from the same as דֹּמֶן; dunghill; Madmen, a place in Palestine; Madmen.
Transliteration:Madmên
Pronunciation:mad-mane'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H4086 (Madmên), transliterated as "Madmên," is derived from the root `{{H1755}}` (dōmen), which signifies "dung," "manure," or "dunghill." Thus, the core meaning of Madmên is literally "dunghill" or "place of dung." As a proper noun, it functions as a geographical designation, specifically a place name in the land of Moab. The inherent semantic range of "dung" suggests concepts of waste, defilement, worthlessness, and desolation. When applied to a place, it imbues that location with a connotation of extreme degradation or ruin, anticipating a future state of abandonment and decay.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H4086 (Madmên) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Jeremiah.
* **[[Jeremiah 48:2]]**: "No longer will there be praise for Moab; in Heshbon they plot her ruin: 'Come, let us cut her off from being a nation!' You too, Madmen, will be silenced; the sword will pursue you."
In this solitary occurrence, Madmên is listed among the cities and regions of Moab that are destined for divine judgment and destruction. The context is a comprehensive oracle against Moab, detailing the widespread desolation that will befall its cities and inhabitants due to their pride and idolatry. The phrase "You too, Madmen, will be silenced" indicates that this specific location will not escape the impending catastrophe. The very name "Madmen" (dunghill) becomes highly symbolic in this prophetic context, suggesting that the city, once perhaps a place of some significance, will be reduced to a state of utter ruin and disgrace, metaphorically becoming a heap of refuse. The inclusion of Madmên underscores the totality of God's judgment, leaving no part of Moab untouched.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to H4086 (Madmên) is its root, `{{H1755}}` (dōmen), which consistently refers to "dung" or "manure" throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [[2 Kings 9:37]], [[Psalm 83:10]]). This connection firmly establishes the word's primary literal meaning. Conceptually, Madmên is associated with:
* **Desolation and Ruin**: Like other cities condemned to destruction in prophetic literature, Madmên represents a place destined for complete overthrow.
* **Judgment**: Its inclusion in Jeremiah's oracle aligns it with the broader theme of divine judgment against nations that oppose God or embody pride.
* **Abasement and Disgrace**: The imagery of a "dunghill" often symbolizes the lowest possible state of humiliation or worthlessness (e.g., [[1 Samuel 2:8]], [[Psalm 113:7]], where God raises the poor from the dunghill). For a city to be named or reduced to a "dunghill" signifies its utter disgrace.
* **Prophetic Naming**: Similar to other biblical place names that carry symbolic weight or prophetic significance (e.g., Babel, Marah), Madmên's name foreshadows its destiny.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H4086 (Madmên) lies primarily in its symbolic role within the prophetic judgment against Moab.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**: The mention of Madmên, alongside other Moabite cities, emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His power to execute judgment. No city, however obscure or seemingly insignificant, is beyond the reach of His righteous decree.
2. **Consequences of Pride**: Moab's pervasive pride is a recurring theme in Jeremiah 48. The reduction of its cities, including Madmên, to ruin serves as a stark consequence for national arrogance and rebellion against God. The name "dunghill" perfectly encapsulates the ultimate humiliation awaiting the proud.
3. **Symbolic Degradation**: The very name "Madmên" functions as a powerful prophetic symbol. A city named "dunghill" is fittingly destined to become one. This underscores the severity and completeness of the judgment, reducing what was once a populated place to a heap of refuse, a testament to its utter destruction and worthlessness in the wake of divine wrath.
4. **Fulfillment of Prophecy**: The inclusion of specific, even minor, locations like Madmên lends credibility to the detailed nature of God's prophetic word and its inevitable fulfillment.
### Summary
H4086 (Madmên) is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "dunghill," derived from `{{H1755}}` (dōmen). It appears uniquely in [[Jeremiah 48:2]], where it designates a city in Moab destined for destruction. In this context, Madmên symbolizes the comprehensive and humiliating judgment pronounced by God against Moab due to its pride. The name itself prophetically signifies the city's reduction to utter ruin and disgrace, serving as a powerful testament to divine sovereignty, the consequences of national arrogance, and the precise fulfillment of God's prophetic word.
TRV