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H4172 · Hebrew · Old Testament
מוֹרָא
mora
Noun, masculine
fear, awe, terror, reverence

Definition

Mora is the noun form of fear — particularly the awe and reverence that God's mighty acts inspire. It is used both for terrifying dread of enemies and for the reverent fear of YHWH. The word often appears in the phrase 'the fear and awe [mora] of God,' and is linked to the mighty acts of the Exodus — the signs and wonders that struck terror into Egypt and the nations.

Usage & Theological Significance

The 'fear of the LORD' (yirat Adonai) is a central organizing concept of OT wisdom. Mora adds the dimension of awesome power to this fear — it is not merely polite reverence but the trembling awe that comes from encountering the Holy God. Deuteronomy 11:25 promises that God will put the fear and awe (mora) of Israel upon every land they set foot on. This is not human charisma but divine reputation. The NT equivalent is the early church living in 'the fear of the Lord' (Acts 9:31) — not cowering dread but awesome reverence.

Key Bible Verses

Deuteronomy 4:34 ...by a mighty hand, by an outstretched arm, by great terrors [mora], by miraculous signs and wonders.
Deuteronomy 11:25 No one will be able to stand up against you; the LORD your God, as he promised you, will put the terror [mora] and fear of you on the whole land.
Psalm 76:12 He cuts off the spirit of rulers; he is feared [mora] by the kings of the earth.
Nehemiah 1:11 Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man. I was cupbearer to the king.
Isaiah 8:12 Do not call conspiracy everything this people calls a conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it.

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