מִנְהָרָה (min.ha.rah)
min.ha.rah
cave
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun minḥārâ appears only once in the Bible, in Judges 6:2. It describes a place of concealment, specifically referring to crevices, ravines, or mountain clefts where people could hide from their enemies.
Lexical sources note that its precise meaning is somewhat uncertain, with suggestions ranging from natural rock fissures to man-made dugout holes or dens. In the context of Judges, it highlights how the Israelites sought refuge in these rugged, hidden spaces to escape oppression.
This single occurrence underscores the harsh reality of life during that period, where survival depended on finding shelter in the earth’s natural defenses. The word paints a vivid picture of a community living in fear and secrecy, using the landscape itself as a shield.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word minḥārâ appears only once in Scripture, nestled in the harsh narrative of Judges 6:2. It describes the hidden crevices and caves where Israelites sought refuge from Midianite raids. This single term paints a vivid picture of a community living in fear, using the rugged landscape as their only shield against oppression.
For your faith, this word reminds us that God sees us even in our most hidden places. When life feels overwhelming and you need to retreat, remember that God’s presence is not limited to open spaces or times of strength. He meets you in the shadows, offering comfort when the world feels unsafe.
This passage invites trust in a God who understands vulnerability. It shows that seeking safety is not a failure of faith but a human response to danger. In your own seasons of hiding or uncertainty, find hope in knowing that God’s care extends into every crevice of your life, bringing peace where there is fear.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ dens1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/מִּנְהָרוֹת֙1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 6:2
The hand of Midian prevailed against Israel; and because of Midian the children of Israel made themselves the dens which are in the mountains, the caves, and the strongholds.
This verse uses minḥārâ to describe the specific hiding places Israelites dug into mountains for survival against Midianite attacks.