### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **maʻărâb**, represented by `{{H4628}}`, means **the west**. Derived from a root word signifying shading, it refers to the west as the region of the evening sun. It appears **14 times** across **14 unique verses**, where it is used both as a literal geographic direction and as a powerful symbolic term.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H4628}}` functions primarily as a cardinal direction, often in contrast to the east. It is used to describe the full extent of God's redemptive reach, as He promises to gather His people from the east and the **west** [[Isaiah 43:5]]. It also serves as a specific geographical marker, defining the location of territories "on this side Jordan **westward**" [[1 Chronicles 26:30]] or describing construction on the "**west side** of the city of David" [[2 Chronicles 32:30]]. In a prophetic context, a powerful force is seen coming from the **west** in the form of a goat [[Daniel 8:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning and context of **maʻărâb**:
* `{{H4217}}` **mizrâch** (east): Defined as "sunrise, i.e. the east," this is the direct counterpart to `{{H4628}}`. They are often paired to express the entirety of the world, as in the statement that God removes transgressions as far as the **east** is from the **west** [[Psalms 103:12]].
* `{{H8121}}` **shemesh** (sun): This word is conceptually tied to `{{H4628}}`, which is the direction of the setting **sun**. Scripture pairs the rising of the **sun** with the **west** to declare that all may know the LORD [[Isaiah 45:6]].
* `{{H776}}` **'erets** (earth): As the word for "earth" or "land," it provides the larger canvas for the directional scope of `{{H4628}}`. God gathers His people from the lands, from the east and from the **west** [[Psalms 107:3]].
* `{{H3383}}` **Yardên** (Jordan): The **Jordan** river is a major landmark used for orientation. The territory of the Hebronites is described as being on the side of the **Jordan** **westward** [[1 Chronicles 26:30]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4628}}` is seen in its use to describe the scope of God's power and mercy.
* **Universal Sovereignty:** The directional pairing of east and **west** is used to affirm God's absolute authority over all creation. From the rising of the sun to the **west**, all people may know that "there is none beside me" [[Isaiah 45:6]].
* **All-Encompassing Redemption:** The promise to gather people from the east and the **west** demonstrates that God's plan of salvation is not limited to one region but extends to the ends of the earth ([[Isaiah 43:5]], [[Psalms 107:3]]).
* **Immeasurable Forgiveness:** The physical distance between east and **west** provides a profound metaphor for God's grace. In one of the most comforting verses in the Psalms, it is stated that God has removed our transgressions from us as far as the east is from the **west** [[Psalms 103:12]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4628}}` is far more than a simple compass point. While it functions literally to define territories and give direction, its greater significance lies in its symbolic use. It helps frame the entire world as the stage for God's sovereign acts, from His universal call to worship to His all-encompassing plan of redemption. Ultimately, it provides a physical measure for the immeasurable nature of His forgiveness.
TRV