The Hebrew word maʻărôm, represented by H4636, translates to naked or bare. It is derived from a root word meaning to strip. Its appearance in scripture is exceptionally rare, occurring only 1 time in 1 unique verse, yet its context provides a powerful illustration of compassion.
The sole use of H4636 is found in 2 Chronicles 28:15. In this account, men from Samaria who were "expressed by name" took captives H7633 from Judah and demonstrated remarkable mercy. They used the spoils of war to clothe H3847 all who were naked among the prisoners, providing them with food, drink, and anointing them before returning them to their brethren in Jericho. This singular instance highlights a state of extreme vulnerability and the subsequent act of restorative kindness.
Several related words provide a fuller context for the scene in which H4636 appears:
- H3847 lâbash (to put on a garment or clothe): This is the direct action taken to remedy the condition of being naked H4636. It is used literally to describe putting on garments Haggai 1:6 and figuratively for being clothed with attributes like salvation Isaiah 61:10 or strength Isaiah 52:1.
- H5344 nâqab (to specify, designate, pierce): In the primary verse, this word describes the men who performed the act of mercy as being "expressed by name" 2 Chronicles 28:15. Its meaning can also extend to piercing or creating holes, as in a "bag with holes" Haggai 1:6.
- H7633 shibyâh (captives): This word identifies the people who were naked. It refers to those taken in exile or captivity, underscoring their powerless and degraded state before being shown mercy 2 Chronicles 28:15.
The thematic weight of H4636 is centered on its context of mercy and restoration.
- Vulnerability and Compassion: The state of being naked signifies total vulnerability and humiliation, particularly for captives H7633. The response to this condition becomes a powerful demonstration of compassion.
- The Righteous Act of Clothing: The command to clothe H3847 the naked is a tangible act of righteousness. In 2 Chronicles 28:15, this act is part of a larger effort to care for the feeble and restore them to their people.
- Restoration of Dignity: By clothing the naked captives, the men of Samaria reversed the shame of defeat and restored a measure of dignity to their brethren, an act carried out by men specifically designated, or "expressed by name" H5344.
In summary, though H4636 appears only once, its meaning is profound. It represents a state of utter helplessness and shame. The scriptural context immediately pairs this word with the remedy: the act of clothing the naked. This single verse 2 Chronicles 28:15 uses maʻărôm to create a stark image that serves as the backdrop for an unforgettable lesson in kindness, responsibility, and the restoration of human dignity.
TRV