מוֹתָר
𐤌𐤅𐤕𐤓
môwthâr
H4195 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
That which is left over after needs are met; surplus or excess. The term primarily refers to material abundance or profit—what remains after one’s needs, obligations, or expenses have been covered. The word can also denote superiority or preeminence in a non-material sense, indicating that which is above or beyond a norm or standard.
Semantic Range
surplus, excess, profit, advantage, superiority, preeminence
Root / Etymology
From the root יָתַר (y-t-r), which means 'to remain, be left over, surpass.' The noun מוֹתָר is a derivative, meaning 'that which is left over' or 'surplus.' The formation is a nominal pattern common for abstract or concrete nouns derived from verbal roots.
Historical & Contextual Notes
מוֹתָר appears primarily in later biblical Hebrew (Ecclesiastes, e.g. Qoheleth), where it conveys the idea of surplus or profit, especially in economic, social, or philosophical contexts. It is less common in earlier biblical material. The word is contrasted with חסר (ḥeser, 'lack, deficiency') in wisdom literature. In medieval and rabbinic Hebrew, the term retains its sense of 'surplus, excess' but is sometimes extended metaphorically to 'superfluity' or 'that which is unnecessary.' English translations often render it as 'profit,' 'superiority,' or 'advantage,' but its nuance can be broader, encompassing tangible gains as well as abstract superiority. The word is distinct from other terms for 'profit' (e.g. בצע [beṣaʿ]) and does not inherently imply ill-gotten gain or greed, but simply leftover or surplus. The use of מוֹתָר in Qoheleth reflects an engagement with themes of meaning, value, and human striving, where surplus or advantage is considered ultimately fleeting or elusive.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from יָתַר; literally gain; figuratively, superiority; plenteousness, preeminence, profit.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
יתר (y-t-r) — remain, be left over, surpass
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H1956 | הוֹתִיר | Hothir |
| H3148 | יוֹתֵר | and surplus |
| H3491 | יָתוּר | leftover gleaning |
| H3492 | יַתִּיר | in Yattir |
| H3493 | יַתִּיר | Exceeding-One |
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4195-02 |
מוֹתָ֑ר | motar | HNcmsa |
profit | surplus | 1 |
H4195-01 |
לְ/מוֹתָ֑ר | lemotar | HR/Ncmsa |
to-advantage | for surplus | 1 |
H4195-03 |
וּ/מוֹתַ֨ר | umotar | HC/Ncmsc |
and surplus of | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4195-02 |
Proverbs 14:23 | מוֹתָ֑ר | motar | HNcmsa |
profit | surplus |
H4195-01 |
Proverbs 21:5 | לְ/מוֹתָ֑ר | lemotar | HR/Ncmsa |
to-advantage | for surplus |
H4195-03 |
Ecclesiastes 3:19 | וּ/מוֹתַ֨ר | umotar | HC/Ncmsc |
and surplus of |