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.
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.
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.
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).
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