feminine passive participle of אוֹר; something lighted, i.e. an aperture; by implication, a crevice or hole (of a serpent); den.
Transliteration:mᵉʼûwrâh
Pronunciation:meh-oo-raw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H3975}}` (מְאוּרָה, *mᵉʼûwrâh*) is a feminine passive participle derived from the root `{{H216}}` (אוֹר, *ʼôr*), which signifies "light" or "to be light." Its fundamental meaning, therefore, is "something lighted" or "a place where light is." From this primary sense, the semantic range expands to encompass "an aperture," implying an opening through which light might penetrate or be seen. By further implication, it denotes a "crevice" or "hole," particularly specified in its biblical usage as the "den" or "hole of a serpent." This progression from "lighted thing" to "dark den" presents a fascinating semantic paradox, suggesting an opening that, while potentially allowing light, serves as a hidden dwelling place.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H3975}}` appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in the prophetic book of Isaiah:
* **[[Isaiah 11:8]]**: "And the weaned child shall put his hand on the adder's den (מְאוּרָה)."
In this singular occurrence, מְאוּרָה clearly refers to the dwelling place of a venomous snake, specifically an "adder" (likely a viper or cobra). The context of [[Isaiah 11:8]] is profoundly eschatological, describing the idyllic peace and harmony of the Messianic kingdom. In this future age, the natural order of danger and fear will be subverted; predatory animals will coexist peacefully with humans, and even a vulnerable child will be able to interact safely with a creature as dangerous as an adder in its own den. The use of מְאוּרָה here emphasizes the complete transformation of the world under the reign of the Messiah, where even places typically associated with hidden danger become innocuous.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relationship for `{{H3975}}` is its root, `{{H216}}` (אוֹר, *ʼôr*), which means "light," "to shine," or "to give light." This foundational connection highlights the inherent tension in the word's application: a "lighted thing" becoming a "serpent's den," a place typically associated with darkness and concealment.
Other Hebrew words related to "hole," "den," or "opening" include:
* `{{H2356}}` (חֹר, *chôr*): "hole," "cavern," often referring to a burrow or a hiding place.
* `{{H4631}}` (מַעֲרָה, *maʿărâh*): "cave," "den," a more general term for a natural hollow.
* `{{H6402}}` (פֶּתַח, *petaḥ*): "opening," "entrance," "doorway," which shares the concept of an aperture.
Conceptually, `{{H3975}}` connects to themes of:
* **Safety and Danger:** The dramatic reversal of these states in the Messianic era.
* **Light and Darkness:** The paradoxical application of a word rooted in "light" to a "den," which is typically dark and hidden.
* **Wilderness and Civilization:** The bringing of untamed nature into a state of peace and order.
* **Animal Habitats:** The specific dwelling places of creatures, transformed by divine intervention.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of `{{H3975}}` in [[Isaiah 11:8]] carries profound theological weight, primarily within the context of Messianic prophecy. The word itself embodies a paradox: derived from "light," it denotes a "den" of darkness and danger. This paradox is resolved and transformed in the vision of the kingdom of God.
1. **Transformation of Creation:** The image of a child safely interacting with an adder in its מְאוּרָה is a powerful symbol of the radical peace and harmony that will characterize the Messianic age. It signifies a reversal of the curse upon creation ([[Genesis 3:15]]) and the restoration of a paradisiacal state where even the most dangerous aspects of the natural world are rendered harmless. This speaks to God's ultimate power to redeem and transform all of creation.
2. **Overcoming of Evil and Fear:** The serpent, an ancient symbol of evil and temptation ([[Genesis 3:1]]), finds its "den" becoming a place of safety. This suggests that in the Messianic era, not only will physical dangers be neutralized, but the very sources of fear and spiritual malevolence will be disarmed and brought under divine order. The "light" inherent in the word's root might subtly imply that even hidden places of darkness will be exposed and purified by the pervasive light of God's presence and righteousness.
3. **Divine Sovereignty and Peace:** The prophecy underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all creation, including the wild and dangerous aspects. The peace described is not merely an absence of conflict but a positive, active shalom that permeates every aspect of existence, from human relationships to the animal kingdom. The "adder's den" becoming a safe play area for a child is a testament to the comprehensive nature of this divine peace.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H3975}}` (מְאוּרָה, *mᵉʼûwrâh*), derived from the root "light," signifies "something lighted," evolving semantically to "aperture," and ultimately to a "crevice" or "hole," specifically a "serpent's den." Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Isaiah 11:8]] is remarkably potent, depicting a weaned child safely placing a hand on the "adder's den" within the prophetic vision of the Messianic kingdom. This singular usage highlights a profound theological paradox: a word rooted in "light" describing a place typically associated with darkness and danger, yet transformed into a realm of safety and peace. Theologically, מְאוּרָה serves as a powerful symbol of God's transformative power, demonstrating the radical peace, the overcoming of evil and fear, and the complete divine sovereignty that will characterize the eschatological age, where even the most perilous places are made harmless under the light of God's reign.
TRV