מָחָר (ma.char)
ma.char
tomorrow
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 49 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word mâchar means "tomorrow," referring specifically to the day following the present one. It appears frequently in narratives where immediate action is required, such as when Moses tells Pharaoh that the plague of locusts will be removed "by tomorrow" (Exodus 10:4). In these contexts, the word carries a sense of urgency and certainty about the near future.
Beyond the literal next day, mâchar also extends to mean "in time to come" or "hereafter." This broader usage appears in instructions given to Israel’s descendants, such as when parents are told to explain rituals "in time to come" (Exodus 13:14). The term thus bridges the immediate present with future generations, linking current events to lasting memory.
Its etymology likely connects to a root meaning "to be late" or "deferred," suggesting a day that is held back until it arrives. Translators typically render it simply as "tomorrow," though in some passages this brief word carries the weight of divine promise or warning, depending on whether the context points to judgment or covenant faithfulness.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word מָחָר (mâchar) simply means "tomorrow." In the Hebrew Bible, it often marks a moment of decision or divine action. God uses this brief term to set clear boundaries for His people, whether calling them to prepare for a Sabbath rest or warning of coming events. It reminds us that time is not ours to control, but a gift held in God’s hands.
For your daily life, this word invites trust. When you face uncertainty about the next day, remember that God has spoken with precision and care in Scripture. He does not leave His people in confusion. Instead, He gives clear instructions and promises, inviting us to rest in His timing rather than worrying about what lies ahead.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 49 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- tomorrow34×
- and/ tomorrow6×
- for/ tomorrow3×
- [will be] tomorrow3×
- in future time2×
- [is] tomorrow1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מָחָר֙9×
- מָחָ֗ר7×
- מָחָ֖ר7×
- מָחָ֔ר6×
- מָחָֽר\׃3×
- מָחָ֑ר3×
- מָחָ֛ר2×
- וּ/מָחָ֥ר2×
- וּ/מָחָ֕ר2×
- מָחָ֣ר1×
- מָחָ֡ר1×
- מָחָ֞ר1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 16:23
He said to them, “This is that which Yahweh has spoken, ‘Tomorrow is a solemn rest, a holy Sabbath to Yahweh. Bake that which you want to bake, and boil that which you want to boil; and all that remains over lay up for yourselves to be kept until the morning.’”
This verse uses the word to establish the Sabbath rhythm, showing that God’s provision includes both physical sustenance and holy rest.
-
Joshua 3:5
Joshua said to the people, “Sanctify yourselves; for tomorrow Yahweh will do wonders among you.”
Here Joshua calls the people to sanctify themselves because God is about to perform wonders, linking immediate preparation with divine intervention.
-
Exodus 9:5
Yahweh appointed a set time, saying, “Tomorrow Yahweh shall do this thing in the land.”
God sets a specific time for judgment, demonstrating that even severe events occur within His sovereign schedule and warning.