מָנוֹחַ (ma.no.ach)
ma.no.ach
resting
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun manôach describes a state of rest or a place where that rest is found. It appears in five verses across the Hebrew Bible, with significant usage in Ruth, Lamentations, and Isaiah. Rather than referring to mere physical relaxation, the term often carries the weight of stability and relief after a period of labor or distress.
In Ruth 1:9, Naomi uses the word when she wishes her daughters-in-law might find manôach, meaning a resting place or home in a new household. This usage highlights the social and emotional security associated with the concept. Similarly, in Lamentations 1:3, Jerusalem’s enemies pursue her, preventing her from finding any manôach, illustrating how the absence of this rest signifies chaos and vulnerability.
The word also appears in Isaiah 28:12, where God’s people are told they need rest and quietness to be saved. Here, manôach represents a spiritual reliance on God rather than human strength. The term consistently points toward a settled condition, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, that brings peace and cessation of striving.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word manôach points to more than just taking a break after a long day. It describes a deep, settled stability where one is no longer running or striving. In Ruth 3:1, Naomi prays for Boaz to find this kind of rest, envisioning a future where safety and security replace uncertainty. This word reminds us that God desires a place of peace for His people, not just temporary relief from labor.
When life feels chaotic, as seen in Lamentations 1:3, the absence of manôach highlights how distressing it is to lack a firm foundation. Yet, Isaiah 28:12 offers a gentle invitation to find salvation through quiet trust rather than frantic effort. This concept invites you to look for the steady presence of God amidst your own seasons of change.
You do not have to manufacture this peace on your own. It is a gift of stability that comes from trusting in His care. May you discover that restful anchor in your daily walk, knowing that your soul can settle into His faithful love.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a resting place5×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מָנ֖וֹחַ2×
- מָנֽוֹחַ\׃1×
- מָנ֜וֹחַ1×
- מָנ֑וֹחַ1×
Key Verses
-
Ruth 3:1
Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, shall I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you?
Naomi uses this term to express a prayer for Boaz's future security and well-being within a new household.
-
Lamentations 1:3
Judah has gone into captivity because of affliction and because of great servitude. She dwells among the nations. She finds no rest. All her persecutors overtook her in her distress.
The absence of rest here illustrates the total vulnerability and chaos experienced during Jerusalem's captivity.