from an unused root meaning to scream; a cry, i.e. (of job), a revel; banquet.
Transliteration:mirzach
Pronunciation:meer-zakh'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מִרְזַח (transliterated as *mirzach*, Strong's `{{H4797}}`) derives from an unused root that conveys the sense of "to scream" or "to cry out." This etymological foundation provides a crucial insight into the word's semantic range, suggesting a gathering characterized by intense sound or emotion. While its root points to a "cry," the word's actual biblical usage expands its meaning to denote a "revel" or "banquet." This semantic development implies that the "cry" is not necessarily one of pain or distress, but rather the tumultuous shouting, boisterous noise, or loud exclamations associated with a communal gathering, whether for celebration or mourning. Thus, *mirzach* encompasses the idea of a significant, often loud, communal feast or assembly.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *mirzach* appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, each instance offering a distinct yet related contextual nuance:
1. **[[Jeremiah 16:5]]**: "For thus says the Lord: Do not enter the house of mourning, nor go to lament or bemoan them; for I have taken away My peace from this people, My lovingkindness and My mercies, says the Lord." In this passage, *mirzach* is translated as "mourning feast" or "house of revelry" in the context of funeral rites. The verse commands Jeremiah not to participate in the customary gatherings associated with death, specifically the "house of *mirzach*." Here, it refers to a communal meal or gathering held in the wake of a death, often accompanied by lamentation and ritual mourning. The "scream" or "cry" from its root meaning could easily align with the wailing and loud expressions of grief characteristic of ancient Near Eastern mourning practices. God's prohibition signifies a severe judgment, where even the solace of traditional mourning rituals is denied, underscoring the depth of divine displeasure.
2. **[[Amos 6:7]]**: "Therefore they shall now go into captivity with the first of the captives; and the revelry of those who stretch themselves out shall depart." Here, *mirzach* is translated as "revelry" or "banquet." The prophet Amos condemns the complacent and luxurious elite of Israel who indulge in excessive feasting and self-indulgence while ignoring the impending judgment and the suffering of the poor. The context describes their opulent lifestyle, marked by lavish meals, music, and drinking. In this setting, the "scream" or "cry" of *mirzach* likely refers to the boisterous, perhaps drunken, shouting and clamor of a riotous banquet. This is a scene of unholy celebration, a stark contrast to the mourning context in Jeremiah, yet both involve intense communal gatherings marked by significant auditory expression.
These two occurrences reveal the word's flexibility, able to describe both a solemn mourning feast and a riotous, indulgent banquet, unified by the underlying concept of an intense, loud communal gathering.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field surrounding *mirzach* includes terms related to feasting, communal gatherings, and expressions of intense emotion:
* **Feasting and Banquets**: Hebrew terms like מִשְׁתֶּה (mishteh, `{{H4744}}`), referring to a "feast" or "drinking party," share the general domain of communal meals. The concept of excessive indulgence is often conveyed by verbs like זָלַל (zālal, `{{H2077}}`), meaning "to be worthless" or "to squander," often applied to gluttony and riotous living.
* **Mourning and Lamentation**: Words such as אֵבֶל (ʾēvel, `{{H60}}`), meaning "mourning," and בָּכָה (bākhah, `{{H1058}}`), "to weep," relate to the Jeremiah context. The loud expressions implied by *mirzach* resonate with the public displays of grief common in the ancient world.
* **Shouting and Crying**: The root meaning of *mirzach* connects it to verbs of intense vocalization, such as צָעַק (ṣāʿaq, `{{H6817}}`), "to cry out," or רוּעַ (rûaʿ, `{{H7442}}`), "to shout," which can refer to a war-cry, a shout of joy, or a general clamor. This reinforces the idea that *mirzach* is not merely a quiet meal but a vociferous event.
The dual application of *mirzach* highlights the ancient Israelite understanding that communal gatherings, whether for sorrow or joy, were often characterized by loud, expressive participation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *mirzach* lies in its portrayal of communal human activity, often in the context of divine judgment or expectation. Its etymological root, implying a "scream" or "cry," suggests an inherent intensity to the gatherings it describes, whether of lament or revelry.
In [[Jeremiah 16:5]], the prohibition against entering the "house of *mirzach*" signifies a profound disruption of social and religious norms. God's command to abstain from traditional mourning rites underscores the severity of the impending judgment on Judah. It suggests that the usual comforts and communal solidarity found in such gatherings would be stripped away, leaving the people in stark recognition of their desolate state under divine wrath. This suspension of ritual highlights God's direct intervention in their suffering, demanding a unique form of acknowledgment and repentance.
In [[Amos 6:7]], *mirzach* serves as a powerful indictment of the moral decay and spiritual blindness of Israel's elite. Their "revelry" is not merely entertainment but a symptom of their arrogant self-sufficiency and disregard for the covenant and the plight of the oppressed. This riotous banquet, characterized by excessive indulgence, represents a fundamental perversion of God's blessings. The "scream" of their revelry will turn into a cry of judgment as they are led into captivity. The word thus becomes a symbol of their impending doom, directly linked to their sinful lifestyle.
Across both contexts, *mirzach* functions as a marker of the spiritual condition of the people. Whether it is a mourning feast from which one is forbidden, or a riotous banquet that leads to judgment, the word points to communal human activity that is either directly impacted by divine judgment or is itself a cause for it. It underscores the biblical emphasis on righteous living and the dangers of unbridled indulgence or the perversion of sacred customs.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מִרְזַח (`{{H4797}}`, *mirzach*), originating from an unused root signifying "to scream" or "cry," denotes a significant communal gathering characterized by intense sound or emotion, evolving to mean a "revel" or "banquet." Its two biblical occurrences provide contrasting yet complementary insights: in [[Jeremiah 16:5]], it refers to a "mourning feast" from which God commands abstinence as a sign of severe judgment; in [[Amos 6:7]], it describes the "revelry" of the complacent elite, leading to their captivity. The word thus encapsulates the boisterous nature of such gatherings, whether for solemn lamentation or riotous indulgence. Theologically, *mirzach* serves as a poignant indicator of a community's spiritual state, highlighting themes of divine judgment, the perversion of blessings, and the consequences of unrighteous living.
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