(Aramaic) corresponding to מֵאָה; properly, a primitive numeral; a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction}; hundred.
Transliteration:mᵉʼâh
Pronunciation:meh-aw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic lemma מְאָה (mᵉʼâh, `{{H3969}}`) is a primitive numeral, directly corresponding to the Hebrew מֵאָה (mêʼâh, `{{H3967}}`). Its fundamental meaning is "one hundred." Beyond its simple quantitative denotation, it can also function as a multiplicative, indicating "a hundredfold," or as a fraction, signifying "one hundredth." As a foundational numerical unit, it serves to express precise quantities, often large or significant, within the Aramaic portions of the biblical text.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic term, מְאָה (mᵉʼâh, `{{H3969}}`) is found exclusively in the Aramaic sections of the Old Testament, primarily in the books of Ezra and Daniel. Its usage consistently reflects its core meaning of "one hundred" in various administrative and cultic contexts.
In the book of Daniel, מְאָה appears in a political context. For instance, [[Daniel 6:1]] (Aramaic: דניאל ו:א) describes King Darius appointing "one hundred and twenty satraps" (מְאָה וְעֶשְׂרִין אֲחַשְׁדַּרְפִּין) over his kingdom. Here, the numeral underscores the vast administrative structure of the Persian Empire, highlighting its extensive reach and the hierarchical power dynamics at play.
In Ezra, the term is used to quantify provisions and offerings related to the Temple and its services. [[Ezra 6:17]] (Aramaic: עזרא ו:יז) records the dedication of the rebuilt Temple with offerings including "one hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs" (מְאָה תּוֹרִין מָאתַיִן דִּכְּרִין אַרְבַּע מְאָה אִמְּרִין). This precise enumeration emphasizes the scale of the dedication and the abundance of the sacrifices presented to God. Similarly, [[Ezra 7:22]] (Aramaic: עזרא ז:כב) details the generous decree of Artaxerxes, specifying exact quantities for Temple provisions: "up to one hundred talents of silver, one hundred measures of wheat, one hundred baths of wine, one hundred baths of oil." The repeated use of "one hundred" here signifies an ample and meticulously defined provision, ensuring the continuity and sanctity of worship. These contexts reveal the importance of numerical precision in administrative and religious affairs within the Aramaic-speaking world of the biblical period.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct and significant related word is its Hebrew counterpart, מֵאָה (mêʼâh, `{{H3967}}`). Both lemmas function identically, denoting "one hundred," with מְאָה (mᵉʼâh, `{{H3969}}`) serving this purpose within the Aramaic linguistic domain, while מֵאָה (mêʼâh, `{{H3967}}`) is used throughout the Hebrew Bible. This linguistic parallelism highlights the consistent numerical understanding across related Semitic languages.
Conceptually, מְאָה (mᵉʼâh, `{{H3969}}`) relates to other large numerical units (e.g., "thousands," "tens of thousands") which, in biblical thought, can signify abundance, completeness, or vastness. While מְאָה (mᵉʼâh, `{{H3969}}`) itself is a simple numeral, its deployment often contributes to the broader biblical understanding of divine provision, human responsibility in stewardship, and the scale of earthly kingdoms in contrast to God's ultimate sovereignty.
### Theological Significance
As a numeral, מְאָה (mᵉʼâh, `{{H3969}}`) does not possess inherent theological meaning. However, its contextual usage subtly underscores several theological themes. In the book of Ezra, the repeated specification of "one hundred" for offerings and provisions for the Temple (e.g., [[Ezra 6:17]], [[Ezra 7:22]]) points to the meticulous order and abundant provision associated with divine worship. This precision reflects a God who values order and calls for generous, well-ordered offerings from His people. It also speaks to the divine enablement and human obedience that ensure the restoration and maintenance of sacred space and practice. The ample quantities provided by the Persian king, facilitated by divine favor, illustrate God's sovereign hand in providing for His people's spiritual needs, even through secular authorities.
In Daniel, the "one hundred and twenty satraps" (e.g., [[Daniel 6:1]]) highlights the immense scale of human empires. While seemingly powerful, this vastness serves as a backdrop against which God's singular and ultimate sovereignty is demonstrated, as He orchestrates events and delivers His servants despite the machinations of numerous earthly rulers. Thus, the numeral, though simple, contributes to the narrative of divine control over human affairs and the provision for His covenant people.
### Summary
The Aramaic lemma מְאָה (mᵉʼâh, `{{H3969}}`) denotes "one hundred," functioning as a basic numeral, a multiplicative, or a fraction. Found in the Aramaic portions of Ezra and Daniel, it parallels the Hebrew מֵאָה (mêʼâh, `{{H3967}}`). Contextual analysis reveals its use in administrative descriptions, such as the vast number of satraps in Daniel, and in meticulous enumerations of cultic provisions and offerings for the Temple in Ezra. While a simple numeral, its presence in these narratives subtly underscores theological themes of divine order, abundant provision for worship, and God's ultimate sovereignty over the affairs of human kingdoms, even those of immense scale.
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