or מֵאיָה; properly, a primitive numeral; a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction; hundred((-fold), -th), [phrase] sixscore.
Transliteration:mêʼâh
Pronunciation:may-aw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H3967}}` (מֵאָה, *mêʼâh*) primarily denotes the cardinal number "one hundred." Its fundamental semantic range encompasses its direct numerical value, serving as a foundational unit for counting and measurement within the biblical text. Beyond its literal enumeration, `{{H3967}}` also functions in a multiplicative sense, indicating a "hundredfold" increase or return, as well as a fractional sense, representing "a hundredth part." The definition also notes its use in the phrase "sixscore," which is equivalent to one hundred and twenty, demonstrating its flexibility in expressing specific large quantities. This versatility allows `{{H3967}}` to quantify a wide array of entities, including people, animals, monetary units, architectural dimensions, and periods of time, thereby providing concrete detail to biblical narratives and legal stipulations.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The usage of `{{H3967}}` is pervasive throughout the Hebrew Bible, reflecting its importance in everyday life and the precise nature of divine commands and historical accounts.
1. **Direct Enumeration:** Most commonly, `{{H3967}}` appears in contexts where specific quantities are being counted. This includes:
* **Ages and Lifespans:** Abraham's age when Isaac was born ([[Genesis 17:17]]), Sarah's age at death ([[Genesis 23:1]]), and Moses' age at death ([[Deuteronomy 34:7]]) are all expressed using multiples or direct instances of "one hundred."
* **Population and Military Figures:** The organization of Israel often involved units of "hundreds," such as "rulers of hundreds" ([[Exodus 18:21]], [[Deuteronomy 1:15]]) and military captains ([[2 Samuel 18:2]]). Census reports frequently list numbers in the hundreds, as seen in the book of Numbers (e.g., [[Numbers 1:21]]).
* **Monetary Values and Valuables:** `{{H3967}}` specifies quantities of silver shekels ([[Genesis 20:16]], [[Judges 17:10]]) and other precious metals, indicating significant wealth or transactions.
* **Architectural Dimensions and Offerings:** The meticulous instructions for the Tabernacle and Temple often include dimensions in cubits or the number of components, where "one hundred" plays a role (e.g., the court of the Tabernacle in [[Exodus 27:18]], or the dimensions of Solomon's Temple in [[1 Kings 7:2]]). Offerings also sometimes involved groups of one hundred animals ([[2 Chronicles 29:32]]).
2. **Multiplicative Sense:** A notable and theologically rich application of `{{H3967}}` is its use to signify a "hundredfold" return or blessing. The most prominent example is Isaac's harvest in [[Genesis 26:12]], where the Lord blessed him, and he reaped "a hundredfold" in the same year, illustrating divine favor and supernatural abundance.
3. **Fractional Sense:** Less common but present, `{{H3967}}` can denote a "hundredth part," as seen in Nehemiah's rebuke of usury, where a "hundredth part" of money, grain, and wine was being exacted ([[Nehemiah 5:11]]).
4. **"Sixscore" (120):** This specific usage appears in contexts like the maximum lifespan decreed by God before the Flood ([[Genesis 6:3]]), or the age of Moses ([[Deuteronomy 34:7]]), signifying a full and complete life as appointed by God.
These varied contexts demonstrate `{{H3967}}`'s role in providing concrete, measurable details essential for understanding the historical, social, and economic realities depicted in the biblical narrative.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of `{{H3967}}` naturally connects with other numerical terms and concepts in the Hebrew Bible:
* **Cardinal Numbers:** `{{H3967}}` is part of the broader system of Hebrew cardinal numbers, including `{{H259}}` (one), `{{H8147}}` (two), `{{H7969}}` (ten), and `{{H505}}` (thousand). Its position as a significant large number (ten squared) often marks it as a unit for larger groupings or quantities.
* **Units of Measure:** The term frequently appears in conjunction with specific units such as `{{H8255}}` (shekel), `{{H520}}` (cubit), and `{{H3603}}` (kikar, talent), providing the quantitative aspect to these measurements.
* **Abundance and Blessing:** The "hundredfold" usage links `{{H3967}}` to concepts of divine provision, generosity, and supernatural blessing, often exceeding natural expectations. This concept is echoed in the New Testament with `{{G1540}}` (hekatontaplasiona), also meaning "a hundredfold," in discussions of spiritual return ([[Matthew 13:8]], [[Mark 10:30]]).
* **Order and Administration:** The division of people into units of hundreds for governance and military purposes (`{{H3967}}` alongside `{{H505}}` for thousands, `{{H259}}` for fifties, and `{{H6235}}` for tens) reflects a divinely inspired structure for societal organization.
* **Completeness and Fullness:** While not as overtly symbolic as numbers like seven or twelve, the number one hundred, particularly in the "sixscore" (120) context, can signify a divinely appointed or a full, complete measure of time or life.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3967}}` extends beyond its mere numerical value, touching upon several key themes:
1. **Divine Providence and Abundance:** The "hundredfold" blessing bestowed upon Isaac ([[Genesis 26:12]]) stands as a powerful testament to God's sovereign ability to provide and to bless His faithful servants beyond human capacity or expectation. It underscores the principle that obedience to God can yield extraordinary returns, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant promises. This serves as a foundational Old Testament illustration of the generous nature of God's blessing.
2. **Order and Governance:** The repeated command to organize the Israelites into groups led by "rulers of hundreds" ([[Exodus 18:21]], [[Deuteronomy 1:15]]) reveals God's desire for order, structure, and efficient administration within His people. This divine blueprint for governance ensured justice, accountability, and effective leadership, reflecting God's own orderly character.
3. **The Limits of Human Life and Divine Decree:** The decree in [[Genesis 6:3]] limiting human lifespan to "one hundred and twenty years" (expressed using `{{H3967}}` in the "sixscore" sense) serves as a profound theological statement on the consequences of human sin and the boundaries set by divine judgment. While a judgment, it also represents a period of divine patience before the Flood. Moses' life, culminating at 120 years ([[Deuteronomy 34:7]]), exemplifies a divinely appointed, full, and purposeful life lived in service to God.
4. **Precision in Divine Revelation:** The frequent and specific use of `{{H3967}}` in describing measurements for the Tabernacle, Temple, and various offerings highlights the precise and meticulous nature of God's commands. It emphasizes that God's instructions are not vague but concrete and require exact adherence, underscoring the importance of obedience and the tangible reality of His presence among His people.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H3967}}` (מֵאָה, *mêʼâh*) is primarily a cardinal numeral meaning "one hundred," but its semantic range extends to include multiplicative ("hundredfold") and fractional ("hundredth part") uses, as well as the specific quantity of "sixscore" (120). Its pervasive presence across the biblical narrative provides concrete detail for counts of people, objects, time, and dimensions. Theologically, `{{H3967}}` powerfully illustrates God's abundant provision and blessing, His desire for order and governance among His people, the divine decree concerning human lifespan, and the meticulous precision of His revealed will. Through its various applications, `{{H3967}}` serves not merely as a numerical indicator but as a subtle yet significant conveyor of profound spiritual truths regarding God's character and His interaction with humanity.
TRV