### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mᵉrîybâh**, represented by `{{H4808}}`, refers to **quarrel, provocation, or strife**. It is derived from the root word for quarrel and appears 7 times in 7 unique verses. The term is used to describe both interpersonal conflict and, more significantly, the contention of the Israelites against God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its first scriptural appearance, `{{H4808}}` describes a personal dispute that Abram seeks to avoid with Lot, urging, "Let there be no **strife**, I pray thee, between me and thee" [[Genesis 13:8]]. However, the word is most prominently associated with the "waters of strife" or "Meribah," a location in the wilderness where the Israelites provoked God. This event is cited as the reason Moses was barred from the promised land, because he and Aaron "rebelled against my commandment... in the **strife** of the congregation" [[Numbers 27:14]]. This incident of **provocation** became a powerful symbol of Israel's unfaithfulness, serving as a warning to later generations not to harden their hearts [[Psalms 95:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the concept of strife and rebellion:
* `{{H4809}}` **Mᵉrîybâh**: This word is the same as `{{H4808}}` but used as a proper name, **Meribah**, for the two places in the desert where the Israelites contended with God. It is often used alongside `{{H4808}}` to specify the location of the **strife** [[Numbers 27:14]].
* `{{H4784}}` **mârâh**: This root means to **rebel** or **provoke**. It is explicitly linked to the events at Meribah, where the people **rebelled** against God’s commandment during the **strife** [[Numbers 27:14]], showing that the quarrel was an act of disobedience.
* `{{H7185}}` **qâshâh**: Meaning to be tough, severe, or to **harden**. This word is used in the command, "**Harden** not your heart, as in the provocation" [[Psalms 95:8]], connecting the act of strife directly to a spiritual state of a hardened heart.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4808}}` is significant, highlighting key aspects of the relationship between God and humanity.
* **Human Conflict:** The term is initially introduced to define preventable human conflict, with Abram's appeal for peace standing as an example of resolving disputes [[Genesis 13:8]].
* **Rebellion Against God:** The primary theological use of `{{H4808}}` is to frame the Israelites' complaints as more than mere grumbling; it was **strife** that constituted rebellion against God's direct commandment and authority [[Numbers 27:14]].
* **A Warning Against a Hardened Heart:** The "provocation" at Meribah serves as a timeless biblical illustration of spiritual failure. It is used to admonish future generations against repeating the same disobedience and hardening their hearts toward God [[Psalms 95:8]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4808}}` moves from a simple term for a quarrel to a profound theological concept. While it can describe ordinary human disputes, its most critical role in scripture is to define the rebellious **strife** of Israel against God in the wilderness. The event became so foundational that it serves as a perpetual warning of the dangers of provocation and the spiritual consequence of a hardened heart.
TRV