מוֹרָשׁ
a possession; figuratively, delight
Definition
The Hebrew noun מוֹרָשׁ (môwrâsh) primarily means 'a possession' or 'inheritance,' referring to property or land that is acquired and held. In its literal sense, it denotes a concrete holding, as seen in Obadiah 1:17, where Mount Zion is described as a 'possession' for the house of Jacob. Figuratively, the word can express something cherished or a subject of one's thoughts, taking on the sense of 'delight' or 'thought,' as in Job 17:11, where Job laments that his days and plans have passed away as the 'thoughts' (or 'possessions') of his heart. In Isaiah 14:23, it is used for a possession that is destined for destruction, emphasizing a negative inheritance.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only three times in the Old Testament, appearing in poetic and prophetic contexts. In Job 17:11, it is used abstractly for the cherished plans of the heart. In the prophetic books, it refers to territorial inheritance: Isaiah 14:23 speaks of Babylon's land as a possession marked for ruin, while Obadiah 1:17 promises Mount Zion as a future possession for God's people, contrasting judgment with restoration. The usage thus spans personal loss (Job), divine judgment (Isaiah), and future hope (Obadiah).
Etymology
מוֹרָשׁ is a noun derived from the root יָרַשׁ (yârash, H3423), which means 'to take possession of,' 'inherit,' or 'dispossess.' This root is common in contexts of land inheritance and conquest in the Old Testament. The noun form מוֹרָשׁ specifically denotes the thing possessed—the inheritance or property itself. Cognates in other Semitic languages carry similar meanings related to inheritance and possession.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it connects to the biblical theme of inheritance, central to God's covenant promises. In Obadiah 1:17, the 'possession' of Mount Zion symbolizes the restoration and secure future God promises to His people, contrasting with the judged 'possession' of Babylon in Isaiah 14:23. Understanding מוֹרָשׁ enriches reading by highlighting how physical land inheritance in the Old Testament often points to spiritual realities of God's enduring gift and the believer's ultimate inheritance in Him.
In ancient Israelite culture, an inheritance (מוֹרָשׁ) was not merely property but a sacred, family-based right to land, ensuring identity and economic stability. It was typically passed patrilineally and tied to God's promise of the land of Canaan. This cultural understanding makes the prophetic uses more potent: the loss or gain of a 'possession' signified divine favor or judgment on a community's covenant standing.
נַחֲלָה (nachălâh, H5159) — a more common term for inheritance or heritage, often used for the Promised Land allotted by God. אֲחֻזָּה (achuzzâh, H272) — a possession or property holding, emphasizing permanent ownership. יְרֻשָּׁה (yerushshâh, H3425) — inheritance or possession, closely related but less frequent.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
Full methodology & sources →