מָחוֹז

מָחוֹז

a harbor (as shut in by the shore)

Definition

The Hebrew noun מָחוֹז (mâchôwz) refers to a harbor or haven, a sheltered place along a coastline where ships can safely anchor and find refuge from storms. It specifically denotes a port that is naturally or artificially enclosed by the shore, offering protection from the open sea. In its single biblical occurrence in Psalm 107:30, it describes the desired destination of sailors who are delivered from a tempest, symbolizing a place of safety and rest after peril. The word carries the core idea of a secure, enclosed space for maritime vessels.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in Psalm 107:30. It appears in the context of a narrative psalm describing God's deliverance. The verse states that God brought distressed sailors 'to their desired haven' (מָחוֹז חֶפְצָם, mâchôz cheptsâm) after He calmed a storm. Its usage is poetic and metaphorical, contrasting the chaos of the storm with the safety and fulfillment found in reaching a secure harbor. The word is tied specifically to maritime imagery of rescue and arrival.

Etymology

Derived from an unused Hebrew root meaning 'to enclose' or 'to surround.' This etymological background directly informs its meaning as a harbor 'shut in by the shore.' It is related to the concept of a bounded, protected space. Cognates in other Semitic languages, such as Ugaritic and Phoenician, also point to meanings associated with ports or fortified places, emphasizing its connection to maritime trade and security in the ancient Near East.

Semantic Range

Though used only once, מָחוֹז holds theological significance as a powerful metaphor for God's providential care and salvation. In Psalm 107:30, the 'haven' represents the safe conclusion of a journey that God Himself orchestrates, moving people from distress to desired safety. It enriches the reading of this psalm by visualizing God's deliverance not as an abstract concept, but as a tangible, secure destination. This imagery connects to broader biblical themes of God as a refuge (e.g., Psalm 46:1) and the believer's ultimate safe harbor in Him. In the ancient Near East, harbors were vital hubs of commerce, travel, and cultural exchange. For Israel, a largely inland people, a harbor might have symbolized a distant, somewhat exotic place of safety and connection to the wider world. The concept in Psalm 107 would resonate with anyone familiar with the dangers of sea travel, where finding a protected anchorage was a matter of survival. The 'desired haven' culturally represents not just physical safety, but also the achievement of a goal and the end of a arduous journey. מִפְלָט (miphlāṭ, H4733) — a refuge or escape, often inland; emphasizes fleeing to safety. נָוֶה (nāweh, H5116) — a pasture, habitation, or pleasant abode; emphasizes a dwelling place of comfort and rest, not specifically maritime.

Word Details