feminine of מֵעֶהxlit mêʻâh corrected to mêʻeh; the belly, i.e. (figuratively) interior; gravel.
Transliteration:mêʻâh
Pronunciation:may-aw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun mêʻâh (`{{H4579}}`) is understood as the feminine form of mêʻeh (`{{H4578}}`). Its fundamental semantic range centers on the anatomical "belly," "bowels," or "intestines," referring specifically to the internal organs. While its masculine counterpart, mêʻeh, often extends figuratively to denote the "interior" or "inward parts" as the seat of deep emotions, mêʻâh in its biblical occurrences maintains a more literal, anatomical sense. The provided base definition also curiously lists "gravel" as a potential meaning; however, this interpretation lacks direct support in the biblical contexts where mêʻâh appears, which consistently point to internal bodily organs.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of mêʻâh (`{{H4579}}`) in the Hebrew Bible are exclusively found within the cultic instructions of the book of Leviticus, specifically detailing the preparation of animal sacrifices. In every instance, the term refers to the "entrails" or "inwards" of the sacrificial animal:
* [[Leviticus 1:9]]: "its entrails (מֵעָה) and its legs he shall wash with water." This command pertains to the burnt offering (ōlāh), emphasizing the ritual cleansing of the animal's internal organs.
* [[Leviticus 1:13]]: "the entrails (מֵעָה) and the legs he shall wash with water." This reiterates the same instruction for another burnt offering.
* [[Leviticus 8:21]]: "He washed the entrails (מֵעָה) and the legs with water." This describes Moses's execution of the ritual during the ordination of Aaron and his sons, reinforcing the meticulous nature of the preparation.
In these contexts, mêʻâh unequivocally signifies the physical internal organs of the animal, which were required to be thoroughly washed before being offered on the altar. There is no contextual evidence in these verses to support the meaning "gravel" for mêʻâh; its usage is consistently anatomical and ritualistic, highlighting an emphasis on purity and proper preparation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most immediate related term is mêʻeh (`{{H4578}}`), its masculine counterpart, which also means "bowels" or "inward parts." While mêʻâh (`{{H4579}}`) is strictly used for animal entrails in sacrifice, mêʻeh (`{{H4578}}`) is more frequently applied to human anatomy and, significantly, to convey deep emotional states such as compassion, anguish, or longing (e.g., [[Jeremiah 4:19]]).
Other related terms that signify internal organs or the metaphorical seat of inner life in Hebrew thought include:
* Kāḇēḏ (`{{H3516}}`): "liver," sometimes associated with one's inner being or glory.
* Lēḇ (`{{H3820}}`) and Lēḇāḇ (`{{H3824}}`): "heart," the preeminent biblical locus for intellect, will, and emotion.
The ritual washing of the mêʻâh also connects to broader concepts of ritual purity (ṭāhōr, `{{H2889}}`) and the meticulous requirements for presenting an acceptable offering (qorban, `{{H7133}}`) to Yahweh.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of mêʻâh (`{{H4579}}`) is deeply interwoven with the Old Testament sacrificial system. Its consistent appearance in the context of washing the "inwards" of the sacrificial animal carries profound symbolic weight:
1. **Purity and Wholeness:** The command to meticulously cleanse the mêʻâh underscores the necessity of inner purity and wholeness in the act of worship. It symbolizes the offering of the *entirety* of the sacrifice, cleansed and prepared, before a holy God.
2. **Atonement and Holiness:** In the burnt offering, where the entire animal was consumed by fire, the cleansed mêʻâh contributed to the "pleasing aroma" (rêaḥ nîḥōaḥ) that ascended to God, making atonement. This ritual act emphasized the complete dedication and surrender of the offering to Yahweh.
3. **Reflection of Intent:** While the word mêʻâh itself does not directly denote human emotion in these contexts, the ritual act involving the animal's internal parts serves as a pedagogical reflection for the worshiper. It implies that God desires not merely outward conformity to ritual, but also inner purity and sincere intent from the heart of the one offering the sacrifice.
### Summary
The Hebrew term mêʻâh (`{{H4579}}`) primarily denotes the "entrails" or "inward parts" of animals, as consistently evidenced by its exclusive usage within the sacrificial laws of Leviticus. In these contexts, the ritual washing of the mêʻâh emphasizes the critical importance of purity and wholeness in offerings presented to Yahweh, symbolizing the need for inner cleansing and complete dedication in worship. Despite a curious mention of "gravel" in its base definition, this meaning finds no support in its biblical occurrences, where its function remains strictly anatomical and deeply tied to the meticulous preparation of burnt offerings. The word's theological import is thus fundamentally linked to the Old Testament's profound emphasis on holiness, atonement, and the total surrender required in approaching a righteous God.
TRV