מְרַט

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Aramaic word mᵉraṭ, represented by H4804, means to pull off or be plucked. It is a very specific term, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. Its meaning is directly tied to the action of pulling something off, as seen in its single biblical occurrence.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The sole use of H4804 is found in the prophetic vision of Daniel 7:4. The passage describes a beast that was like a lion with eagle's wings. The prophet watches until its wings were plucked. This action marks a pivotal moment in the vision, as immediately after, the beast is "lifted up from the earth" and transformed, being made to stand on its feet like a man and given a man's heart Daniel 7:4.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words provide context for the action of being plucked:

• H1611 gaph (wing): This is the object that is plucked in the vision. The beast is described as having eagle's wings Daniel 7:4.
• H744 ʼaryêh (lion): This word describes the nature of the beast from which the wings are plucked, as the first beast was "like a lion" Daniel 7:4.
• H5191 nᵉṭal (to raise; take up): This action immediately follows the plucking of the wings. After its wings were removed, the beast was "lifted up" from the earth Daniel 7:4.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H4804 is concentrated in its single, dramatic use. The act of being "plucked" is not merely descriptive but signifies a fundamental change.

• A Loss of Power: The plucking of the beast's wings represents a removal of its previous attributes, such as the power or swiftness associated with an eagle's wings.
• A Catalyst for Transformation: This act initiates a profound change in the beast's nature. It is only after the wings are plucked that the beast is lifted up from the earth and given a man's heart Daniel 7:4.
• A Forced Humbling: The passive nature of the verb "were plucked" suggests an external force acting upon the beast, humbling it and altering its state from a powerful creature to one that stands like a man.

Summary

In summary, H4804 mᵉraṭ is a precise verb denoting the action "to pull off" or "be plucked." While rare, its single appearance in Daniel 7:4 is highly significant. It serves as the trigger for the transformation of the first beast in Daniel's vision, illustrating a moment of dramatic change where the beast's wings are removed, leading to a new, humbled state. The word's meaning is therefore inseparable from this key prophetic event.