feminine of מַרְאֶה; a vision; also (causatively) a mirror; looking glass, vision.
Transliteration:marʼâh
Pronunciation:mar-aw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun H4759 (מַרְאָה, *mar'âh*) is derived from the verbal root `{{H7200}}` (רָאָה, *ra'ah*), meaning "to see." As a feminine noun, mar'âh primarily denotes "a vision," referring to a supernatural sight or divine revelation. This aspect emphasizes God's initiative in disclosing Himself or His will to humanity through direct, often pictorial, means. It is distinct from the masculine `{{H4758}}` (מַרְאֶה, *mar'eh*), which more broadly signifies "sight," "appearance," or "what is seen," though the two are closely related and sometimes used synonymously for "vision."
Beyond its primary sense of divine vision, mar'âh also carries a causative meaning: "that which causes one to see," specifically "a mirror" or "looking glass." This usage highlights an object designed for reflection, enabling self-perception or observation of one's surroundings. The dual semantic range of mar'âh — encompassing both the direct reception of divine truth and the physical means of visual perception — offers a rich theological tapestry.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H4759 appears in various significant contexts, illuminating its dual meaning:
1. **Divine Vision (Revelation):** This is the predominant usage.
* In [[Genesis 15:1]], the "word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision" (בַּמַּחֲזֶה, *bammachazeh*, using a related term, but mar'ah also means vision, the concept is the same). This marks a foundational moment of covenantal promise and divine assurance, where God directly communicates with His chosen servant.
* [[Numbers 12:6]] provides a crucial distinction in prophetic revelation: "If there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, make Myself known to him in a vision (בַּמַּרְאָה, *bammara'ah*), I speak with him in a dream." This verse contrasts the direct, waking vision with the dream state, setting the stage for Moses' unique face-to-face communication with God, which transcends even the prophetic vision. Here, mar'âh signifies a clear, often symbolic, divine encounter.
* The book of Ezekiel frequently employs mar'âh to describe the prophet's profound encounters with God. Ezekiel's call begins with "visions of God" (מַרְאוֹת אֱלֹהִים, *mar'ot elohim*) in [[Ezekiel 1:1]], and his entire prophetic ministry is framed by these elaborate, often symbolic, divine manifestations ([[Ezekiel 8:3]], [[Ezekiel 40:2]]). These visions serve as the source and validation of his prophetic message to Israel in exile.
2. **Mirror/Looking Glass (Reflection):**
* [[Exodus 38:8]] describes the "bronze laver and its bronze stand, made from the mirrors (מַרְאֹת, *mar'ot*) of the ministering women who ministered at the entrance of the tent of meeting." Here, mar'âh refers to literal, polished metal mirrors. The transformation of these personal items into an implement for priestly purification underscores a shift from self-adornment to ritual cleansing, perhaps symbolizing the need for introspection before approaching the Holy God.
* In [[Job 37:18]], Elihu describes God's power in nature: "Can you, with Him, spread out the skies, strong as a molten mirror (כְּרַאי מֻצָק, *kera'i mutzaq*)?" While the exact word is `{{H7209}}` (רְאִי, *re'i*), which is also from `{{H7200}}` and means "mirror" or "sight," it shares the same conceptual field with mar'âh in its reflective sense. This poetic imagery highlights the vastness, solidity, and reflective quality of the sky as a testament to divine craftsmanship.
### Related Words & Concepts
H4759 is deeply intertwined with other Hebrew terms related to sight, perception, and divine communication:
* **`{{H7200}}` (רָאָה, *ra'ah*):** The fundamental verb "to see," from which mar'âh is derived. This root undergirds all concepts of vision, perception, and appearance.
* **`{{H4758}}` (מַרְאֶה, *mar'eh*):** The masculine counterpart, meaning "sight," "appearance," or "vision." While often used for general appearance ([[Genesis 24:16]]), it can also denote a divine vision ([[Ezekiel 1:5]]). The distinction between mar'ah and mar'eh can be subtle, with mar'ah often emphasizing the *event* or *content* of a specific revelatory vision.
* **`{{H2377}}` (חָזוֹן, *chazon*):** Another common word for "vision," particularly a prophetic vision, often implying a weighty or formal prophetic utterance ([[Isaiah 1:1]]). While mar'âh can be a direct, vivid experience, chazon often refers to the broader prophetic burden or revelation.
* **`{{H2376}}` (חָזָה, *chazah*):** The verb "to see" in a prophetic or contemplative sense, "to behold."
* **`{{H1697}}` (דָּבָר, *davar*):** "Word" or "thing." Often found in parallel with "vision" ([[Jeremiah 23:28]]), indicating that God's word is frequently conveyed through visual revelation.
The concepts associated with mar'âh include divine revelation, prophetic inspiration, direct communication from God, insight, perception, and self-reflection.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H4759 is profound, primarily revolving around God's active engagement with humanity:
* **Divine Initiative in Revelation:** Mar'âh underscores the truth that God is not silent but actively reveals Himself and His purposes to His people. Visions are a primary means by which God bridges the gap between His transcendence and His immanent interaction with creation.
* **Validation of Prophetic Authority:** For prophets like Ezekiel, the "visions of God" (mar'ot elohim) served as the irrefutable source and authentication of their divine mandate and message. These visions were not mere dreams or human imaginings but direct encounters with the divine realm, imparting authority to the prophet's words.
* **Modes of Divine Communication:** The distinction in [[Numbers 12:6]] highlights the varied yet purposeful ways God communicates. While dreams and visions were common, Moses' unique direct speech with God elevated his prophetic status, demonstrating that while mar'âh is a powerful mode of revelation, God can choose even more intimate forms of communion.
* **Spiritual Perception and Purity:** The use of mar'âh for "mirrors" in [[Exodus 38:8]] offers a subtle yet significant theological insight. The transformation of personal mirrors into an instrument for the tabernacle's laver suggests that even common objects can be consecrated for sacred purposes. More deeply, it hints at the necessity of self-examination and purification (seeing oneself clearly) before drawing near to a holy God. This resonates conceptually with New Testament ideas of spiritual reflection, though using different terminology (e.g., [[1 Corinthians 13:12]]'s "through a glass darkly," [[James 1:23-24]]'s person looking in a mirror).
### Summary
The Hebrew word H4759 (מַרְאָה, *mar'âh*) is a rich term signifying both "a vision" and "a mirror." Primarily, it denotes a divine revelation, a supernatural sight through which God communicates His will and presence to prophets and chosen individuals, as seen preeminently in the experiences of Abraham, Moses, and Ezekiel. This usage highlights God's initiative in self-disclosure and the authoritative nature of prophetic communication. Secondarily, mar'âh refers to a physical mirror, an object of reflection, notably used in the construction of the tabernacle's laver. This dual meaning subtly points to both the direct reception of divine truth and the human capacity for perception and self-examination. In essence, mar'âh encapsulates the dynamic interplay between God's clear revelation and humanity's response, whether through receiving divine insight or through reflective self-assessment in His presence.
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