מֹרָה (mo.rah)
mo.rah
bitterness
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 morah denotes a state of deep bitterness or grief. It appears only once in the biblical text, specifically in Genesis 26:35. In this context, it describes the emotional distress felt by Isaac’s parents regarding their sons’ marriages to Hittite women.
Lexical sources define it as "bitterness of spirit" or "grief of mind." This usage highlights a profound internal sorrow rather than a temporary annoyance. The term captures the heavy heartache experienced when family decisions clash with personal values or cultural expectations.
Its singular occurrence underscores the specific weight of this particular familial conflict. By using morah, the text emphasizes the lasting emotional impact of these marital choices on Isaac and Rebekah. It serves as a precise label for the pain that arises from deep relational discord.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word morah, meaning bitterness, appears only once in Scripture to describe a specific kind of heartache. In Genesis 26:35, it captures the deep grief Isaac and Rebekah felt over their sons’ marriages. This was not simple annoyance but a heavy sorrow stemming from values that clashed with family choices.
When we face decisions that hurt those we love, this word reminds us that our pain is seen. God understands the weight of relational discord and the lingering sadness that comes when expectations are unmet. You do not have to hide your grief or pretend everything is fine when it is not.
Instead, bring this heaviness to Him. He holds space for your honest sorrow and offers comfort in the midst of family tension. Trust that He sees the complexity of your relationships and walks with you through the difficult seasons of misunderstanding and loss.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- bitterness of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מֹ֣רַת1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 26:35
They grieved Isaac’s and Rebekah’s spirits.
This verse uses morah to describe the profound grief Isaac and Rebekah experienced due to their sons' marriages, highlighting the lasting emotional impact of familial discord.