from מָרָה; bitterness, i.e. (figuratively) rebellion; concretely, bitter, or rebellious; bitter, (most) rebel(-lion, -lious).
Transliteration:mᵉrîy
Pronunciation:mer-ee'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מְרִי (mᵉrîy), Strong's number `{{H4805}}`, is a masculine noun derived from the verb מָרָה (marah) `{{H4784}}`, meaning "to be rebellious," "to be contentious," or "to be bitter." The noun form thus encapsulates the state or act of this root meaning. Its semantic range extends from a literal sense of "bitterness," often implying a disagreeable or harsh disposition, to a more prominent figurative meaning of "rebellion" or "rebelliousness." This figurative sense highlights a deep-seated opposition to authority, particularly divine authority. It can function both as an abstract concept (rebellion itself) and concretely describe someone or something as "bitter" or "rebellious." The connection between "bitterness" and "rebellion" suggests that a rebellious spirit is inherently acrid, unyielding, and antagonistic, a profound spiritual distaste for God's will and ways.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term מְרִי (mᵉrîy) appears frequently in the prophetic literature, most notably in the book of Ezekiel, where it is used over a dozen times, primarily to describe the nation of Israel. Ezekiel consistently refers to Israel as "the rebellious house" (בֵּית הַמֶּרִי, *beit hammeri*), a recurring phrase that underscores the persistent and ingrained nature of their disobedience. For example, in [[Ezekiel 2:5]], YHWH instructs Ezekiel to speak to the people, "whether they listen or refuse to listen, for they are a rebellious house." This phrase is repeated in [[Ezekiel 2:6]], [[Ezekiel 2:8]], [[Ezekiel 3:9]], [[Ezekiel 3:26]], [[Ezekiel 12:2]], [[Ezekiel 12:3]], and [[Ezekiel 12:9]], among others. This consistent designation highlights Israel's corporate identity as one marked by obstinate defiance against God's commands and covenant.
Beyond Ezekiel, the term also appears in other contexts. In [[Deuteronomy 21:18]], it describes a "stubborn and rebellious son" (בֶּן סוֹרֵר וּמוֹרֶה, *ben sorer u-moreh*), indicating a child who utterly disregards parental authority, thereby drawing a parallel between familial and divine rebellion. [[Psalm 78:8]] uses מְרִי (mᵉrîy) to characterize a generation whose spirit was not steadfast with God, stating they were "a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation that did not set its heart aright and whose spirit was not faithful to God." This verse connects the term directly to a lack of faithfulness and an unyielding heart. The usage consistently points to a deliberate, often persistent, opposition to rightful authority, whether human or divine, and carries strong negative connotations of defiance and unfaithfulness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to מְרִי (mᵉrîy) is its verbal root, מָרָה (marah) `{{H4784}}`, which signifies the act of rebellion or bitterness. Understanding the verb helps to grasp the noun as the *result* or *state* of that action. Other related terms that convey similar concepts of disobedience, stubbornness, or transgression include:
* פֶּשַׁע (pesha') `{{H6588}}`: Often translated as "transgression" or "rebellion," particularly against a higher authority or covenant. While מְרִי (mᵉrîy) emphasizes the defiant *spirit* or *disposition*, פֶּשַׁע (pesha') often denotes a specific *act* of breaking faith or law.
* סָרַר (sarar) `{{H5637}}`: A verb meaning "to be stubborn," "to be unruly," or "to turn aside." It often appears alongside מָרָה (marah), as seen in [[Deuteronomy 21:18]] ("stubborn and rebellious").
* מַר (mar) `{{H4751}}`: An adjective meaning "bitter," used literally for taste or figuratively for a bitter experience or disposition. This highlights the foundational "bitterness" aspect of מְרִי (mᵉrîy).
* עָוֹן (avon) `{{H5771}}`: Iniquity, guilt, or punishment for sin. While broader than rebellion, it often describes the state that results from such defiance.
Theological concepts closely associated with מְרִי (mᵉrîy) include covenant breaking, idolatry, spiritual apostasy, and the hardening of the heart. All these represent manifestations of the underlying spirit of rebellion against YHWH.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of מְרִי (mᵉrîy) is profound, particularly in its portrayal of humanity's relationship with God. It highlights sin not merely as an isolated act, but as a deep-seated disposition of the heart—a "bitter" opposition that actively resists divine will and gracious invitation.
1. **Nature of Sin:** מְרִי (mᵉrîy) reveals sin as a spirit of defiant resistance, a deliberate turning away from the Creator. It is not ignorance, but a conscious rejection of YHWH's authority and covenant. The repeated description of Israel as "the rebellious house" in Ezekiel underscores that this was a pervasive, ingrained characteristic, not an occasional lapse.
2. **God's Patience and Justice:** The frequent use of this term, especially by prophets like Ezekiel, emphasizes God's long-suffering patience in dealing with His people's persistent rebellion. Despite their repeated defiance, YHWH continues to send His prophets and offer opportunities for repentance. However, the term also foreshadows the inevitable consequences of such rebellion, illustrating God's justice in allowing the exile as a direct result of Israel's unyielding spirit.
3. **Covenant Violation:** Rebellion is presented as the ultimate breach of the covenant relationship. It signifies a refusal to acknowledge YHWH as King and Lord, thereby nullifying the very foundation of their special relationship. This "bitterness" in their spirit leads to a bitter harvest of judgment.
4. **Prophetic Lament and Warning:** The prophets employ מְרִי (mᵉrîy) to lament Israel's spiritual condition and to issue dire warnings of impending judgment if they do not turn from their rebellious ways. It serves as a stark reminder of the gravity of spiritual defiance.
5. **Contrast with Obedience:** Implicitly, מְרִי (mᵉrîy) stands in stark contrast to a spirit of humility, submission, and faithful obedience to YHWH. It highlights the chasm between a heart that trusts and obeys God and one that stubbornly resists His perfect will.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מְרִי (mᵉrîy) `{{H4805}}` encapsulates the profound concept of "bitterness" manifesting as "rebellion" against divine authority. Derived from the verb מָרָה (marah) `{{H4784}}`, it describes a deep-seated, often persistent, disposition of defiance rather than merely an isolated act of disobedience. Its prominent usage in the book of Ezekiel, where Israel is repeatedly labeled "the rebellious house," underscores the nation's ingrained pattern of resisting YHWH's commands and covenant. This term highlights the grievous nature of sin as a deliberate, acrid opposition to God's will, leading to the breaking of sacred covenant bonds. Theologically, מְרִי (mᵉrîy) illuminates the tension between God's enduring patience and His righteous judgment, serving as a powerful reminder of the consequences of an unyielding heart in opposition to the divine.
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