מָ֫וֶת (ma.vet)
ma.vet
death
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 130 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun maveth denotes death in its broadest sense, covering both natural passing and violent destruction. It appears frequently in the Psalms and Proverbs to describe the finality of life’s end, often standing in direct contrast to chayyim, or life itself. This antithesis highlights a central biblical theme: that true existence is found in relationship with God, while separation from Him results in ruin.
Beyond the physical event, maveth frequently personifies death as a power or place. In Psalm 49:15, it describes being delivered from the grasp of Sheol, while Proverbs 7:27 speaks of rooms leading to the chambers of death. The word also extends metaphorically to describe fatal diseases or pestilence, as seen in Jeremiah 15:2, where God warns that those who remain in the land will face death by sword and famine.
Its usage underscores the seriousness of sin and the reality of judgment. Translators often render it simply as "death," but the Hebrew context carries weightier implications of destruction and loss. Whether referring to the grave, a violent end, or spiritual ruin, maveth serves as a stark reminder of human mortality and the need for divine rescue.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word maveth simply means death, yet it carries a heavy weight in Scripture. It describes not just the end of breath, but the finality of separation from life. When you read about death in the Psalms or Proverbs, you are encountering a stark reality: human life is fragile, and our time here is limited. This word reminds us that mortality is not an abstract concept but a tangible part of our shared experience.
Yet, this awareness serves a purpose. By confronting maveth, we see the urgency of choosing life. In Deuteronomy 30:19, God sets before Israel the choice between life and death, urging them to choose life so they may thrive. This is not a threat, but an invitation to align with the source of all existence. Recognizing the seriousness of death helps us value every moment as a gift from God.
Ultimately, maveth points to our need for divine rescue. It highlights that true life is found only in relationship with Him. While death is a real and sobering end, it is not the final word for those who trust in God. This truth offers hope, reminding us that our hope rests in His enduring presence rather than in our own strength.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 130 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- death39×
- [the] death of23×
- death/ his10×
- from/ death8×
- <the>/ death8×
- death/ my6×
- to <the>/ death4×
- like/ [the] death of2×
- like <the>/ death2×
- in/ death/ their2×
- in/ death/ his2×
- for <the>/ death2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מָֽוֶת\׃10×
- מ֣וֹת7×
- מָ֔וֶת6×
- מָ֑וֶת6×
- מוֹת֙5×
- מוֹתֽ/וֹ\׃4×
- מָ֣וֶת4×
- מָ֙וֶת֙4×
- מ֥וֹת4×
- מוֹתִֽ/י\׃3×
- מָ֖וֶת3×
- מִ/מָּֽוֶת\׃3×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 30:19
I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Therefore choose life, that you may live, you and your descendants,
This verse uses maveth to present a clear choice, contrasting it with life to urge the people toward faithful obedience.
-
Genesis 25:11
After the death of Abraham, God blessed Isaac, his son. Isaac lived by Beer Lahai Roi.
Here the word marks a specific historical moment after Abraham’s passing, showing how death transitions leadership and blessing to Isaac.
-
Numbers 23:10
Who can count the dust of Jacob, or count the fourth part of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous! Let my last end be like his!”
Balaam prays to die maveth, using the term to express a desire for a righteous end that mirrors his current standing with God.
-
Exodus 10:17
Now therefore please forgive my sin again, and pray to Yahweh your God, that he may also take away from me this death.”
Pharaoh asks Moses to remove this 'death,' referring to the plague of locusts, showing how the word can describe catastrophic destruction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word maveth mean?
How is maveth different from chayyim?
Where does maveth appear most often?
Every Occurrence (130 verses across 26 books)
Genesis 7 verses
She went and sat down opposite him, a good way off, about a bow shot away. For she said, “Don’t let me see the death of…
Genesis 25:11After the death of Abraham, God blessed Isaac, his son. Isaac lived by Beer Lahai Roi.
Genesis 26:18Isaac dug again the wells of water, which they had dug in the days of Abraham his father, for the Philistines had…
Genesis 27:2He said, “See now, I am old. I don’t know the day of my death.
Genesis 27:7‘Bring me venison, and make me savory food, that I may eat, and bless you before Yahweh before my death.’
Genesis 27:10You shall bring it to your father, that he may eat, so that he may bless you before his death.”
Genesis 50:16They sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father commanded before he died, saying,