bonds and set His servants free.

Every Occurrence (10 verses across 4 books)

Job 1 verse
Psalms 3 verses
Isaiah 2 verses
Jeremiah 4 verses