ma.nos denotes a secure protection relied on in distress, and in crisis scenes a possible escape that can fail.

The term most often names secure protection claimed in prayer or trust, including declarations that God is the speaker’s protection in distress. In scenes of military collapse or judgment, it instead concerns flight or escape that is lost, unavailable, or ineffective.

1. Secure protection in distress · dominant

   In 2 Samuel 22:3 and Jeremiah 16:19, the construct noun occurs within direct claims about God amid violence or a day of distress; the APB renders the clauses with “my refuge.” The absolute noun likewise appears in Psalm 142:5 and Psalm 59:17 in statements addressed to God, while Job 11:20 contrasts the wicked person’s perishing protection with hope.

   2 Samuel 22:3Jeremiah 16:19Job 11:20Psalm 142:5Psalm 59:17
2. Escape or flight under collapse · common

   In Amos 2:14, the absolute noun is part of a clause where flight perishes from the swift. Jeremiah 25:35 places it beside the loss of escape from shepherds, and Jeremiah 46:5 depicts shattered forces fleeing amid terror; these contexts show a means of getting away that does not remain available.

   Amos 2:14Jeremiah 25:35Jeremiah 46:5

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB commonly presents the protection use with “refuge,” including “my refuge” and “high refuge.” In the crisis passages it uses “flight,” “Refuge,” or describes people who “fled”; These renderings indicate the clauses’ differing contexts rather than fixed English equivalents.