The Hebrew word marzêach, represented by H4798, refers to mourning or a lamentation of grief. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse, making its single usage in scripture highly specific. The term denotes a place or occasion defined by a cry of grief.
The sole biblical occurrence of H4798 is in a divine command to the prophet Jeremiah. The LORD H3068 instructs him, "Enter H935 not into the house H1004 of mourning H4798" Jeremiah 16:5. In this context, the "house of mourning" is a specific place for communal grieving rituals. The command is a stark sign of judgment, as God explains that He has withdrawn His peace, lovingkindness, and mercies from the people.
Several related words from its only context illuminate the meaning of H4798:
- H5594 çâphad (to lament): This word for lamenting or wailing is used in parallel with the command not to enter the house of mourning, forbidding the outward expression of grief Jeremiah 16:5. It describes a general action of mourning, such as when Abraham came to mourn for Sarah Genesis 23:2.
- H5110 nûwd (to bemoan): This term, meaning to bemoan or console, is also explicitly forbidden in the same command, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the prohibition Jeremiah 16:5. Job's acquaintances bemoaned him for the evil that the LORD had brought upon him Job 42:11.
- H1004 bayith (house): This word provides the physical location, the "house of mourning," a place typically set aside for grieving Jeremiah 16:5. The term is used broadly for a dwelling, family, or even the temple, as in "the house of the LORD" Psalms 27:4.
The theological weight of H4798 is concentrated in its singular use as a sign of judgment:
- A Sign of Divine Judgment: The instruction to avoid the "house of mourning" is not a general principle but a specific, prophetic sign. It demonstrates that the LORD's H3068 judgment on the people is so severe that the normal rituals of grief are to be suspended Jeremiah 16:5.
- The Consequence of Withdrawn Grace: The command is directly linked to God taking away H622 His peace H7965, lovingkindness H2617, and mercies H7356. This implies that true comfort in mourning ultimately flows from God's character, and without it, the rituals are meaningless.
- An Interruption of Covenantal Norms: The act of mourning was an important part of communal life. By forbidding Jeremiah's participation, God illustrates a profound break in His relationship with His people H5971, indicating that the situation has moved beyond the scope of ordinary human sorrow.
In summary, H4798 is a highly specific term for a mourning place or cry of grief. Its significance is derived entirely from its single appearance in scripture, where it is used not to describe a rite to be practiced, but one to be forbidden. It powerfully illustrates how God can suspend even the most fundamental human expressions of sorrow as a sign of divine judgment and the withdrawal of His covenantal peace and mercy from His people.
TRV