### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mêʻâh**, represented by `{{H4579}}`, is defined as **gravel**. It is the feminine form of `{{H4578}}` mêʻeh, which refers to the belly or interior. This unique term appears only **1 time** in the entire Bible, highlighting its specific and powerful figurative use.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H4579}}` is in [[Isaiah 48:19]], where it is used metaphorically to describe a vast, uncountable number of descendants. In this passage, the LORD describes the immense blessing of posterity that Israel would have received for their obedience, stating their offspring would be "like the **gravel** thereof." This imagery, paired with the comparison of their seed to sand, creates a powerful picture of an almost infinite lineage.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words found in the same verse help to build this central metaphor of abundant posterity:
* `{{H4578}}` **mêʻeh**: This is the masculine form, meaning **the intestines, or (collectively) the abdomen... belly, bowels... womb**. It is used as "bowels" in the verse, establishing the physical source of the offspring being described [[Isaiah 48:19]].
* `{{H6631}}` **tseʼĕtsâʼ**: This word means **issue, i.e. produce, children... offspring**. It directly identifies the descendants who are being compared to the gravel [[Isaiah 48:19]].
* `{{H2344}}` **chôwl**: Defined as **sand (as round or whirling particles); sand**. It is used in parallel with `{{H4579}}` to amplify the concept of a multitude too large to be numbered [[Isaiah 48:19]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4579}}` is derived entirely from its singular, potent context.
* **Covenantal Blessing:** The use of **gravel** is a powerful illustration of the immense blessing of posterity promised under the covenant. This echoes other divine promises of descendants as numerous as the "sand which is upon the sea shore" [[Genesis 22:17]].
* **Conditional Promise:** The statement in [[Isaiah 48:19]] is framed hypothetically, describing what "had been." This underscores the theological principle that covenant blessings were conditional upon obedience, and that Israel's disobedience meant their name was at risk of being "cut off" `{{H3772}}` and "destroyed" `{{H8045}}`.
* **Divine Source of Life:** By linking the **gravel**-like multitude to the "offspring of thy bowels," the passage emphasizes that this promised posterity is a direct result of God's life-giving power and faithfulness to His people.
### Summary
In summary, while **mêʻâh** `{{H4579}}` is an exceedingly rare word, its single use is impactful. It functions not as a literal term but as a vivid metaphor for immeasurable abundance. Within the context of [[Isaiah 48:19]], it powerfully illustrates the scale of divine blessing available through faithfulness, while simultaneously serving as a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience.
TRV