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H4194 · Hebrew · Old Testament
מָוֶת
mavet
Noun, masculine
death

Definition

Mavet (H4194) is the standard Hebrew word for death. It appears as both a noun and a proper name — Death personified as a devouring power (Habakkuk 2:5; Hosea 13:14). The realm of the dead (Sheol) is closely associated. Death entered through sin (Genesis 2:17) and is the last enemy to be defeated.

Usage & Theological Significance

The Hebrew Bible's treatment of mavet is strikingly honest — death is real, threatening, and antithetical to life with God. Yet the OT also contains seeds of death's defeat: 'Where, O Death, are your plagues? Where, O Sheol, is your sting?' (Hosea 13:14). Paul quotes this in 1 Corinthians 15 to announce that Christ has swallowed mavet in victory — the resurrection is the ultimate answer to death.

Key Bible Verses

Genesis 2:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die [mot tamut].
Hosea 13:14 O Death [mavet], where are your plagues? O Sheol, where is your sting?
Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death [tzalmavet], I will fear no evil, for you are with me.
Isaiah 25:8 He will swallow up death [mavet] forever; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces.
1 Corinthians 15:55 'O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?'

Related Words

External Resources

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