from מָרַר; bitterness, i.e. (figuratively) grief; bitterness.
Transliteration:mᵉrîyrûwth
Pronunciation:mer-ee-rooth'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun mᵉrîyrûwth (`{{H4814}}`) is derived from the root marar (`{{H4843}}`), which fundamentally signifies "to be bitter" or "to cause bitterness." This root is semantically rich, encompassing both the literal taste sensation and its metaphorical extension to profound emotional states. mᵉrîyrûwth specifically denotes "bitterness" in its substantive form. While it can refer to an unpleasant taste, its primary biblical usage leans heavily towards the figurative, describing an intense emotional state of grief, sorrow, anguish, or severe distress. It encapsulates the deep, often painful, internal experience of hardship, disappointment, or suffering, much like a bitter taste lingers unpleasantly on the palate.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term mᵉrîyrûwth (`{{H4814}}`) appears uniquely in the Hebrew Bible, found in [[Ezekiel 21:6]]. The verse reads: "Sigh therefore, son of man, with a breaking heart and with bitter grief (מְרִירוּת) before their eyes." In this prophetic context, the prophet Ezekiel is commanded by God to perform a symbolic act of deep lamentation. The "bitter grief" (מְרִירוּת) is not merely a personal sorrow but a divinely ordained demonstration of the profound anguish and impending judgment that is about to fall upon Jerusalem and the people of Israel. Ezekiel's sighing, characterized by a "breaking heart" (literally "breaking of loins," indicating extreme pain and weakness), is to be so intense and public ("before their eyes") that it compels the onlookers to inquire about its cause. The mᵉrîyrûwth here is thus a manifestation of divine sorrow over Israel's sin and the severe consequences that will follow, serving as a prophetic sign of the overwhelming distress and despair that will grip the nation. It highlights the severity of God's judgment and the depth of the suffering it will inflict.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of "bitterness" and "grief" is pervasive in the Hebrew Bible, often expressed through various lexemes derived from or related to the root marar (`{{H4843}}`).
* mar (`{{H4751}}`): An adjective meaning "bitter," used literally for taste (e.g., bitter herbs for Passover, [[Exodus 12:8]]) and figuratively for intense sorrow or distress (e.g., the "bitter day" of the Lord, [[Zephaniah 1:14]]). Naomi famously renames herself Mara (מָרָא), meaning "bitter," in [[Ruth 1:20]] due to her profound suffering.
* marar (`{{H4843}}`): The verbal root, meaning "to be bitter," "to make bitter," or "to grieve." It can describe a bitter experience ([[Exodus 1:14]]) or a bitter cry ([[Isaiah 38:15]]).
Other words conveying sorrow or distress include yagon (`{{H3015}}`, "sorrow, grief"), 'atsab (`{{H6090}}`, "pain, sorrow"), and tuwgah (`{{H8424}}`, "grief, sorrow"). The presence of mᵉrîyrûwth in Ezekiel's prophecy connects it to the broader biblical theme of lament and prophetic mourning. Prophets often embodied the pain and judgment God was bringing, serving as living parables. The "bitterness" here is not merely human despair but a reflection of the divine pathos over a rebellious people. It stands in stark contrast to the joy and peace associated with God's presence and covenant faithfulness.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of mᵉrîyrûwth (`{{H4814}}`) in [[Ezekiel 21:6]] carries profound theological weight. It underscores the gravity of sin and its consequences, demonstrating that divine judgment is not a dispassionate act but one accompanied by deep sorrow, even "bitter grief," on the part of God's prophet, who represents God's heart. This mᵉrîyrûwth is a tangible sign of the impending devastation, a prophetic enactment of the despair that will overwhelm those who have turned away from God. It highlights:
1. **The Severity of Judgment:** The intensity of the commanded grief emphasizes the severity of the coming judgment upon Judah. This is not a light matter but an experience of profound, soul-wrenching pain.
2. **Divine Pathos:** While it is Ezekiel who expresses the grief, his actions are divinely commanded, suggesting a reflection of God's own sorrow over the necessity of judgment. God does not delight in the death of the wicked but calls for repentance ([[Ezekiel 18:23]]). The mᵉrîyrûwth thus hints at the divine anguish experienced in the face of human rebellion and its inevitable repercussions.
3. **Prophetic Embodiment:** The prophet's bitter grief serves as a powerful, visceral warning to the people. It is a visual and emotional sermon, designed to awaken them to the reality of their situation and the dire future awaiting them if they do not repent.
In essence, mᵉrîyrûwth functions as a stark reminder of the painful reality of sin's wages and the deep, even bitter, sorrow that accompanies divine justice.
### Summary
The Hebrew term mᵉrîyrûwth (`{{H4814}}`), stemming from the root marar (`{{H4843}}`, "to be bitter"), denotes profound "bitterness" or "grief." Though appearing only once in [[Ezekiel 21:6]], its singular usage is highly significant. In this context, it describes the intense, divinely commanded lamentation of the prophet Ezekiel, a "bitter grief" that serves as a prophetic sign of the severe judgment and despair awaiting Judah due to their sin. This mᵉrîyrûwth underscores the gravity of divine judgment, subtly reflects God's own pathos over His rebellious people, and functions as a powerful, embodied warning to those witnessing the prophet's anguish. It is a poignant expression of the deep sorrow associated with the consequences of unfaithfulness and the necessary outworking of divine justice.
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