from מָרַר in its original sense of distillation; a drop; drop.
Transliteration:mar
Pronunciation:mar
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H4752 (מַר, *mar*) carries the core meaning of "a drop" of liquid. Its etymological root is traced to `{{H4843}}` (מָרַר, *marar*), which primarily signifies "to be bitter." However, Strong's definition specifies that H4752 derives from `{{H4843}}` "in its original sense of distillation." This suggests a nuanced connection where the act of "dropping" or "distilling" might have been an early conceptual link, perhaps to the formation of concentrated liquids or even bitter tears. In the context of H4752, the semantic range is narrow, focusing almost exclusively on the physical, minute quantity of a single drop, emphasizing extreme smallness or insignificance. It is crucial to distinguish this noun, "a drop," from the identically transliterated adjective `{{H4844}}` (מַר, *mar*), meaning "bitter."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H4752 (מַר, *mar*) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in the book of Isaiah:
* **[[Isaiah 40:15]]**: "Behold, the nations are like a drop (מַר) from a bucket, and are counted as the small dust on the scales; behold, He lifts up the islands like fine dust."
In this profound passage, the prophet Isaiah employs a powerful metaphor to illustrate the incomparable majesty and sovereignty of God. The nations, despite their perceived power, vastness, and influence, are diminished to the scale of a mere "drop" (מַר) falling from a bucket. This imagery conveys absolute insignificance and transience when set against the backdrop of the Creator's omnipotence. The context of Isaiah 40 is one of divine comfort and assurance, emphasizing God's unmatched power over all creation and human affairs. The "drop" serves to highlight the utter futility of human resistance or opposition to the divine will, underscoring that all earthly powers are fleeting and inconsequential in the eternal scheme.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is `{{H4843}}` (מָרַר, *marar*), meaning "to be bitter," from which H4752 is derived according to its "original sense of distillation." This root also gives rise to other words related to bitterness, such as `{{H4844}}` (מַר, *mar*, "bitter" as an adjective), `{{H4845}}` (מֹרָה, *morah*, "bitterness"), and `{{H4846}}` (מְרֹרָה, *merorah*, "gall, bitterness"). While these related terms focus on the quality of bitterness, H4752 distinctly refers to a physical, minute quantity of liquid.
Conceptually, H4752 relates to ideas of:
* **Insignificance:** The "drop" emphasizes the extreme smallness and lack of consequence.
* **Finitude:** It contrasts the limited, finite nature of created entities with the infinite.
* **Transience:** A drop is easily lost or evaporates, suggesting ephemerality.
* **Immeasurable disparity:** The gap between the "drop" and the "bucket" (or the ocean) serves as an analogy for the vast difference between creation and Creator.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of H4752 in [[Isaiah 40:15]] carries profound theological weight, primarily serving to magnify the incomparable nature of God.
1. **God's Transcendence and Majesty**: By depicting all nations as a mere "drop," the text elevates God to an utterly transcendent position. He is not merely greater than humanity; He is in a category entirely separate and superior, beyond all comparison. This underscores His infinite power, wisdom, and might.
2. **Humanity's Proper Perspective**: The "drop" serves as a humbling reminder of humanity's true place before the Creator. All human achievements, empires, and boasts are rendered insignificant in the face of divine omnipotence. This calls for humility and a recognition of utter dependence on God.
3. **God's Absolute Sovereignty**: The passage assures believers that God is in complete control. Nations, which often seem overwhelming or threatening, are but a negligible quantity in His sight. This provides immense comfort and security to those who trust in Him, knowing that their God is supreme over all earthly powers.
4. **Basis for Trust and Worship**: Understanding God's immeasurable greatness, as illustrated by the "drop," forms the foundation for true worship and unwavering trust. If God can reduce the mightiest nations to a single drop, then His ability to deliver, sustain, and fulfill His promises is beyond question.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H4752 (מַר, *mar*) precisely denotes "a drop" of liquid, stemming from the root `{{H4843}}` in its sense of distillation. Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Isaiah 40:15]] powerfully illustrates the incomparable majesty of God, portraying all nations as utterly insignificant, like a mere drop from a bucket, when measured against His infinite power and sovereignty. This singular usage profoundly shapes theological understanding, emphasizing divine transcendence, humanity's humble position, and God's absolute control over all creation and history, thereby inviting worship and fostering trust in His unparalleled greatness.
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