English · KJV
H4627

מַעֲרָב

maʻărâb /mah-ar-awb'/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom עָרַב, in the sense of trading
Meaningtraffic; by implication, mercantile goods
KJV usagemarket, merchandise.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of maʻărâb — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word maʻărâb, represented by H4627, is derived from a root meaning to trade H6148. It refers to traffic, mercantile goods, a market, or merchandise. The term appears 9 times across 8 unique verses, exclusively within the book of Ezekiel.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

All biblical uses of H4627 appear in the prophecy against the commercial city-state of Tyre in Ezekiel 27. The word denotes both the bustling market where international trade occurs and the merchandise itself. For example, nations like Judah and Israel traded goods such as wheat of Minnith, honey, oil, and balm in Tyre's market Ezekiel 27:17. Similarly, Javan, Tubal, and Meshech traded the persons of men and vessels of brass in this central hub Ezekiel 27:13. The word is also used for the goods themselves, which are destined for destruction along with the city Ezekiel 27:34.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words expand upon the concepts of commerce and trade:

  • H6148 ʻârab (to traffic): This is the primitive root from which maʻărâb is derived. It means to intermix or, technically, to traffic, and is used to describe those who occupy thy merchandise Ezekiel 27:9.
  • H7402 râkal (merchant): This term describes the people who conduct business in the market H4627. They are the merchants who travel for the purpose of trading goods, such as those from Javan, Tubal, and Meshech Ezekiel 27:13.
  • H5801 ʻizzâbôwn (fair, ware): This word is frequently used alongside H4627 and refers to a trade mart or its revenue. The prophecy states that Tyre's fairs H5801 and its merchandise H4627 will fall into the sea Ezekiel 27:27.

Theological Significance

The theological significance of H4627 is tied to the judgment on Tyre's pride.

  • Hub of Worldly Glory: The market of Tyre is portrayed as the center of global commerce, making the city replenished and very glorious in the midst of the seas Ezekiel 27:25. It symbolizes the pinnacle of human-achieved wealth and splendor.
  • Enrichment and Pride: Through its vast merchandise, Tyre didst enrich the kings of the earth Ezekiel 27:33, which fostered a sense of self-sufficiency and pride that invited divine judgment.
  • The Futility of Riches: The prophecy culminates in the complete collapse of this commercial empire. The declaration that its merchandise and all its company shall fall Ezekiel 27:34 serves as a stark reminder of the transient nature of worldly power and wealth.

Summary

In summary, maʻărâb H4627 is a specific term used exclusively in Ezekiel 27 to capture the essence of Tyre's commercial might. It defines both the physical market and the valuable merchandise that flowed through it. The word functions as a powerful symbol of worldly glory, economic power, and the pride that accompanies such success. Ultimately, its use in the context of Tyre's prophesied destruction underscores the biblical theme that human empires and their wealth are fleeting before the judgment of God.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a noun across 9 occurrences, inflected in 2 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

  • מַעֲרָבֵ
  • מַעֲרָבַיִ

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

H6148 עָרַב a primitive root; to braid, i.e. intermix; technically, to traffic (as if by barter); also or give to be security (as a H7402 רָכַל a primitive root; to travel for trading; (spice) merchant. H5801 עִזָּבוֹן from עָזַב in the sense of letting go (for a price, i.e. selling); trade, i.e. the place (mart) or the payment (revenue)

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

8 verses, all in Ezekiel — and none of the other 38 Old Testament books.

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.