plural of מַר feminine; bitter springs; Maroth, a place in Palestine; Maroth.
Transliteration:Mârôwth
Pronunciation:maw-rohth'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H4796, *Mârôwth* (מָרוֹת), is derived from the plural feminine form of the root *mar* (מַר, `{{H4751}}`), meaning "bitter." As such, its literal meaning encompasses "bitternesses" or "bitter things." In its specific usage as a proper noun, it designates a geographical location, typically understood as "bitter springs" or a place characterized by bitterness, perhaps due to its water source or its prevailing conditions. The name itself carries a potent semantic weight, imbuing the place with an inherent quality of sorrow or difficulty.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *Mârôwth* appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, within the prophetic book of Micah:
* [[Micah 1:12]]: "For the inhabitant of Maroth waits anxiously for good, because disaster has come down from the LORD to the gate of Jerusalem."
In this sole occurrence, Maroth is listed among a series of towns in the Shephelah (lowlands) of Judah that are subject to divine judgment, likely referencing the Assyrian invasion during the late 8th century BCE. Micah's oracle employs a series of evocative wordplays and geographical allusions to underscore the pervasive nature of the impending calamity. The phrase "waits anxiously for good" (חָלָה לְטוֹב) paints a picture of desperate hope amidst overwhelming despair. The very name "Maroth," meaning "bitterness," serves as a poignant and ironic foreshadowing or reflection of the bitter experience its inhabitants are enduring or are about to endure. The name is not merely a label but a descriptor of their existential state under the shadow of divine wrath. The context emphasizes the universal reach of God's judgment, extending even to seemingly insignificant towns, and highlights the sorrowful consequences of national apostasy.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for *Mârôwth* is its root, *mar* (מַר, `{{H4751}}`), which signifies "bitter" in various contexts. This root is widely used in the Old Testament to describe:
* **Literal bitterness**: Such as bitter herbs ([[Exodus 12:8]]) or bitter water ([[Numbers 5:18]]).
* **Figurative bitterness**: Indicating deep sorrow, grief, or distress ([[Ruth 1:20]], where Naomi changes her name to Mara, meaning "bitter"; [[Proverbs 14:10]]; [[Isaiah 38:17]]).
* **Divine judgment**: Often associated with bitter experiences or consequences ([[Jeremiah 9:15]]; [[Lamentations 3:15]]).
* **Related place names**: While not directly cognate, other biblical place names also carry symbolic or descriptive meanings, often reflecting the character or fate of the location (e.g., Ai, Beer-sheba).
The concept of "bitterness" is a pervasive biblical theme, often linked to suffering, lament, and the consequences of sin. Maroth, as a place name, embodies this concept within a specific geographical and historical context of divine judgment.
### Theological Significance
The singular mention of Maroth in Micah's prophecy, with its evocative name, carries significant theological weight.
1. **Symbol of Divine Judgment**: The name "Maroth" (bitter springs) serves as a potent symbol of the severity and pervasive nature of God's judgment. The "bitterness" of the place name reflects the bitter experience of the inhabitants as calamity descends upon them. It underscores that the consequences of disobedience are tangible and affect all aspects of life, even the very landscape.
2. **Thematic Resonance**: The inclusion of Maroth in Micah's oracle aligns with a broader biblical theology where suffering and sorrow are often portrayed as the bitter fruits of human sin and rebellion against God. The prophet uses the inherent meaning of the place name to amplify his message of impending doom and the sorrow it will bring.
3. **Human Desperation Amidst Judgment**: The phrase "waits anxiously for good" highlights the human longing for relief and divine favor, even when facing the full force of God's righteous anger. It underscores the tension between human hope and the unfolding reality of judgment, suggesting that even in the midst of bitter circumstances, there remains a yearning for divine intervention.
4. **Prophetic Literary Device**: The use of a place name with such a descriptive meaning demonstrates the prophetic genius of Micah. He employs the name not merely as a geographical marker but as a powerful literary and theological device, deepening the impact of his pronouncements and making the message of judgment more visceral and personal to his audience.
### Summary
H4796, *Mârôwth*, is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "bitter springs" or "bitternesses," derived from the root *mar* (`{{H4751}}`), "bitter." It appears only once in the Bible, in [[Micah 1:12]], as a town in Judah facing divine judgment. Its name is highly symbolic, reflecting the "bitter" experience of suffering and calamity that its inhabitants endure. The theological significance of Maroth lies in its function as a poignant emblem of divine judgment and its consequences, underscoring the pervasive nature of sorrow brought about by national disobedience. The place name itself becomes a powerful literary and theological tool, enhancing the prophetic message of impending doom and the human yearning for good amidst profound bitterness.
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