apparently a form of מאוּם; properly, a speck or point, i.e. (by implication) something; with negative, nothing; fault, [phrase] no(-ught), ought, somewhat, any (no-)thing.
Transliteration:mᵉʼûwmâh
Pronunciation:meh-oo'-maw
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun H3972 (מְאוּמָה, mᵉʼûwmâh) is understood to derive from a root signifying a "speck" or "point." This foundational meaning gives rise to a remarkably versatile semantic range. Primarily, it denotes "something," "anything," or "aught," referring to an unspecified or minimal entity. However, its most frequent and theologically significant usage occurs in conjunction with a negative particle, transforming its meaning to "nothing," "naught," or "not anything." In this sense, it emphasizes absolute absence or non-existence. A distinct yet related nuance is "fault" or "blemish," particularly in contexts concerning ritual purity or physical perfection. This latter sense connects it closely to H3971 (מְאוּם, mᵉʼûm), which more directly signifies a blemish or spot. Thus, mᵉʼûwmâh can describe an infinitesimally small entity, a general unspecified thing, or the complete lack thereof, as well as a defect.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H3972 appears in various contexts, illustrating its semantic breadth. When used affirmatively, it often conveys "anything" or "something." For instance, in [[Genesis 39:6]], Joseph's master "did not know anything (מְאוּמָה) except the bread which he ate," highlighting a complete delegation of household affairs. Similarly, [[Exodus 5:11]] records Pharaoh's decree: "No straw will be given to you, but you shall gather it yourselves from wherever you can find it (מְאוּמָה)." Here, the sense is "anything at all" that can be found.
More frequently, H3972 is found with a negative particle, rendering it "nothing." This usage often emphasizes divine omnipotence or human inability. In [[Deuteronomy 28:47]], the consequence of disobedience is that one "shall serve your enemies... because you did not serve the LORD your God... with anything (מְאוּמָה) of joy." Here, "with nothing of joy" implies a complete absence of joyful worship. The phrase "there was nothing (מְאוּמָה) left" frequently describes complete destruction or consumption, as seen in [[Exodus 16:18]] regarding the manna, or [[Joshua 10:28]] concerning the utter destruction of Makkedah. This absolute "nothing" underscores the totality of an event.
In a different vein, H3972 can signify "fault" or "blemish," especially in legal or sacrificial contexts. [[Leviticus 22:25]] states that a sacrificed animal "shall not be accepted for you, for they are blemished (מְאוּמָה) in them." This usage is crucial for understanding the requirements for offerings that must be "without blemish," reflecting God's demand for perfection in worship. Similarly, in legal proceedings, to find "no fault" (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 17:4]]) means to find no defect or wrongdoing in an accused person.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of H3972 intersects with several other Hebrew terms. Its closest lexical kin is H3971 (מְאוּם, mᵉʼûm), which exclusively denotes a "blemish," "spot," or "defect." The shared root underscores the specific nuance of mᵉʼûwmâh when it refers to a fault or imperfection.
For the concept of "nothing" or "not," H3972 often co-occurs with or is paralleled by negative particles such as H4557 (לֹא, loʼ), meaning "no" or "not," and H369 (אַיִן, ʼayin), meaning "nothing" or "there is not." While loʼ is a general negation and ʼayin denotes non-existence, mᵉʼûwmâh with a negative adds an emphatic sense of "not *anything at all*," often implying a complete absence or lack of even the slightest thing. This intensifies the negation, conveying absolute nullity.
In contrast, when H3972 signifies "something" or "anything," it enters a broader semantic space that includes general terms for "thing" or "matter," although it retains its specific nuance of an unspecified or minimal entity. Its usage often implies that *any* available thing, no matter how small or insignificant, is in view.
### Theological Significance
The theological import of H3972 is multifaceted. When it denotes "nothing," it subtly points to the doctrine of creation *ex nihilo* – God's ability to bring existence out of absolute non-existence. Before creation, there was "nothing" but God, emphasizing His absolute sovereignty and power; He needs nothing from creation, yet He brings everything into being. This highlights the radical dependence of all existence upon the Creator.
Conversely, the repeated emphasis on "nothing" remaining after divine judgment ([[Joshua 10:28]], [[Judges 1:19]]) highlights the totality and finality of God's righteous wrath against sin. It also underscores human transience and insignificance before the eternal God; without Him, humanity is nothing of eternal consequence. This serves as a stark reminder of divine justice and the consequences of rebellion.
The usage of H3972 to mean "fault" or "blemish" is profoundly significant in the context of Old Testament sacrificial and purity laws. God's demand for offerings "without blemish" (e.g., [[Leviticus 22:25]]) reflects His own perfect holiness and the necessity of approaching Him with integrity and purity. A "blemish" (מְאוּמָה) renders an offering unacceptable, symbolizing that sin or imperfection separates humanity from God. This foreshadows the perfect, unblemished sacrifice of Christ, who was "without fault" (G398) or blemish (G784), thus making Him the only acceptable and efficacious offering for sin. His perfection stands in stark contrast to humanity's inherent faults.
### Summary
H3972 (מְאוּמָה, mᵉʼûwmâh) is a versatile Hebrew term stemming from the idea of a "speck" or "point." Its primary meanings include "something" or "anything," but it is most frequently encountered in conjunction with a negative, rendering it "nothing" or "not anything at all," emphasizing absolute absence. A distinct but related semantic branch refers to a "fault" or "blemish," particularly in contexts of ritual purity and sacrificial law. This word underscores God's absolute power in creating from nothing, the totality of His judgment, and His demand for unblemished perfection in worship and character, ultimately pointing to the need for a perfect sacrifice to atone for humanity's faults.
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