מָעוֹר (ma.or)
ma.or
nakedness
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun ma‘or appears only once in the entire Old Testament, found in Habakkuk 2:15. In this specific context, it refers to nakedness with a focus on the shame associated with exposing one’s genitals. The text describes the act of forcing someone to drink and then gazing upon their exposed state, highlighting a violation of dignity.
Lexical sources identify this term as a rare word for pudendum, distinguishing it from more general terms for nakedness like ‘erom. Its singular usage underscores the intensity of the prophet’s condemnation. The image is not merely about being unclothed but about the humiliation of having one’s most private vulnerabilities laid bare for mockery.
Translators typically render this word as "nakedness" or "shame," capturing the dual sense of physical exposure and social disgrace. The rarity of the term in Scripture suggests it was likely a colloquial or specific descriptive word rather than a theological concept, used here to emphasize the depth of the offender’s cruelty.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ma‘or appears only once in Scripture, in Habakkuk’s warning against those who exploit others through drunkenness and humiliation. It describes a violation that goes beyond physical exposure to include deep social disgrace. This rare term highlights how cruelty strips away dignity, leaving a person vulnerable to mockery.
In our lives, this passage reminds us of the importance of respecting others’ boundaries and treating people with care. When we cause shame or exploit weakness, we damage the image of God in those around us. Instead, we are called to protect the vulnerable and act with kindness.
May we reflect on how we treat others, ensuring our actions build up rather than tear down. Let this truth encourage us to walk in grace and integrity, honoring everyone as precious in God’s sight.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- nakedness<es>/ their1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מְעוֹרֵי/הֶֽם\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Habakkuk 2:15
“Woe to him who gives his neighbor drink, pouring your inflaming wine until they are drunk, so that you may gaze at their naked bodies!
This verse uses ma‘or to describe the shame of forced drunkenness and exposure, emphasizing the violation of dignity rather than mere physical nakedness.