Original Word: מֹחַ
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: moach
Pronunciation: mo'-akh
Phonetic Spelling: (mo'-akh)
KJV: marrow
NASB: marrow
Word Origin: [from the same as H4220 (מֵַח - fat beasts)]

1. fat, i.e. marrow

marrow

From the same as meach; fat, i.e. Marrow -- marrow.

see HEBREW meach

Word Origin
from the same as meach
Definition
marrow
NASB Translation
marrow (1).

מֹחַ noun masculine marrow (Late Hebrew מוֺחַ, Arabic , Aramaic מוֺחָא, all marrow, brain); — only construct מֹחַ עַצְמוֺתָיו יְשֻׁקֶּה Job 21:24 figurative of prosperity.

Definition and Physical Meaning

The word מֹחַ refers to marrow—the fatty, life-sustaining substance within bones. In the ancient Near Eastern world, marrow was recognized as essential for vitality, strength, and the flourishing of the body.

Biblical Occurrence

Job 21:24 records the single appearance of מֹחַ: “his body well nourished, and his bones rich with marrow”. Here marrow serves as an emblem of health and fullness, forming a vivid contrast to the judgments Job’s friends expect for the wicked.

Cultural and Historical Background

1. Nutrition and Strength: In both Israelite and surrounding cultures, marrow was considered a delicacy (cf. Isaiah 25:6). Its richness symbolized prosperity.
2. Sacrificial Context: Although מֹחַ itself is not cited in sacrificial regulations, the consumption of fat portions and rich meats (Leviticus 3:16-17) frames marrow within broader ideas of abundance offered to the Lord or enjoyed in covenant fellowship.
3. Ancient Medicine: Medical papyri and later rabbinic writings associate marrow with the manufacture of blood and vigor, underscoring its association with life.

Theological Significance

1. Fullness of Life: Job 21:24 depicts a person whose bones are “rich with marrow,” portraying outward prosperity. The verse challenges simplistic retribution theology by showing that such abundance is not always reserved for the righteous; God’s providence is more complex.
2. Symbol of Satisfaction: Other passages employ different Hebrew terms but join marrow imagery to spiritual contentment. Psalm 63:5, “My soul will be satisfied as with marrow and fat”, uses the concept to illustrate deep satisfaction in God.
3. Depth of the Word: Hebrews 4:12 states that the word of God pierces “even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow.” Although written in Greek, the verse resonates with the Old Testament idea that marrow represents the innermost vitality; Scripture alone can reach that depth.

Spiritual Applications for Ministry

1. Holistic Well-being: The believer seeks God for health that surpasses physical prosperity (3 John 2). Marrow becomes a metaphor for the inner renewal promised in Christ (2 Corinthians 4:16).
2. Discipleship and Contentment: Job’s narrative cautions against judging spiritual standing by visible prosperity. Pastoral teaching must emphasize trust in God’s wisdom rather than external signs.
3. Preaching the Word: As Hebrews illustrates, effective ministry relies on the penetrating power of Scripture that reaches “joints and marrow,” convicting and transforming at the deepest level.

Related Biblical Imagery

• Psalm 63:5 – Marrow parallels spiritual satisfaction.
• Proverbs 3:8 – Wisdom becomes “healing to your body and refreshment to your bones,” reflecting the same theme of inward vitality.
• Isaiah 58:11 – The Lord promises to “strengthen your frame,” echoing the life-giving sense embodied in marrow.
• Ezekiel 37:1-14 – The vision of dry bones revived anticipates bodies once again filled with life, implicitly including new marrow, a symbol of resurrection power.

Summary

Though מֹחַ appears only once, its concept permeates Scripture as an emblem of vigor, satisfaction, and the penetrating reach of God’s word. For believers today, marrow imagery encourages dependence on the Lord for both physical strength and the deeper, spiritual vitality found in Christ alone.

וּמֹ֖חַ ומח ū·mō·aḥ uMoach ūmōaḥInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts