formed like מַרְאָשָׁה; properly, a headpiece, i.e. (plural for adverbial) at (or as) the head-rest (or pillow); bolster, head, pillow. Compare מַרְגְלָה.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mᵉraʼăshâh**, represented by `{{H4763}}`, refers to a headpiece or the place at the head used for rest. Its definition includes **bolster**, **head**, and **pillow**. This term appears **8 times** across **8 unique verses**, consistently denoting the area immediately surrounding a person's head while lying down.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H4763}}` is used in various practical contexts. For Jacob, it describes the stone he took and **put** `{{H7760}}` for his **pillows** before sleeping [[Genesis 28:11]], which he later set up as a pillar [[Genesis 28:18]]. For King Saul, the term refers to the **bolster** where his spear and a cruse of water were kept while he slept, highlighting a place of both rest and vulnerability ([[1 Samuel 26:7]], [[1 Samuel 26:11]]). In a moment of deception, Michal used an image in a bed with a pillow of goat's hair for its **bolster** `{{H4763}}` to mislead messengers ([[1 Samuel 19:13]], [[1 Samuel 19:16]]). The word is also translated as **head** in the account of Elijah, where he finds a cake and water placed there for him [[1 Kings 19:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the function and context of `{{H4763}}`:
* `{{H3523}}` **kᵉbîyr** (pillow): Defined as a matrass of intertwined materials, this word appears alongside `{{H4763}}` in the story of Michal's deception. She placed a **pillow** `{{H3523}}` of goat's hair for the image's **bolster** `{{H4763}}`, suggesting `{{H4763}}` is the location and `{{H3523}}` is the specific object placed there [[1 Samuel 19:13]].
* `{{H7760}}` **sûwm** (to put): This primitive root describes the action of placing or setting something. It is used to show Jacob **put** stones for his pillows [[Genesis 28:11]] and Michal **put** a pillow for the bolster [[1 Samuel 19:13]], indicating the deliberate creation of a headrest.
* `{{H7901}}` **shâkab** (to lie down): This verb, meaning to lie down for rest or sleep, provides the essential context for `{{H4763}}`. Jacob **lay down** `{{H7901}}` using the stones as pillows [[Genesis 28:11]], and Saul **lay** `{{H7901}}` sleeping when David found him [[1 Samuel 26:7]].
### Theological Significance
While primarily a practical term, the usage of `{{H4763}}` carries contextual significance.
* **A Place of Vulnerability and Opportunity:** The space at the **bolster** is where a sleeping Saul is most vulnerable, allowing David to take the spear and cruse of water as proof of his mercy [[1 Samuel 26:16]].
* **A Location for Provision and Deception:** It is at Elijah's **head** `{{H4763}}` that divine provision appears [[1 Kings 19:6]]. Conversely, it is the area used by Michal to stage a clever deception [[1 Samuel 19:16]].
* **From Mundane to Sacred:** The stone Jacob used for his **pillows** `{{H4763}}` is an ordinary object for rest, but it becomes the focal point of a sacred vow after his dream, transformed into a pillar to mark a holy place [[Genesis 28:18]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4763}}` consistently denotes the physical space at the head of someone who is lying down. Whether an improvised stone **pillow**, a formal **bolster** in a bed, or simply the area at one's **head**, it is a place associated with rest, personal effects, and vulnerability. Its meaning is grounded in the everyday act of sleep, yet as seen with Jacob, an object found at this place can be elevated from the common to the consecrated.
TRV