מְגַר
𐤌𐤂𐤓
mᵉgar
H4049 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To overthrow, break down, destroy—specifically refers to causing the structural or social collapse of something, such as a wall, city, or social order. Used in Aramaic sections of the Hebrew Bible, it conveys both literal physical destruction and the figurative overthrow of established order.
Semantic Range
to overthrow, to pull down, to destroy, to break down, to remove forcibly, to dislodge, to banish
Root / Etymology
From the root מגר, meaning 'to pull, drag away, dislodge, sweep away.' The Aramaic form מְגַר is a cognate to the Hebrew root and carries the action of bringing down or removing by force. In Hebrew, the root can refer to 'driving away' or 'banishing'; in Aramaic (biblical contexts), the form specifically references forceful destruction or removal.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Appears in the Aramaic portions of the Hebrew Bible, such as Daniel and Ezra, typically referring to the destruction or dismantling of structures or institutions. The concept is broader than mere physical tearing down and can include social or political overthrow. Related Hebrew terms (e.g., סתר, הרס) often emphasize 'demolishing' or 'tearing down' physically, while מְגַר has a slightly broader sense that can encompass removal or banishment. English versions often translate as 'destroy' or 'overthrow,' but the nuance of displacement or forced removal may be under-represented. The term has a limited distribution and reflects the distinct vocabulary of the Aramaic Empire period. The English term 'destroy' does not capture nuances of removal or expulsion that are inherent in the root meaning.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
(Aramaic) corresponding to מָגַר; to overthrow; destroy.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
מגר (m-g-r) — drive away, dislodge, sweep away, overthrow
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H4048 | מָגַר | terrors of |
| H4051 | מִגְרוֹן | in Migron |
| H4460 | מַמְּגֻרָה | grain storehouses |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4049-01 |
יְמַגַּ֞ר | yemagar | AVpi3ms |
destroy | he will overthrow | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4049-01 |
Ezra 6:12 | יְמַגַּ֞ר | yemagar | AVpi3ms |
destroy | he will overthrow |