from עָרָה; a nude place, i.e. (literally) the pudenda, or (figuratively) a vacant space; nakedness, proportion.
Transliteration:maʻar
Pronunciation:mah'-ar
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun H4626 (מַעַר, *maʻar*) is derived from the verbal root `{{H6168}}` (עָרָה, *ʿārâ*), which signifies "to be naked," "bare," "exposed," or "to pour out." This foundational root imparts a primary sense of emptiness, denudation, or an uncovering.
From this root, H4626 develops a semantic range that encompasses:
1. **Literal Sense:** "A nude place," specifically referring to the "pudenda" (genitals). This implies a site of vulnerability, shame, or complete exposure.
2. **Figurative Sense:** "A vacant space" or "an empty place." This extends the idea of bareness to a lack, absence, or open, unadorned area.
3. **Extended Meanings:** The Strong's definition also includes "nakedness" (as a direct noun form of the concept) and "proportion." The meaning of "proportion" is less directly intuitive from the primary senses and may reflect a highly specific or debated interpretation within a particular context, or perhaps an understanding of "emptiness" creating a measurable dimension.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H4626 (מַעַר, *maʻar*) appears only once in the Masoretic Text of the Hebrew Bible, in [[Judges 20:33]]. This singular occurrence presents interpretive challenges due to its ambiguity.
In [[Judges 20:33]], the text reads: "And all the men of Israel rose up from their place, and put themselves in array at Baal-tamar: and the liers in wait of Israel came forth out of their places, even out of the meadows of Gibeah." The phrase in question is מִמַּעַר גֶּבַע (*mim-maʿar Gevaʿ*), which the King James Version translates as "out of the meadows of Gibeah."
Interpretations of מַעַר in this context vary significantly:
* **"Open/Bare Ground" or "Vacant Space":** Consistent with the figurative meaning derived from the root `{{H6168}}` (to be bare/empty), some scholars interpret מַעַר here as referring to an "open country" or "bare plain" near Gibeah. This would describe the geographical location from which the Israelite ambushers emerged. This aligns with the idea of a "vacant space" or "uncovered area."
* **Place Name:** Other translations (e.g., ESV, NASB) render it as a proper noun, "Maareh-Geba," suggesting it is a specific, albeit otherwise unknown, location near Gibeah. This treats maʻar not as a descriptive term but as part of a compound place name.
* **"West":** Some ancient versions and modern translations (e.g., NIV) interpret מַעַר as "west," possibly confusing it with `{{H4628}}` (מַעֲרָב, *maʿarav*), which explicitly means "west." While maʿarav is also related to the root `{{H6168}}` (referring to the "open" horizon where the sun sets), maʻar itself is not typically used for "west."
The literal meaning of "pudenda" or "nakedness" does not fit the geographical context of [[Judges 20:33]]. The "proportion" aspect of the Strong's definition also finds no clear application in this verse. Therefore, the most plausible interpretation, if maʻar is a descriptive noun, leans towards "open/bare ground" or "vacant space," describing a strategic ambush point. The ambiguity underscores the challenge of interpreting rare biblical words, especially when the context is not entirely illuminating.
### Related Words & Concepts
H4626 (מַעַר, *maʻar*) is deeply connected to its verbal root and related lexical items, which illuminate its broader semantic field:
* **Root Verb:** `{{H6168}}` (עָרָה, *ʿārâ*): "to be naked, bare, exposed, pour out." This is the etymological foundation for maʻar, emphasizing the core concepts of uncovering, emptying, and vulnerability.
* **Related Nouns/Adjectives from the same Root:**
* `{{H6172}}` (עֶרְוָה, *ʿervâ*): "nakedness, indecency, shame." This word directly conveys the moral and social implications of being uncovered, particularly in reference to sexual nakedness and the shame associated with it (e.g., [[Genesis 9:22]], [[Leviticus 18:6]]).
* `{{H6174}}` (עָרוֹם, *ʿarom*): "naked" (adjective). Used to describe the physical state of being unclothed (e.g., [[Genesis 2:25]], [[Isaiah 20:2]]).
* `{{H4628}}` (מַעֲרָב, *maʿarav*): "west." While distinct from maʻar, this word shares the same root and conceptually relates to the "open" or "bare" expanse of the western horizon. Its similarity in form to maʻar contributes to the interpretive difficulties in [[Judges 20:33]].
* **Thematic Concepts:** The semantic field of maʻar and its root encompasses themes of:
* **Exposure and Vulnerability:** Being uncovered, whether physically or figuratively, implies a state of defenselessness.
* **Shame and Disgrace:** Nakedness, particularly when involuntary or inappropriate, is often linked to shame and humiliation in biblical thought.
* **Emptiness and Desolation:** The idea of a "vacant space" can extend to concepts of barrenness, desolation, or a lack of substance.
* **Divine Judgment:** Often, God "lays bare" nations or individuals, exposing their sin and leading to their desolation or judgment.
### Theological Significance
Given the extremely rare and ambiguous occurrence of H4626 (מַעַר, *maʻar*) in the biblical text, it is challenging to assign a profound theological significance directly to the word itself. Its primary theological weight is thus derived from its connection to the root `{{H6168}}` (עָרָה, *ʿārâ*) and the broader biblical themes associated with "nakedness," "exposure," and "emptiness."
1. **Vulnerability and Sin:** The concept of "nakedness" (as seen in ʿervâ, `{{H6172}}`) frequently carries theological implications of human vulnerability, the shame of sin, and the loss of innocence (e.g., Adam and Eve's realization of their nakedness after the Fall in [[Genesis 3:7]], [[Genesis 3:10]]). When maʻar is understood as a "nude place," it evokes this sense of exposed fragility.
2. **Divine Judgment and Exposure:** God is often depicted as the one who "lays bare" or "uncovers" the hidden sins and idolatries of nations or individuals (e.g., [[Isaiah 47:3]], [[Lamentations 1:8]]). The idea of a "vacant space" can metaphorically represent the desolation that comes as a result of divine judgment, where a place is emptied of its inhabitants or glory.
3. **God's Sovereignty in Ambush:** If maʻar in [[Judges 20:33]] refers to an "open place" used for ambush, it highlights the strategic and often unexpected ways in which God works through human actions to bring about His purposes, whether in judgment or deliverance. The "bareness" of the ground could signify a place where the enemy least expects an attack, or where they are themselves exposed.
Ultimately, while maʻar itself is a linguistic rarity, its etymological roots firmly connect it to central biblical themes of human condition, divine revelation, and the consequences of sin.
### Summary
H4626 (מַעַר, *maʻar*) is a Hebrew noun derived from the root `{{H6168}}` (עָרָה, *ʿārâ*), meaning "to be bare" or "exposed." Its core semantic range includes "a nude place" (literally, the pudenda) and "a vacant space" or "emptiness," with an additional, less clear meaning of "proportion."
The word occurs only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[Judges 20:33]], where מִמַּעַר גֶּבַע (*mim-maʿar Gevaʿ*) is ambiguously translated. While some interpret it as a specific place name, others understand it as "from the open/bare ground of Gibeah," aligning with the "vacant space" meaning. The literal sense of "nakedness" or "pudenda" does not fit the geographical context.
The theological significance of maʻar is primarily derived from its root, which contributes to broader biblical themes of human vulnerability, the shame of sin, divine exposure, and the desolation that can follow judgment. Despite its rare occurrence, maʻar serves as a linguistic echo of fundamental concepts related to being uncovered, empty, or laid bare before God.
TRV