from an unused root meaning to tie up; a stall (for cattle); [idiom] fat(-ted), stall.
Transliteration:marbêq
Pronunciation:mar-bake'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H4770}}` *marbêq* is derived from an unused root that conveys the meaning "to tie up." This foundational sense informs its primary literal meaning: a "stall" or "pen" where cattle are confined, typically for feeding. Animals kept in such a setting are often being prepared for a specific purpose, such as sacrifice, market, or consumption. Consequently, a significant semantic extension of *marbêq* is the idiomatic sense of "fattened" or "fat," referring to the condition of animals that have been well-fed in a stall. This idiom highlights the abundance of provision and the resulting plumpness or vigor of the animal. Thus, *marbêq* can refer to the physical enclosure or the state of being well-nourished within such an enclosure.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H4770}}` *marbêq* appears in several key biblical passages, each illuminating its nuanced meaning:
* In [[1 Kings 4:23]], *marbêq* is used in the context of King Solomon's daily provisions, specifying "ten fattened oxen" (אֲלָפִים מְרִיאִים וּמַרְבֵּק). Here, *marbêq* clearly signifies cattle that have been specially fed and prepared, emphasizing the immense wealth and abundance characteristic of Solomon's reign, a sign of divine blessing and a prosperous kingdom.
* [[Jeremiah 46:21]] employs *marbêq* metaphorically in a prophecy against Egypt: "Also her mercenaries in her midst are like fattened calves" (וְגַם-שְׂכִירֶיהָ בְקִרְבָּהּ כְּעֶגְלֵי מַרְבֵּק). In this context, the "fattened calves" represent the Egyptian soldiers, strong and well-fed, yet destined for slaughter. The image conveys a sense of their readiness for destruction, highlighting their vulnerability despite their apparent strength, mirroring the fate of animals prepared for the knife.
* The prophet Amos uses *marbêq* in [[Amos 6:4]] to condemn the complacent elite of Israel: "who eat lambs from the flock and calves from the midst of the stall" (וַעֲגָלִים מִתּוֹךְ מַרְבֵּק). Here, *marbêq* underscores the luxurious and indulgent lifestyle of those who exploit others, consuming the finest provisions without concern for justice or the impending divine judgment. It speaks to a misuse of abundance for self-gratification.
* Perhaps the most potent use of *marbêq* is found in [[Malachi 4:2]] (or 3:20 in some translations), a promise to those who fear the Lord: "But for you who fear My name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in His wings; and you will go out and leap like calves from the stall" (וּפַשְׁתֶּם כְּעֶגְלֵי מַרְבֵּק). This vivid imagery depicts the righteous being released from confinement or oppression, bursting forth with exuberant joy, vitality, and freedom, much like young calves, previously confined and fattened, are released into a pasture. It signifies spiritual liberation and flourishing.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept embedded in `{{H4770}}` *marbêq* resonates with several related Hebrew terms and theological concepts:
* **`{{H1279}}` *bari'* (fat, well-fed):** This adjective often describes animals that are plump and healthy, directly aligning with the "fattened" aspect of *marbêq*.
* **`{{H2459}}` *chelev* (fat, choicest part):** This noun refers to the richest, most valuable part of an animal, often associated with offerings to God. The idea of "fattened" animals implies the provision of the best.
* **`{{H1241}}` *baqar* (cattle, herd):** The general term for cattle, which are the primary occupants of a *marbêq*.
* **`{{H4830}}` *mariyth* (pasture, feeding place):** While *marbêq* implies confinement for feeding, *mariyth* denotes open grazing lands, representing a contrasting environment for livestock.
* **`{{H7230}}` *rav* (abundance, multitude):** The state of having "fattened" animals is indicative of great abundance and prosperity.
* The underlying root meaning "to tie up" connects to concepts of *confinement*, *preparation*, and *readiness* for a specific purpose, whether it be for consumption, sacrifice, or release.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4770}}` *marbêq* is multifaceted, reflecting themes of divine provision, human responsibility, judgment, and restoration:
* **Divine Provision and Abundance:** In the context of Solomon's reign ([[1 Kings 4:23]]), the "fattened oxen" symbolize the lavish provision and blessing bestowed by God upon His chosen king and kingdom. It speaks to a period of peace and prosperity where resources are abundant.
* **Warning Against Indulgence and Apathy:** Amos's use of *marbêq* ([[Amos 6:4]]) serves as a powerful critique of those who indulge in luxury while ignoring the suffering of others and the demands of justice. It highlights the spiritual danger of complacency and the misuse of God-given abundance, leading to divine judgment.
* **Metaphor for Judgment and Vulnerability:** Jeremiah's imagery of "fattened calves" ([[Jeremiah 46:21]]) destined for slaughter portrays the swift and inescapable judgment awaiting those who oppose God. It emphasizes that apparent strength or abundance can become a sign of impending doom, as those prepared for consumption are ultimately helpless.
* **Promise of Liberation and Spiritual Vitality:** The most profound theological application of *marbêq* is found in Malachi's prophecy ([[Malachi 4:2]]). The image of believers "leaping like calves from the stall" encapsulates the joyous, unbridled freedom and renewed vigor that await the righteous upon the Lord's return. It signifies a transition from a state of spiritual confinement or oppression to one of exuberant life, healing, and flourishing, empowered by the "Sun of Righteousness." This speaks to the transformative power of God's redemptive work, bringing about profound spiritual and physical liberation.
### Summary
The Hebrew term `{{H4770}}` *marbêq* fundamentally denotes a "stall" where cattle are confined, leading to the idiomatic sense of "fattened" or "well-fed." Its biblical occurrences reveal a rich semantic range: from signifying royal abundance and divine blessing ([[1 Kings 4:23]]), to condemning human indulgence and complacency ([[Amos 6:4]]), and serving as a metaphor for impending judgment ([[Jeremiah 46:21]]). Most significantly, *marbêq* appears in [[Malachi 4:2]] as a powerful symbol of the glorious liberation, vitality, and exuberant joy that awaits the righteous, illustrating their release into a state of spiritual flourishing. Thus, *marbêq* encapsulates themes of provision, responsibility, judgment, and ultimately, the triumphant restoration and vitality promised to those who fear the Lord.
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