a form of מַעֲרָה; waste; Maarath, a place in Palestine; Maarath.
Transliteration:Maʻărâth
Pronunciation:mah-ar-awth'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
Maʻărâth (`{{H4638}}`) is a proper noun, a geographical place name found in the Hebrew Bible. It is derived from the Hebrew word `{{H4637}}` (maʻărâh), which primarily means "cave," "den," or "lair." The semantic range of its root word can also extend to a "waste" or "desolate place," as caves are often found in rugged or barren landscapes. Therefore, Maʻărâth as a place name likely describes a location characterized by caves, a rugged topography, or perhaps a perceived desolation. It points to a physical feature of the land, rather than an abstract concept.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Maʻărâth (`{{H4638}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Joshua:
* [[Joshua 15:59]]: "Maʻărâth, Beth-anoth, and Eltekon; six cities with their villages."
This solitary occurrence places Maʻărâth within the comprehensive list of cities allotted to the tribe of Judah. The passage in [[Joshua 15]] meticulously details the boundaries and cities of Judah's inheritance, serving as a legal and historical record of the tribal land distribution following the conquest of Canaan. Maʻărâth is listed among a group of cities in the hill country (the Shephelah or perhaps the Judean highlands proper), indicating its location within this significant geographical region. Its inclusion, alongside other specific cities, underscores its status as an established locality at the time of the Israelite settlement, even if its exact modern identification remains uncertain for scholars. The meticulous listing highlights the ordered and divinely orchestrated nature of the land division.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct related word to Maʻărâth (`{{H4638}}`) is its linguistic root, `{{H4637}}` (maʻărâh), meaning "cave" or "den." This root is used frequently throughout the Old Testament to describe various types of caves:
* Natural shelters for people or animals ([[1 Samuel 24:3]], [[Job 30:6]]).
* Burial sites, such as the Cave of Machpelah, a significant ancestral burial place for Abraham and his family ([[Genesis 23:9]], [[Genesis 49:29-30]]).
* Hiding places or refuges from enemies ([[Judges 6:2]], [[1 Samuel 13:6]]).
The connection between Maʻărâth and `{{H4637}}` suggests that the area around this city was likely characterized by natural caves or rugged, potentially desolate, terrain. This descriptive naming convention is common in biblical geography, where place names often reflect the physical features, historical events, or significant inhabitants of a location. Other place names in Judah, such as Debir ("sanctuary" or "back part") or Zanoah ("boggy place"), also reflect geographical or functional characteristics.
### Theological Significance
As a singular occurrence place name, Maʻărâth (`{{H4638}}`) does not carry an independent theological doctrine. However, its presence within the book of Joshua is profoundly significant in the broader theological narrative of Israel. The meticulous listing of cities, including lesser-known ones like Maʻărâth, serves as a powerful testament to:
1. **Divine Faithfulness:** The detailed land allotments in Joshua demonstrate God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants concerning the land of Canaan ([[Genesis 12:7]], [[Genesis 15:18]]). Every named city, no matter how obscure, stands as a concrete manifestation of God's word brought to fruition.
2. **Divine Sovereignty and Order:** The precise division of the land, overseen by Joshua and Eleazar, highlights God's sovereign control over the destiny and inheritance of His people. It underscores the ordered and intentional nature of God's plan for Israel, establishing them securely within their divinely appointed territory.
3. **Identity and Belonging:** For the Israelites, their assigned territory was integral to their identity as God's chosen people. Maʻărâth, though perhaps a place of "waste" or "caves," became part of the sacred inheritance, demonstrating that even the rugged or less fertile parts of the land were part of God's good provision for His people. It speaks to the idea that God establishes His people even in challenging or uninviting landscapes.
### Summary
Maʻărâth (`{{H4638}}`) is a unique Hebrew place name, appearing only once in the Bible in [[Joshua 15:59]]. It is listed as one of the cities within the tribal inheritance of Judah, located in the hill country. Etymologically, it derives from `{{H4637}}` (maʻărâh), meaning "cave," "den," or potentially "waste/desolate place," suggesting its name describes the rugged or cave-filled topography of the region. While not a central figure in biblical narratives, its inclusion in the detailed land distribution lists of Joshua serves as a quiet yet firm witness to God's precise and faithful fulfillment of His covenant promises to Israel, establishing them securely within their divinely appointed land.
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