### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **mârâd**, represented by `{{H4779}}`, means **rebellious**. It appears **2 times** in **2 unique verses** in the Bible. It is used to describe a state of being rebellious or actively engaged in rebellion against authority.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Both occurrences of `{{H4779}}` are found in the book of Ezra and are used in a letter to the king of Persia to halt the reconstruction of Jerusalem. The city is first described as the "**rebellious** and the bad city" by those opposing its rebuilding [[Ezra 4:12]]. Later in the same letter, the accusers urge the king to search the historical records, predicting he will find that Jerusalem is a "**rebellious** city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces" where sedition has occurred in the past [[Ezra 4:15]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words provide context to the charge of being rebellious:
* `{{H873}}` **biʼûwsh** (wicked; bad): This word is used directly alongside `{{H4779}}` to characterize Jerusalem as the "rebellious and **bad** city" [[Ezra 4:12]].
* `{{H5142}}` **nᵉzaq** (to suffer (causatively, inflict) loss; have (en-) damage, hurt(-ful)): This describes the consequence of the city's rebellious nature, labeling it as "**hurtful** unto kings and provinces" [[Ezra 4:15]].
* `{{H849}}` **ʼeshtaddûwr** (rebellion; sedition): This specifies the type of rebellious activity that has taken place within the city, stating that they have moved "**sedition**" there [[Ezra 4:15]].
* `{{H5648}}` **ʻăbad** (to do, make, prepare, keep, etc.): This action verb is used to state that the inhabitants have "**moved**" or made sedition within the city [[Ezra 4:15]].
### Theological Significance
The conceptual weight of `{{H4779}}` in its biblical context is centered on political accusation and historical reputation.
* **A Tool of Opposition:** The term is used by the enemies of the Jews to frame the rebuilding of Jerusalem as an act of defiance, not of restoration. They label the city as "**rebellious**" to create fear and prompt intervention from the king [[Ezra 4:12]].
* **Foundation for Damage:** Being rebellious is directly linked to causing harm to the ruling powers. The charge implies that the city's existence will lead to financial loss and be "**hurtful** unto kings" [[Ezra 4:15]].
* **History of Sedition:** The word is used to appeal to a historical record, arguing that Jerusalem has a long-standing reputation for "**sedition**" and insurrection against kings ([[Ezra 4:15]], [[Ezra 4:19]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4779}}` is a narrowly used Aramaic term whose meaning is sharpened by its context in Ezra. It is not a general term for disobedience but a specific political charge of being **rebellious** against imperial authority. Its use demonstrates how accusations of sedition and being historically "bad" and "hurtful" were leveled to justify halting the work of God's people in Jerusalem.
TRV