a primitive root; properly, to soften by rubbing or pressure; hence (medicinally) to apply as an emollient; lay for a plaister.
Transliteration:mârach
Pronunciation:maw-rakh'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H4799}}` (mârach) is a primitive root, fundamentally denoting the action of "rubbing" or "pressing" with the specific intent to "soften" or "smooth." This physical manipulation implies a deliberate, often gentle, application of force to achieve a desired consistency or state in a substance, or to affect a surface. Its semantic range extends directly and exclusively into the medicinal realm within its biblical occurrences. Here, the act of rubbing or pressing is employed to prepare or administer a soothing or healing substance, such as an emollient or a poultice. Thus, the word carries the connotation of a therapeutic application designed to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, or promote healing through topical means. The core idea is the transformative effect achieved through external, physical application.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Hebrew root `{{H4799}}` (mârach) appears only twice in the Masoretic Text, both instances occurring within the same verse in the book of Isaiah, and both in a distinctly medical context related to King Hezekiah's illness.
* **[[Isaiah 38:21]]**: "For Isaiah had said, 'Let them take a cake of figs and apply it to the boil, that he may recover.'" The verb is translated "apply" or "lay for a plaister" depending on the version. The context is King Hezekiah's near-fatal illness, specifically a boil (שְׁחִין, `{{H7822}}`). The prophet Isaiah instructs that a "cake of figs" (דְּבֶלֶת תְּאֵנִים) be applied. The use of `{{H4799}}` here signifies the physical act of *rubbing*, *spreading*, or *pressing* this poultice onto the afflicted area. This is not merely a passive placement but an active, therapeutic intervention consistent with the root's meaning of softening by pressure or rubbing. Fig cakes were a known ancient remedy for boils and skin ailments, likely valued for their emollient properties and enzymatic actions.
* **[[Isaiah 38:21]] (repeated occurrence)**: The verb is used twice in succession in this verse, underscoring the precise action required. The repetition emphasizes the direct, physical, and intentional application of the remedy.
The extremely limited occurrences of `{{H4799}}` in the Hebrew Bible highlight its specialized usage, confined to a specific context of physical healing and the preparation/application of a medicinal poultice. It is not employed metaphorically or in broader, non-medical contexts of "rubbing" or "smearing."
### Related Words & Concepts
While `{{H4799}}` is rare, its meaning intersects with broader biblical themes and related terminology concerning healing and application:
* **Healing (רָפָא, `{{H7495}}`):** The ultimate purpose of applying the poultice in [[Isaiah 38:21]] is healing. `{{H7495}}` (rāphāʾ) is the primary Hebrew verb for "to heal," "to mend," or "to restore." The action described by `{{H4799}}` is a specific means employed to achieve the desired end of healing (`{{H7495}}`).
* **Anointing/Smearing (מָשַׁח, `{{H4886}}`; סוּךְ, `{{H5480}}`):** These verbs also describe the application of substances. `{{H4886}}` (māshaḥ) typically refers to a sacred anointing for consecration (e.g., priests, kings), while `{{H5480}}` (sûkh) often describes anointing the body with oil for refreshment, beauty, or hygiene. While all three involve applying a substance, `{{H4799}}` is distinct in its specific connotation of a remedial, softening, or poultice-like application for medicinal purposes, rather than ceremonial or cosmetic uses.
* **Wounds and Sickness (מַכָּה, `{{H4347}}`; חֳלִי, `{{H2483}}`):** The context of `{{H4799}}` is directly linked to the treatment of physical ailments. `{{H4347}}` (makkah) refers to a "blow," "wound," or "plague," and `{{H2483}}` (ḥolî) refers to "sickness" or "disease." The application of the poultice is a direct response to such conditions, aiming for their alleviation or cure.
* **Divine Providence and Human Means:** The narrative of Hezekiah's healing (cf. [[Isaiah 38:5]]) demonstrates God's ultimate sovereignty over life and death. The use of `{{H4799}}` in this context illustrates that God can, and often does, work through natural means and human agency to bring about His purposes, including healing.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4799}}` is primarily derived from its singular context within the narrative of King Hezekiah's illness and miraculous recovery.
* **God's Use of Means:** The divine healing of Hezekiah is unequivocally presented as a direct act of God. However, the explicit instruction to "apply" (`{{H4799}}`) the fig cake demonstrates that God often chooses to work through natural means and human agency. This does not diminish the miraculous nature of the healing but rather illustrates God's sovereignty over both natural processes and supernatural intervention. It suggests that faith in God's power and human effort in applying remedies are not mutually exclusive but can be harmoniously integrated within God's divine plan.
* **Compassion and Practical Care:** The act of applying an emollient speaks to the practical, compassionate care extended to the afflicted. While Isaiah delivers a profound divine message, he also provides a tangible, physical remedy. This reflects a broader biblical theme of God's concern for the physical well-being of His people, and the responsibility of His servants to minister holistically, addressing both spiritual and physical needs.
* **The Nature of Healing:** The use of `{{H4799}}` for a "boil" (שְׁחִין) serves as a reminder of the reality of physical suffering in a fallen world and the ancient practices employed to alleviate it. It subtly points to the multifaceted nature of healing in the biblical understanding, which can involve direct divine intervention, the utilization of natural remedies, and the compassionate care of fellow human beings.
### Summary
The Hebrew root `{{H4799}}` (mârach) is a rare but highly specific term, meaning "to soften by rubbing or pressure," exclusively used in the context of applying a medicinal emollient or poultice. Its two occurrences in [[Isaiah 38:21]] precisely describe the physical act of applying a fig cake to King Hezekiah's boil as a component of his divinely orchestrated recovery. This word underscores the practical, hands-on aspect of ancient medical care. Theologically, `{{H4799}}` highlights God's willingness to work through natural means and human agency, even in the context of miraculous healings, thereby demonstrating His comprehensive and compassionate care for His people's physical well-being. It connects to broader biblical themes of healing, divine providence, and the integration of human effort within God's sovereign plan of restoration.
TRV