denominative from רֶגֶל; (plural for collective) a footpiece, i.e. (adverbially) at the foot, or (direct.) the foot itself; feet. Compare מְרַאֲשָׁה.
Transliteration:margᵉlâh
Pronunciation:mar-ghel-aw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term margᵉlâh (מַרְגְלָה, `{{H4772}}`) is a denominative noun derived from the more common word regel (רֶגֶל, `{{H7272}}`), meaning "foot." As such, its core semantic range centers on the concept of "footpiece" or, more commonly in its biblical usage, an adverbial sense of "at the feet." It can denote the physical space at someone's feet, or by extension, a position of humility, dependence, or supplication. The plural form, as noted in the base definition, often functions collectively to refer to the feet themselves or the area around them. The explicit comparison to mera'ashah (מְרַאֲשָׁה, `{{H4761}}`), meaning "at the head" or "headpiece," is crucial, indicating a complementary term for a person's sleeping position or location relative to another.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term margᵉlâh (מַרְגְלָה, `{{H4772}}`) appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both within the book of Ruth, specifically in the third chapter:
* **[[Ruth 3:4]]**: Naomi instructs Ruth, "And it shall be, when he lies down, that you shall note the place where he lies; then you shall go in, uncover his feet (מַרְגְלֹתָיו), and lie down; and he will tell you what you should do."
* **[[Ruth 3:7]]**: Describing Ruth's action, "And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain; and she came softly and uncovered his feet (מַרְגְלֹתָיו) and lay down."
In both instances, the word is used in the plural construct form, margᵉlōtāw ("his feet" or "at his feet"). The context is highly significant. Ruth's act of uncovering Boaz's feet and lying down there is a culturally nuanced gesture. It is not merely a physical act but a profound symbolic one. Lying at someone's feet conveyed a position of humility, vulnerability, and a plea for protection or favor. In this specific narrative, it signifies Ruth's petition to Boaz to act as her kinsman-redeemer (go'el, `{{H1350}}`), seeking marriage and the perpetuation of her deceased husband's lineage. The act is bold yet respectful, relying on established social codes for seeking a protector. The mildness of Boaz's reaction, rather than outrage, confirms the symbolic nature of the gesture within their cultural framework.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is regel (רֶגֶל, `{{H7272}}`), the root from which margᵉlâh is derived. Regel encompasses a wide semantic field, including the physical foot, walking, journey, following, and metaphorical expressions of submission or authority (e.g., placing enemies under one's feet).
Crucially, margᵉlâh stands in direct conceptual parallel to mera'ashah (מְרַאֲשָׁה, `{{H4761}}`), meaning "at the head" or "headpiece." This pairing is evident in narratives where individuals sleep, with items placed either at their head or at their feet (e.g., David taking Saul's spear from his mera'ashah in [[1 Samuel 26:7]], [[1 Samuel 26:11]], [[1 Samuel 26:12]]). The use of margᵉlâh specifically highlights the *opposite* end, emphasizing Ruth's position of profound humility and dependence, as opposed to a position of honor or comfort at the head.
Concepts closely associated with margᵉlâh in its biblical usage include:
* **Humility and Submission**: The act of lying at someone's feet signifies a posture of lowliness and deference.
* **Seeking Refuge/Protection**: It is a plea for shelter and care, akin to seeking refuge "under the wings" (cf. [[Ruth 2:12]]).
* **Redemption and Kinsman-Redeemer**: Ruth's action is directly linked to her request for Boaz to fulfill the role of go'el (`{{H1350}}`).
* **Marriage Proposal**: In the unique context of Ruth, this act serves as a veiled yet clear proposal for marriage, contingent upon Boaz's willingness to redeem.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of margᵉlâh (מַרְגְלָה, `{{H4772}}`) is profound despite its limited occurrences. It serves as a pivotal element in the narrative of Ruth, underscoring themes of divine providence, human initiative, and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through ordinary, yet faith-filled, individuals.
Ruth's act of lying at Boaz's feet is more than a cultural custom; it is an act of profound trust and vulnerability. Theologically, it mirrors the posture of humanity before God: a humble admission of need and a reliance on a greater power for provision and salvation. Her position at his feet, traditionally a place of servants or supplicants, sets the stage for Boaz's response as the kinsman-redeemer. When Boaz spreads his cloak (kanaph, `{{H3671}}`) over her in [[Ruth 3:9]], he is fulfilling the very act of protection and covenantal commitment that her position at his feet implicitly requested. This act of "covering" is a direct response to her seeking refuge.
Furthermore, the narrative of Ruth, culminating in the lineage of David and ultimately Christ, highlights how God uses seemingly unconventional or humble means to achieve His grand purposes. Ruth's bold yet reverent act at Boaz's feet is a testament to the faith that trusts in divine provision even when human circumstances seem bleak. It foreshadows the ultimate redemption provided through Christ, who, though divine, humbled Himself to take on human form and redeem His people. The "feet" here become a symbol of the place where human need meets divine grace and provision.
### Summary
The Hebrew word margᵉlâh (מַרְגְלָה, `{{H4772}}`), derived from regel (`{{H7272}}`), denotes a "footpiece" or, more significantly, the position "at the feet." Though appearing only twice in the biblical text ([[Ruth 3:4]], [[Ruth 3:7]]), its usage in the book of Ruth is replete with symbolic meaning. Ruth's act of uncovering Boaz's feet and lying there is a powerful cultural gesture of humility, submission, and a plea for protection and redemption from her kinsman-redeemer. This action, juxtaposed with the concept of mera'ashah (`{{H4761}}` - at the head), emphasizes her vulnerable yet faith-filled posture. Theologically, margᵉlâh in this context illuminates themes of human dependence on divine provision, the nature of seeking refuge, and the humble yet profound steps taken in God's redemptive plan, ultimately contributing to the lineage of the Messiah. It is a testament to the power of a submissive spirit in seeking and receiving grace.
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