from רָעַל; perhaps, earthquake; Maralah, a place in Palestine; Maralah.
Transliteration:Marʻălâh
Pronunciation:mar-al-aw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מַרְעֲלָה (Marʻălâh), Strong's number `{{H4831}}`, functions primarily as a proper noun, designating a specific geographical location. Its etymology is derived from the root רָעַל (ra'al), Strong's number `{{H7477}}`, which carries the core meaning of "to reel, totter, tremble, quake." Thus, the name Maralah itself might suggest a place characterized by instability, perhaps an area prone to seismic activity (an "earthquake" region), or a terrain that is uneven or "reeling." However, it is crucial to note that while the etymology offers a potential descriptive nuance, the biblical text employs Maralah solely as a fixed place name, a marker in the landscape of ancient Israel. Its semantic range is therefore limited to its identity as a specific geographical point rather than an abstract concept.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word מַרְעֲלָה (Marʻălâh) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Joshua:
* [[Joshua 19:11]]: "And their border went up to the west, and to Maralah, and reached to Dabbesheth, and reached to the brook that is before Jokneam."
This sole occurrence places Maralah as a significant landmark in the definition of the tribal territory of Zebulun during the division of the land of Canaan among the Israelite tribes. The verse details the western boundary of Zebulun, indicating that Maralah was a point along this frontier. Its inclusion in such a precise geographical listing underscores its importance as a known and identifiable location in the ancient world, crucial for delineating tribal inheritances. The context is purely geographical and administrative, part of the detailed record of the fulfillment of God's promise to give the land to Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to מַרְעֲלָה (Marʻălâh) is its proposed root, רָעַל (ra'al), Strong's number `{{H7477}}`. This root is found in various forms throughout the Hebrew Bible, often describing physical trembling or shaking, whether of the earth, people, or objects. For instance, it can denote the "reeling" of drunkards ([[Psalm 107:27]]) or the "trembling" of a nation in fear ([[Isaiah 24:20]]). While Maralah's name might hint at such characteristics, its biblical usage does not explicitly connect it to these concepts beyond the etymological suggestion.
Conceptually, Maralah is related to other terms signifying *territory*, *border*, *inheritance*, and *allotment*. These include words like גְּבוּל (gevul, "border," `{{H1366}}`), נַחֲלָה (nachalah, "inheritance," `{{H5159}}`), and אֶרֶץ (eretz, "land," `{{H776}}`). Its presence in Joshua 19 ties it directly to the divine act of distributing the land, a foundational theme in the Pentateuch and Former Prophets.
### Theological Significance
While Maralah itself, as a singular geographical marker, does not carry profound independent theological weight, its inclusion in the biblical narrative is deeply significant within the broader theological framework of God's covenant faithfulness. The meticulous detailing of tribal boundaries, including points like Maralah, serves as a tangible testament to the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the land of Canaan ([[Genesis 12:7]], [[Genesis 15:18-21]]).
The precise demarcation of territories, orchestrated by divine command through Joshua and Eleazar, underscores the orderly and intentional nature of God's provision for His people. Each place name, even an obscure one like Maralah, contributes to the comprehensive picture of God's sovereign hand guiding Israel into their promised inheritance. It speaks to the reliability of God's Word and His commitment to establishing His people in the land He had prepared for them, providing a settled dwelling place after centuries of wandering. The stability of the land, even if a place name hints at "trembling," ultimately rests upon the unwavering faithfulness of the Divine Giver.
### Summary
מַרְעֲלָה (Marʻălâh), Strong's number `{{H4831}}`, is a Hebrew proper noun designating a specific geographical location mentioned only once in the Bible, in [[Joshua 19:11]]. It marks a point on the western border of the tribal allotment for Zebulun. While its etymology, derived from the root רָעַל (ra'al, "to tremble" or "quake"), suggests a potential meaning related to an "earthquake" or unstable terrain, its biblical function is solely as a fixed geographical reference point. The theological significance of Maralah lies not in its individual meaning but in its contribution to the detailed record of God's faithful fulfillment of His covenant promises to Israel, specifically the orderly and precise distribution of the Promised Land among the tribes, demonstrating divine sovereignty and provision.
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