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H4181 · Hebrew · Old Testament
מוֹרָשָׁה
Morashah
Noun, feminine
Possession, inheritance, heritage

Definition

The Hebrew morashah is a feminine noun meaning 'possession' or 'inheritance,' derived from the verb yarash (H3423), to possess or inherit. Its most theologically charged usage is in Deuteronomy 33:4: 'Moses gave us the Torah as a morashah — an inheritance — for the congregation of Jacob.' The Torah itself is described as a divine possession passed down to God's covenant people.

Usage & Theological Significance

In Deuteronomy 33:4, morashah frames the Law not as mere legal code but as a covenantal inheritance — a treasure given to the people of God to be passed from generation to generation. Ezekiel 36:5 uses the same word for the land promised to Israel. The New Testament deepens this: believers are 'fellow heirs' (sunkleronomoi, G4789) with Christ of an imperishable inheritance (1 Peter 1:4). What Israel received temporally in Torah and land, the Church receives eternally in Christ.

Key Bible Verses

Deuteronomy 33:4 Moses commanded us the Law, an inheritance [morashah] for the assembly of Jacob.
Ezekiel 36:5 This is what the Sovereign LORD says: In my burning zeal I have spoken against the rest of the nations, and against all Edom, for with glee and with malice in their hearts they made my land their own possession.
Psalm 119:111 Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart.
1 Peter 1:4 And into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you.
Romans 8:17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs — heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.

Related Words

External Resources

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