from מָרָא in the sense of grossness, through the idea of domineering (compare מָרֵא); stall-fed; often (as noun) a beeve; fat (fed) beast (cattle, -ling).
Transliteration:mᵉrîyʼ
Pronunciation:mer-ee'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מְרִיא (mᵉrîyʼ), Strong's number `{{H4806}}`, denotes a "stall-fed" or "fattened animal," typically cattle. Its etymological root, מָרָא (mara'), `{{H4754}}`, carries meanings of "to be rebellious," "to be bitter," or "to be disobedient." The semantic transition to "fattened animal" is understood through the concept of "grossness" or "abundance" derived from the root's sense of excess or swelling, which in turn leads to the idea of an animal being excessively fed or "fattened." Another proposed connection is to מָרֵא (mareh), `{{H4758}}`, meaning "lord" or "master," implying a robust or dominant animal. However, the primary sense remains focused on the animal's condition: it is plump, well-nourished, and ready for a specific purpose, usually sacrifice or feasting. The term thus signifies a creature of significant value, often associated with luxury, provision, or a special offering.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word מְרִיא (mᵉrîyʼ) appears in various contexts across the Old Testament, consistently referring to animals that are specially fattened, highlighting their quality and value.
In sacrificial contexts, these "fatlings" represent the choicest offerings, indicating the worshiper's desire to give their best to God. For instance, in [[1 Samuel 15:9]], Saul spares the "best of the sheep and of the oxen, the fatlings and the lambs," ostensibly for sacrifice, though this act of disobedience earns divine condemnation. Similarly, [[2 Samuel 6:13]] describes David sacrificing "oxen and fatlings" as the ark of the covenant was brought to Jerusalem, signifying a grand and costly offering of thanksgiving. Yet, the prophets often critique the mere ritual of such sacrifices without genuine obedience, as seen in [[Isaiah 1:11]] and [[Amos 5:22]], where God declares His disinterest in the "fat of fed beasts" when justice and righteousness are absent.
Beyond sacrifice, מְרִיא (mᵉrîyʼ) frequently denotes animals prepared for lavish feasts or as a sign of royal abundance. [[1 Kings 1:9]] mentions Adonijah sacrificing "sheep and oxen and fatlings" at his attempted coronation feast, underscoring the opulence and claim to kingship. Solomon's daily provisions, including "fat oxen," in [[1 Kings 4:23]] illustrate the immense wealth and prosperity of his reign. The eschatological vision in [[Isaiah 25:6]] speaks of a "feast of fat things" that God will prepare for all peoples on Mount Zion, symbolizing a time of unparalleled divine blessing and abundance.
The term also appears metaphorically. In [[Isaiah 10:16]], the "fatness" of Assyria, a symbol of its strength and prosperity, is depicted as wasting away, indicating divine judgment. Conversely, in [[Jeremiah 46:21]], the "fatlings" of Egypt, referring to its mercenaries, are described as turning back in battle, signifying their cowardice despite their initial robust appearance, destined for slaughter. [[Ezekiel 34:3]] uses the term to condemn the corrupt shepherds who "eat the fat" of the flock, exploiting the people rather than caring for them.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary conceptual link for מְרִיא (mᵉrîyʼ) is to its root, מָרָא (mara'), `{{H4754}}`, which, while often denoting rebellion or bitterness, here conveys the idea of "grossness" or "abundance" through excessive feeding. This semantic connection highlights the animal's state of being well-fed to an extreme.
Other related Hebrew terms for animals include:
* בָּקָר (baqar) `{{H1241}}`: general term for cattle, oxen.
* צֹאן (tso'n) `{{H6629}}`: flock, sheep or goats.
* עֵגֶל (egel) `{{H5695}}`: calf.
* פָּר (par) `{{H6510}}`: bullock, young bull.
* כֶּבֶשׂ (keves) `{{H3532}}`: lamb.
The concept of "fattening" is also found in phrases like "calves of the stall" (מַרְבֵּק marbeq, `{{H4809}}`, in [[Malachi 4:2]]), which similarly denotes animals prepared for a specific purpose.
The broader concepts associated with מְרִיא (mᵉrîyʼ) include:
* **Abundance and Prosperity:** Signifying wealth, luxury, and divine blessing.
* **Sacrifice and Offering:** Emphasizing the costliness and quality of what is offered to God.
* **Feasting and Celebration:** Indicating joy, hospitality, and significant events.
* **Judgment and Decline:** When used metaphorically, it can represent those who are prosperous but unrighteous, destined for downfall.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of מְרִיא (mᵉrîyʼ) is multifaceted, reflecting both divine provision and human responsibility.
Firstly, the presence of "fatlings" often points to **divine blessing and abundance**. In contexts like Solomon's reign or the messianic banquet of [[Isaiah 25:6]], these animals symbolize God's lavish provision for His people, exceeding mere sustenance and entering the realm of celebratory luxury. It speaks to God's desire to bless His creation richly.
Secondly, the use of "fatlings" in **sacrificial rituals** underscores the principle of offering the best to God. This highlights the costliness and seriousness of atonement and worship. However, the prophetic critique (e.g., [[Isaiah 1:11]], [[Amos 5:22]]) reveals a crucial theological truth: God prioritizes a righteous heart and obedience over mere ritualistic performance, no matter how costly the offering. The external act, even the sacrifice of the finest animals, is meaningless without internal devotion and justice.
Thirdly, the metaphorical use of מְרִיא (mᵉrîyʼ) serves as a **warning against complacency and unrighteous prosperity**. Those who are "fat" in their wealth or strength, yet lack spiritual integrity, are often depicted as ripe for judgment (e.g., [[Jeremiah 46:21]], [[Ezekiel 34:3]]). This illustrates the biblical principle that material blessings, if not stewarded righteously, can lead to spiritual downfall.
Ultimately, מְרִיא (mᵉrîyʼ) points to God's sovereignty over all creation and His purposes for it—whether for sacrifice, sustenance, celebration, or as a symbol in His divine pronouncements.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מְרִיא (mᵉrîyʼ), `{{H4806}}`, describes a "stall-fed" or "fattened animal," primarily cattle. Deriving from a root that implies "grossness" or "abundance," it consistently denotes an animal of high quality, value, and readiness for a specific purpose. Its biblical occurrences reveal its significance in three main spheres: as the choicest **sacrificial offering**, symbolizing dedication and the cost of atonement; as a staple of **royal feasts and provisions**, signifying wealth, luxury, and divine blessing; and metaphorically, as a representation of **strength or prosperity**, often used in contexts of divine judgment against the unrighteous. Theologically, מְrîyʼ highlights God's abundant provision, the necessity of a sincere heart in worship beyond mere ritual, and the spiritual dangers of unrighteous prosperity. It serves as a rich term encapsulating aspects of divine generosity, human devotion, and the consequences of sin.
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