from רָעַע; used as (abstract) noun, wickedness; do mischief.
Transliteration:mêraʻ
Pronunciation:may-rah'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מֵרַע (mêraʻ), Strong's number `{{H4827}}`, is derived from the verb רָעַע (raʻaʻ, `{{H7489}}`), which fundamentally means "to be evil, bad, break, shatter." As an abstract noun, מֵרַע encapsulates the concept of "wickedness" or "mischief." The prefixed preposition מֵ (min) typically indicates "from" or "out of," suggesting an origin *from* evil or a state *of* evil. Thus, מֵרַע can denote an action or state that is inherently bad, harmful, or mischievous, often implying an accidental or non-divine source of misfortune.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term מֵרַע (mêraʻ, `{{H4827}}`) is exceptionally rare in the Masoretic Text, appearing notably in [[1 Samuel 6:9]]. In this passage, the Philistines are attempting to discern whether the plague of tumors they suffered was a divine judgment from the God of Israel or a mere coincidence. The text reads: "If it goes up by the way of its own border to Beth-shemesh, then it is he who has done us this great harm; but if not, then we shall know that it was not his hand that struck us, but that it happened to us by chance (מִקְרֶה הוּא לָנוּ)."
The phrase מִקְרֶה הוּא לָנוּ (miqreh huʼ lanu) translates to "it happened to us by chance." While מֵרַע itself is not explicitly present as a standalone word in this exact form in the standard text, its semantic force is understood to be embedded within the concept of "chance" or "mischief" as opposed to direct divine action. The Philistines are testing whether the affliction came *from God* or *from evil/mischief* (i.e., by accident, misfortune, or a non-divine, possibly malevolent, cause). This single, idiomatic usage highlights the word's role in distinguishing between divinely ordained events and those perceived as random or stemming from a general state of misfortune or "badness."
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for מֵרַע is its root verb רָעַע (raʻaʻ, `{{H7489}}`), which describes the act of being evil or breaking. Closely related is the more common noun and adjective רָע (raʻ, `{{H7451}}`), meaning "evil," "bad," or "wicked." While רָע is a broad term encompassing moral evil, physical harm, and misfortune, מֵרַע specifies an origin *from* such evil or a state of mischief.
Other related concepts include:
* רֶשַׁע (reshaʻ, `{{H7562}}`): "Wickedness," often with a focus on legal or moral guilt.
* חָמָס (ḥāmās, `{{H2555}}`): "Violence," "wrong," emphasizing active harm or injustice.
* מִקְרֶה (miqreh, `{{H4745}}`): "Chance," "accident," which directly relates to the context in [[1 Samuel 6:9]], where מֵרַע implies a non-divine, coincidental origin of events.
### Theological Significance
Despite its rare occurrence, מֵרַע (mêraʻ, `{{H4827}}`) carries significant theological weight in its sole explicit context. In [[1 Samuel 6:9]], it underscores a fundamental theological question: the source of suffering and misfortune. The Philistines' test is an attempt to discern divine agency from mere happenstance or "mischief." This reflects a worldview where events are not neutral but are interpreted as either divinely directed or stemming from other, less significant, forces.
The distinction between God's hand and מֵרַע (understood as "mischief" or "chance") highlights the ancient Near Eastern and Israelite understanding of causality. It emphasizes that while evil and misfortune exist, the ultimate sovereignty and control belong to Yahweh. The Philistines' eventual recognition of God's hand, rather than mere מֵרַע, affirms Yahweh's active involvement in the affairs of nations and His power over even seemingly random events. Thus, מֵרַע serves as a conceptual foil, accentuating God's unique power and purpose.
### Summary
מֵרַע (mêraʻ, `{{H4827}}`) is a rare Hebrew abstract noun derived from רָעַע (raʻaʻ, `{{H7489}}`), meaning "wickedness" or "mischief," often implying an origin "from evil" or "by chance." Its most notable appearance is in [[1 Samuel 6:9]], where it is contextually understood within the phrase מִקְרֶה הוּא לָנוּ ("it happened to us by chance"). In this passage, it serves to contrast divine action with a non-divine, accidental, or harmful occurrence. Theologically, מֵרַע highlights the critical biblical theme of discerning God's sovereign hand in events versus attributing them to random misfortune or general evil, thereby affirming the Lord's ultimate control and purpose in the world.
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