### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mêʼâh**, represented by `{{H3967}}`, is a primitive numeral for **a hundred**. It appears 581 times across 512 unique verses, serving as a foundational unit for counting large quantities. Beyond a simple number, it is used as a multiplicative, such as "hundredfold," and to structure groups, measure wealth, and define significant periods of time.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3967}}` is used to denote significant quantities and ages. It marks the measure of human life, such as the LORD{H3068} setting man's{H120} days{H3117} at an hundred{H3967} and twenty{H6242} years{H8141} [[Genesis 6:3]] or Moses{H4872} dying at the age of an hundred{H3967} and twenty{H6242} [[Deuteronomy 34:7]]. It is also used to structure society and armies, as when Jethro advises Moses{H4872} to appoint rulers{H8269} of hundreds{H3967} [[Exodus 18:21]]. The word quantifies wealth and offerings, from the four{H702} hundred{H3967} shekels{H8255} of silver{H3701} Abraham{H85} weighed to purchase a field{H7704} [[Genesis 23:16]] to the hundredfold{H3967}{H8180} blessing{H1288} Isaac{H3327} received from the LORD{H3068} [[Genesis 26:12]]. It frequently appears in large-scale counts, both of people and provisions ([[1 Samuel 22:2]], [[2 Samuel 16:1]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for how `{{H3967}}` is used:
* `{{H505}}` **'eleph** (thousand): As a larger numeral, 'eleph is often combined with **mêʼâh** to express vast numbers, particularly of armies or populations. For instance, in Midian{H4080}, an army was reduced after a battle where an hundred{H3967} and twenty{H6242} thousand{H505} men{H376} fell{H5307} [[Judges 8:10]].
* `{{H8255}}` **sheqel** (shekel): This commercial standard of weight is frequently quantified in hundreds, indicating significant value in transactions. Abraham{H85} purchased a field from Ephron{H6085} for four{H702} hundred{H3967} shekels{H8255} of silver{H3701} [[Genesis 23:16]].
* `{{H376}}` **'îysh** (man): This word for a man or person is often counted by the hundred, establishing the size of groups, companies, and armies. David{H1732} became a captain{H8269} over about four{H702} hundred{H3967} men{H376} who gathered to him [[1 Samuel 22:2]].
### Theological Significance
The number `{{H3967}}` carries significant weight in scripture, often highlighting divine standards and actions:
* **Measure of Divine Power:** Large numbers involving hundreds are used to demonstrate the scale of God's power, both in blessing and judgment. He promises that a hundred{H3967} of his people{H5971} will put ten thousand{H7233} enemies{H341} to flight{H7291} [[Leviticus 26:8]], and His angel{H4397} smote{H5221} a hundred{H3967} and fourscore{H8084} and five{H2568} thousand{H505} Assyrians{H804} in one night [[Isaiah 37:36]].
* **Standard for Human Lifespan:** A hundred years marks a significant milestone of life. Abraham{H85} questions how he can father a child at an hundred{H3967} years{H8141} old{H1121} [[Genesis 17:17]], and the LORD{H3068} sets the days{H3117} of man{H120} at an hundred{H3967} and twenty{H6242} years{H8141} [[Genesis 6:3]]. In a future time of blessing, dying at an hundred{H3967} will be considered the death of a child{H5288} [[Isaiah 65:20]].
* **Basis for Societal Order:** The organization of Israel{H3478} into units of hundreds for both civil and military purposes reflects a structured society. This is seen in the appointment of "rulers{H8269} of hundreds{H3967}" to judge the people [[Exodus 18:21]] and the organization of military captains{H8269} over hundreds{H3967} [[2 Kings 11:4]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3967}}` is more than a simple number. It is a fundamental building block for measuring life, wealth, and time in the Bible. It quantifies everything from military forces and financial transactions to the very lifespan of patriarchs. By establishing units of **a hundred**, it provides a basis for societal structure and illustrates the scale of God's blessings and judgments, making it a crucial element in understanding the scope of the biblical narrative.
TRV