a primitive root; to rebel; hence (through the idea of maltreating) to whip, i.e. lash (self with wings, as the ostrich in running); be filthy, lift up self.
Transliteration:mârâʼ
Pronunciation:maw-raw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb H4754 (מָרָא, *mârâʼ*) is a primitive root whose primary and most prevalent meaning is "to rebel" or "to be rebellious." This denotes an active and deliberate defiance against authority, particularly divine authority. It implies a refusal to submit, a resistance to command, and often a challenging of established order.
Beyond this core meaning, the root carries a semantic range that extends to related concepts:
* **Disobedience/Resistance:** A direct refusal to obey instructions or laws, often stemming from stubbornness or self-will.
* **Provocation:** To incite anger or displeasure, especially in God, through acts of rebellion.
* **Maltreatment/Lashing:** The definition notes a secondary development "through the idea of maltreating" to "whip" or "lash." This less common usage appears to describe a violent, self-inflicted action or a forceful movement, as seen in the unique context of an ostrich lashing itself with its wings while running ([[Lamentations 4:3]]). This suggests a wild, uncontrolled, and perhaps destructive energy.
* **Filthiness/Moral Defilement:** The notion of "being filthy" likely derives from the moral consequences of rebellion, where defiance against God leads to spiritual impurity and defilement.
* **Lifting up oneself:** This could imply arrogance or pride, which is often the precursor and root cause of rebellion against divine or human authority.
The foundational sense is one of active opposition and insubordination, with the other meanings radiating from this central concept of defiance and its various manifestations or consequences.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb H4754 appears frequently throughout the Old Testament, predominantly in contexts describing Israel's rebellion against Yahweh and His appointed leaders. Its usage highlights a recurring pattern of human stubbornness and unfaithfulness in contrast to God's steadfastness.
Key contexts include:
* **Rebellion against God's commands and covenant:** The most common usage depicts Israel's repeated acts of rebellion during their wilderness wanderings and subsequent history. For instance, in [[Deuteronomy 1:26]] and [[Deuteronomy 1:43]], the people are described as having "rebelled against the command of the Lord" by refusing to enter the Promised Land. This act of *mârâʼ* is presented as a direct affront to God's word and a violation of the covenant. Similarly, [[Psalm 78:8]] laments that Israel's generations were "a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation that did not prepare its heart and whose spirit was not faithful to God."
* **Provoking God:** The rebellious acts are often framed as "provoking" God's anger or grief. [[Psalm 78:40]] asks, "How often they rebelled against Him in the wilderness and grieved Him in the desert!" This emphasizes the relational breach caused by such defiance.
* **Rebellion against God's chosen leaders:** The term is also used to describe rebellion against Moses and Aaron, who served as God's representatives. In [[Numbers 20:10]], Moses himself, in a moment of frustration, addresses the people as "you rebels!" (מֹרִים, *morim*, a participle of H4754). This highlights the seriousness of defying those whom God has ordained.
* **Consequences of rebellion:** The Bible consistently links *mârâʼ* with divine judgment and negative consequences. The generation that rebelled in the wilderness was condemned to die there ([[Numbers 14:9]], [[Numbers 14:11]]). The concept underscores that rebellion is not merely an act of disobedience but a profound rejection of the divine will, leading to spiritual and often physical separation from God's blessings.
* **Unique usage:** The rare usage in [[Lamentations 4:3]] describes the ostrich as "cruel like ostriches in the wilderness" because they "lash out" (from H4754) at their young. Some translations interpret this as "deal cruelly" or "are fierce." This reflects the secondary semantic range related to violent or uncontrolled action, distinct from the primary theological meaning of defiance.
Overall, the biblical occurrences of H4754 primarily serve to underscore the gravity of human rebellion against the Creator, portraying it as a deep-seated spiritual problem with dire consequences.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of rebellion (H4754, *mârâʼ*) is deeply interconnected with a cluster of related Hebrew terms and theological concepts that illuminate the nature of sin and humanity's relationship with God.
* **Synonyms of Rebellion/Transgression:**
* `{{H4784}}` (*marad*): Another common verb for "to rebel," often used interchangeably with *mârâʼ* or in parallel constructions. It carries a strong sense of open revolt.
* `{{H6586}}` (*pasha*): "To transgress," "to revolt," "to rebel." This term often implies breaking a covenant or a specific law, a willful overstepping of boundaries.
* `{{H5674}}` (*abar*): "To pass over," "to transgress." Often used in the context of crossing a boundary or violating a command.
* `{{H7489}}` (*rasha*): "To be wicked," "to be guilty." While broader, wickedness often manifests as rebellion against God's moral order.
* **Concepts of Disobedience and Stubbornness:**
* *Qasheh oref* (stiff-necked): A common idiom describing stubbornness and resistance to divine leading, often a characteristic of those who *mârâʼ*.
* *Lev kasheh* (hard heart): A heart unwilling to yield to God's will, which is a breeding ground for rebellion.
* **Antonyms:**
* Obedience (*shama* `{{H8085}}`, to hear/obey): The antithesis of rebellion, signifying submission to God's voice and commands.
* Faithfulness (*aman* `{{H539}}`, to be firm/faithful): The quality of steadfast loyalty to God and His covenant, standing in direct contrast to the wavering and defiant nature of rebellion.
* **Theological Concepts:**
* **Covenant:** Rebellion is often presented as a breach of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, violating the terms of their sacred agreement.
* **Sin:** *Mârâʼ* is a specific manifestation of sin, particularly emphasizing its defiant and resistive nature against God's authority.
* **Judgment:** The inevitable consequence of persistent rebellion, where God's justice is enacted against those who reject His rule.
* **Repentance:** The turning away from rebellion and back to obedience and submission to God.
Understanding *mârâʼ* within this semantic field enriches our comprehension of the depth and multifaceted nature of sin in the Old Testament, particularly as a relational rupture with the divine.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H4754 (*mârâʼ*, "to rebel") is profound, illuminating fundamental truths about God, humanity, and the nature of their relationship.
* **God's Sovereignty and Authority:** The very concept of rebellion presupposes a legitimate authority against which one rebels. The frequent use of *mârâʼ* in relation to God underscores His absolute sovereignty and rightful claim to humanity's obedience. When humanity rebels, it is not merely breaking a rule, but defying the Creator and Sustainer of all existence. This highlights God's holiness, His moral perfection, and His expectation of allegiance from His creatures.
* **Humanity's Fallen Nature:** The pervasive use of *mârâʼ* to describe Israel's consistent behavior reveals a deep-seated propensity within humanity for disobedience and self-will. It points to a fallen nature that inherently resists divine constraint and seeks autonomy. This rebellion is rooted in pride and a desire to usurp God's place, echoing the primordial rebellion in Eden. It demonstrates that sin is not merely isolated acts, but a fundamental orientation of the heart away from God.
* **The Gravity of Sin:** *Mârâʼ* portrays sin not as a minor transgression, but as a serious and personal affront to God. It is an act of active resistance that grieves God ([[Psalm 78:40]]) and provokes His wrath. This understanding elevates the seriousness of sin, showing it as a relational breach with the holy God.
* **God's Patience and Justice:** While rebellion inevitably incurs judgment, the repeated instances of *mârâʼ* in the biblical narrative also highlight God's immense patience and long-suffering. He continually calls His rebellious people back, offers opportunities for repentance, and remains faithful to His covenant promises despite their unfaithfulness. However, His justice is also evident, as persistent rebellion ultimately leads to consequences, demonstrating that God will not tolerate defiance indefinitely.
* **The Need for Redemption:** The pervasive nature of *mârâʼ* in human history underscores the desperate need for divine intervention. Humanity cannot overcome its rebellious nature on its own. This sets the stage for God's redemptive plan, culminating in Christ, who perfectly obeyed God, thereby offering a path for rebellious humanity to be reconciled and transformed from a spirit of rebellion to one of willing obedience.
In essence, *mârâʼ* serves as a critical theological lens through which to understand the brokenness of the human-divine relationship and the essential need for God's grace and transformative power.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb H4754 (מָרָא, *mârâʼ*) primarily signifies "to rebel" or "to be rebellious," denoting a deliberate and active defiance against authority, particularly God's. Its semantic range extends to include concepts of disobedience, provocation, and in rare instances, a violent lashing motion or moral defilement, often stemming from the consequences of rebellion.
Biblical occurrences of *mârâʼ* predominantly describe Israel's persistent rebellion against Yahweh's commands, His covenant, and His appointed leaders throughout their history, notably during the wilderness wanderings. These acts are consistently depicted as provoking God's anger and leading to divine judgment, underscoring the gravity of defying the Creator.
The term is closely related to other Hebrew words for rebellion and transgression, such as `{{H4784}}` (*marad*) and `{{H6586}}` (*pasha*), and stands in stark contrast to concepts like obedience and faithfulness. Theologically, *mârâʼ* profoundly illuminates God's absolute sovereignty, humanity's fallen nature and inherent propensity for sin, and the serious, relational breach that rebellion creates. It highlights God's justice in responding to defiance, yet also His profound patience and the ultimate necessity of His redemptive plan to overcome humanity's rebellious heart and restore a relationship of willing submission and obedience.
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