### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb H4775 (מָרַד, *mârad*) is a primitive root whose core meaning is "to rebel" or "to revolt." It describes an active and often open defiance against an established authority or legitimate rule. Unlike mere disobedience, *mârad* implies a deliberate act of breaking allegiance or challenging a superior power. Its semantic range encompasses both political and spiritual dimensions. In a political sense, it denotes insurrection or a refusal to submit to a sovereign. Theologically, it signifies a profound act of apostasy or a rejection of divine authority, representing a willful turning away from God's commands and covenant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb *mârad* appears in various contexts throughout the Hebrew Bible, predominantly in historical narratives and prophetic literature, highlighting its significance in describing both human-to-human and human-to-God relationships.
* **Political Rebellion:** A common usage of *mârad* is to describe a kingdom or people rebelling against a reigning monarch or an occupying power. For instance, Moab's rebellion against Israel is recorded in [[2 Kings 1:1]] and [[2 Kings 3:5]], signifying a rejection of tribute and subjugation. Similarly, Edom's revolt against Judah is noted in [[2 Kings 8:20]] and [[2 Kings 8:22]]. Hezekiah's defiance against the king of Assyria in [[2 Kings 18:7]] is also described using this verb, indicating a strategic break from vassalage. Zedekiah's rebellion against the king of Babylon, leading to Judah's ultimate downfall, is a pivotal example found in [[2 Chronicles 36:13]]. In these instances, *mârad* carries the weight of a serious political transgression, often leading to military conflict and severe consequences.
* **Spiritual Rebellion:** Crucially, *mârad* also describes the people of Israel's rebellion against YHWH. One of the most poignant uses is in [[Nehemiah 9:26]], where the Levites' prayer recounts Israel's historical pattern of rebellion against God, casting His law behind their backs and slaying His prophets. This highlights a profound spiritual breach, a rejection of divine instruction and covenant obligations. While the base definition is "to rebel," when applied to God, it underscores a deliberate act of apostasy and unfaithfulness, demonstrating a profound lack of trust and obedience to the Creator and Covenant Lord.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of rebellion is central to biblical theology, and *mârad* interacts with several related terms:
* **`{{H4805}}` (מְרִי - *meri*):** This noun, directly derived from *mârad*, means "rebellion" or "rebelliousness." It is notably used throughout the book of Ezekiel to describe Israel as a "rebellious house" (e.g., [[Ezekiel 2:5]], [[Ezekiel 12:2]]), emphasizing their inherent and persistent defiance against God. This derived noun underscores the ingrained nature of Israel's spiritual condition.
* **`{{H6586}}` (פָּשַׁע - *pasha*):** Often translated as "to transgress," "to rebel," or "to revolt," *pasha* frequently denotes a breach of covenant or a trespass against God. While similar to *mârad*, *pasha* can have a broader application to any transgression, whereas *mârad* often carries a stronger sense of active, open defiance, especially against authority.
* **`{{H4784}}` (מָרָה - *marah*):** This verb means "to be rebellious," "to be contentious," or "to provoke." It often describes the people's stubborn and disobedient attitude towards God, particularly in the wilderness narratives (e.g., [[Numbers 20:10]]). While distinct, its semantic field overlaps significantly with *mârad*, both pointing to a spirit of defiance.
* **Antonyms/Contrasting Concepts:** The opposite of *mârad* would be concepts of obedience (`{{H8085}}` - *shama* - "to hear, obey"), submission, loyalty, faithfulness (`{{H539}}` - *aman* - "to be firm, faithful"), and allegiance.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *mârad* is profound, particularly in the context of Israel's relationship with YHWH.
* **Challenge to Divine Sovereignty:** When *mârad* describes rebellion against God, it represents the ultimate affront to His absolute sovereignty and authority. It is a direct rejection of His rightful claim as Creator, Redeemer, and Lawgiver. Such rebellion is not merely disobedience but an active usurpation of divine prerogative.
* **Breach of Covenant:** For Israel, rebellion against YHWH was a catastrophic breach of the covenant established at Sinai. The covenant was predicated on loyalty and obedience, and *mârad* signifies a deliberate violation of these foundational terms, endangering the very existence and identity of the nation as God's chosen people.
* **Consequences of Rebellion:** The biblical narrative consistently links *mârad* with severe divine judgment. The historical books meticulously record how Israel's repeated rebellions led to cycles of oppression, exile, and suffering, culminating in the Babylonian captivity. This demonstrates God's righteous response to unfaithfulness and His commitment to upholding His covenant, even through disciplinary action.
* **Human Depravity:** The pervasive theme of rebellion, whether political or spiritual, highlights the inherent human tendency towards self-will and defiance against divine authority. It underscores the fallen nature of humanity, prone to reject the good and rightful rule of God in favor of autonomy.
* **Call to Repentance and Restoration:** Despite the gravity of rebellion, the prophets often use the concept of *mârad* as a backdrop for a fervent call to repentance. God's long-suffering patience and His desire for His people to turn from their rebellious ways and return to Him (e.g., [[Jeremiah 3:12-14]]) underscore His gracious character even in the face of profound unfaithfulness.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb H4775 (מָרַד, *mârad*) signifies a deliberate act of active rebellion or revolt, whether against human political authority or, more significantly, against the divine sovereignty of YHWH. In political contexts, it denotes a breaking of allegiance and a challenge to established rule, often leading to conflict. Theologically, *mârad* describes Israel's profound spiritual unfaithfulness, a willful rejection of God's covenant and law, as vividly portrayed in passages like [[Nehemiah 9:26]]. This act of rebellion against God is a severe breach of the divine-human relationship, highlighting human depravity and incurring divine judgment, yet it also serves as a catalyst for prophetic calls to repentance and a demonstration of God's enduring desire for reconciliation. The related noun `{{H4805}}` (*meri*) further emphasizes the persistent rebellious nature within the biblical narrative.
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