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.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mârâʼ**, represented by `{{H4754}}`, is a primitive root with a core meaning of rebellion. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. Its definition encompasses the ideas of being **filthy**, to **lift up self**, or to lash oneself with wings, as an ostrich does when running.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H4754}}` conveys two distinct concepts. In Zephaniah, it describes the moral state of a city, which is declared **filthy** and polluted, earning a "Woe" for its oppressive character [[Zephaniah 3:1]]. In contrast, the book of Job uses the term to describe the physical action of an ostrich that **lifteth up** herself on high, an act of pride that is immediately followed by her scorning the horse and its rider [[Job 39:18]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the meanings of `{{H4754}}`:
* `{{H1945}}` **hôwy** (Woe): This word, defined as "oh!; ah, alas, ho, O, woe," introduces the judgment upon the "filthy" city in [[Zephaniah 3:1]], setting a tone of condemnation.
* `{{H1351}}` **gâʼal** (polluted): Meaning "to soil or (figuratively) desecrate; defile, pollute, stain," this term appears alongside `{{H4754}}` to emphasize the profound impurity of the city [[Zephaniah 3:1]].
* `{{H3238}}` **yânâh** (oppressing): This root means "to rage or be violent; by implication, to suppress, to maltreat." It describes the behavior of the rebellious city that is called **filthy** [[Zephaniah 3:1]].
* `{{H7832}}` **sâchaq** (scorneth): Defined as "to laugh... deride, have in derision... mock... scorn," this word captures the attitude of the ostrich immediately after she "lifteth up herself" [[Job 39:18]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4754}}` is centered on the concept of rebellion against a proper order.
* **Rebellious Defilement:** In Zephaniah, being **filthy** is not merely a physical state but a spiritual one. It is a form of rebellion linked directly to being polluted and oppressive, which invites divine judgment [[Zephaniah 3:1]].
* **Prideful Self-Exaltation:** The imagery in Job connects the act to "lift up self" with an attitude of scorn. This illustrates how prideful rebellion leads one to look down upon and deride others, as the ostrich scorns the horse and rider [[Job 39:18]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4754}}` is a rare but illustrative word. Though its applications in scripture seem different—describing a morally **filthy** city and an ostrich that **lifteth up** itself—both point to the root definition "to rebel." Whether through moral pollution or prideful action, the word captures a sense of defiant opposition to divine and natural order.
TRV