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מְנוּסָה (me.nu.sah)

me.nu.sah

fugitive

H4499 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 2 verses

H:N-F

Quick Reference

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

Word Overview

The Hebrew noun menusah describes a state of flight or retreat, emphasizing the act of fleeing rather than just the destination. It appears in only two verses in the Hebrew Bible, both within the book of Isaiah (Isaiah 14:30 and 32:12), where it conveys a sense of desperate escape or dispersal.

In these contexts, the word highlights vulnerability. When Isaiah uses menusah, he is not describing an organized military withdrawal but a scattering in fear or mourning. The term captures the physical reality of those who have no safe harbor left and must run to survive.

Its rarity in Scripture gives it weight. By limiting its use to prophetic warnings about judgment and desolation, the text underscores how complete the breakdown of security can become. When menusah is mentioned, it signals a moment where flight is the only remaining option for those facing divine or historical upheaval.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word menusah paints a picture of desperate flight. It describes people who have no safe place to hide, forced to scatter in fear when their world collapses. In Isaiah, this term highlights the total loss of security and the vulnerability of those left behind after judgment.

This reality reminds us that human safety is fragile. When all other options vanish, our hope rests not in our own ability to escape, but in God’s presence. Even in times of upheaval, we are called to trust that He remains our refuge when there is nowhere else to run.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • and/ in/ flight1×
  • a flight of1×

Forms in the text

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

  • מְנֻֽסַת\־1×
  • וּ/בִ/מְנוּסָ֖ה1×

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word menusah mean?

Menusah means a fugitive or one who is fleeing. It specifically describes the state of being driven out or scattered in fear, rather than just the act of running.

Where does this word appear in the Bible?

It appears only twice, both in the book of Isaiah (14:30 and 32:12). In these contexts, it highlights the desperation of people facing judgment and losing their security.

How is menusah different from other words for fleeing?

While other words might describe a tactical retreat or simple running, menusah emphasizes the result: being left as a fugitive with no safe place. It implies a breakdown of order and safety.

Every Occurrence (2 verses across 2 books)