מְנוּחָה
Menuchah
Rest, resting place, settled peace
Menuchah (מְנוּחָה) is a Hebrew word meaning “rest, resting place, settled peace,” pronounced “me-nu-KHAH.” Derived from the root נ-ו-ח, menuchah appears 21 times in the Hebrew Bible (Strong's H4496).
| Hebrew | מְנוּחָה |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Menuchah |
| Pronunciation | me-nu-KHAH |
| Meaning | Rest, resting place, settled peace |
| Root Letters | נ-ו-ח |
| Occurrences in Hebrew Bible | 21× |
| Key Verse | Psalm 23:2 |
| Strong's Number | H4496 |
| Category | Abstract & Philosophical |
In Psalm 23:2, God leads beside 'mei menuchot' — waters of rest (מְנוּחָה). The Hebrew word menuchah means far more than the absence of activity. It is the settled, permanent peace that comes when everything is in its right place — when striving ceases and contentment begins. God offered Israel a menuchah in the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 12:9). Ruth found her menuchah in marriage to Boaz (Ruth 1:9). And Hebrews 4 describes a menuchah that still awaits God's people — a Sabbath rest that goes beyond weekly observance into the eternal state of peace with God. The prophets use menuchah to describe the messianic age: Isaiah 11:10 says the Messiah's resting place will be 'glorious.' The invitation to menuchah runs from Genesis (God rested on the seventh day) to Revelation (the saints rest from their labors). In a world of burnout and anxiety, menuchah is God's ancient answer: a rest so deep it touches your soul.
Key Bible Verse: Psalm 23:2
“He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters (mei menuchot).”
What Is the Root of Menuchah in Hebrew?
Menuchah comes from the root נ-ו-ח (nun-vav-chet), meaning 'to rest, settle down, be at ease.' It's the same root as Noah's name — 'Noach' means 'rest/comfort.' Menuchah is not inactivity but arrival — reaching the place where you were meant to be.
What Does Menuchah Mean in the Bible?
Menuchah appears 21 times in the Hebrew Bible. It describes the Promised Land as Israel's rest (Deuteronomy 12:9), the Sabbath rest (Exodus 20:11), Ruth's marital rest (Ruth 1:9), God's dwelling place (Psalm 132:8, 14), and the messianic age (Isaiah 11:10).
How Is Menuchah Used in Modern Hebrew?
In modern Hebrew, the phrase 'menuchat netzach' (eternal rest) is used in memorial prayers. The Jewish concept of the afterlife is often described as 'olam ha'menuchah' — the world of rest. Cemeteries are sometimes called 'beit menuchah' — house of rest.
How to Use Menuchah in Prayer & Worship
Enter God's menuchah today by ceasing from striving and trusting in His finished work. Like the Sabbath points to eternal rest, let each moment of surrender be a taste of the peace God promises. Ask Him to lead you beside 'waters of menuchah' — places of deep, soul-level rest.
Frequently Asked Questions About Menuchah
How do you say “Rest” in Hebrew?
“Rest” in Hebrew is Menuchah (מְנוּחָה), pronounced “me-nu-KHAH.” Menuchah comes from the root נ-ו-ח (nun-vav-chet), meaning 'to rest, settle down, be at ease.' It's the same root as Noah's name — 'Noach' means 'rest/comfort.' Menuchah is not inactivity but arrival — reaching the place where you were meant to be.
What does Menuchah mean in the Bible?
Menuchah (מְנוּחָה) means “Rest, resting place, settled peace” in Biblical Hebrew. Menuchah appears 21 times in the Hebrew Bible. It describes the Promised Land as Israel's rest (Deuteronomy 12:9), the Sabbath rest (Exodus 20:11), Ruth's marital rest (Ruth 1:9), God's dwelling place (Psalm 132:8, 14), and the messianic age (Isaiah 11:10).
How do you pronounce Menuchah?
Menuchah is pronounced “me-nu-KHAH.” The word comes from the Hebrew root נ-ו-ח.
What is the difference between menuchah and shabbat?
Shabbat is the weekly rhythm of ceasing from work — a taste of menuchah. Menuchah is the deeper, more permanent state of rest that Shabbat points toward. Shabbat is practiced every week; menuchah is the ultimate destination — the settled peace of being fully at home with God. Hebrews 4 says there remains a 'Sabbath rest' (menuchah) for God's people.
Why is Noah's name related to rest?
Noah (Noach, נֹחַ) shares the root n-v-ch with menuchah. His father Lamech named him hoping 'this one shall comfort (yenachamenu) us' (Genesis 5:29). The dove found no menuchah (resting place) until the flood waters receded (Genesis 8:9). Noah's entire narrative is about finding rest after judgment — a pattern fulfilled in Christ.
What does Hebrews 4 mean by 'entering God's rest'?
Hebrews 4 argues that the ultimate menuchah God promised was not just the physical Promised Land. Joshua led Israel into Canaan, but 'God spoke of another day' of rest (Hebrews 4:8). This rest is entered by faith — ceasing from self-effort and trusting in Christ's finished work. It's both present (resting in grace now) and future (eternal peace with God).
Sources & Further Study
- Blue Letter Bible — H4496: Menuchah
- Bible Gateway — Psalm 23:2 (ESV)
- Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB) — entry for נ-ו-ח
More Abstract & Philosophical Words
Explore other Hebrew words in the Abstract & Philosophical category
Related Hebrew Words
Learn a New Hebrew Word Every Day
Join 12,000+ Christians discovering the depth of Scripture through Biblical Hebrew.
Subscribe Free