The Hebrew word mᵉrutsâh, represented by H4835, is a term for violence. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. Its singular appearance highlights a specific and severe form of wrongdoing condemned in scripture.
The sole use of H4835 is found in a stark warning in Jeremiah 22:17. In this passage, the word for violence is part of a list of transgressions that have corrupted the heart H3820 and eyes H5869 of the subject. It is directly associated with covetousness H1215, the shedding of innocent H5355 blood H1818, and oppression H6233, painting a comprehensive picture of profound moral decay to be done H6213.
Several related words help to define the context of H4835:
- H6233 ʻôsheq (oppression): Defined as injury, fraud, ... extortion, oppression, this term is used in parallel with H4835 in Jeremiah 22:17. It highlights the injustice and injury inherent in violent acts, which are often linked to extortion Ezekiel 22:12.
- H1215 betsaʻ (covetousness): This term for unjust gain or profit is presented as a core motivation for the violence. Jeremiah 22:17 states that the eyes and heart are set on covetousness, which leads to violent actions. Its corrupting influence is a recurring theme, with prophets and priests alike being "given to covetousness" Jeremiah 6:13.
- H8210 shâphak (to shed): This verb, meaning to spill forth (blood), describes the physical act of violence. Its use in the phrase "to shed innocent blood" Jeremiah 22:17 gives a concrete and grave outcome to the intent for violence. The gravity of this act is established early in scripture Genesis 9:6.
The theological weight of H4835 is understood through its singular, powerful context in Jeremiah 22:17.
- Internal Corruption: The passage links violence not just to actions, but to the eyes H5869 and the heart H3820. This indicates that violence is the outward expression of an internally corrupt state, a will and desire oriented toward evil. The heart is described in scripture as the source from which life's issues flow Proverbs 4:23.
- A Web of Iniquity: H4835 does not appear in isolation. It is listed alongside covetousness H1215, the shedding of innocent H5355 blood H1818, and oppression H6233. This demonstrates a biblical principle where sins are interconnected, with greed leading to exploitation and ultimately to violent acts.
- Target of Divine Judgment: The condemnation in Jeremiah 22 frames violence as a grave offense that provokes God's judgment. The entire verse serves as an indictment, listing the reasons for impending punishment, thereby marking H4835 as a serious transgression against God's law.
In summary, while mᵉrutsâh H4835 is one of the rarest words in the Hebrew Bible, its single appearance in Jeremiah 22:17 is profoundly instructive. It defines violence not as an isolated event, but as the culmination of a heart set on covetousness and oppression. By being listed with the shedding of innocent blood, it is marked as a severe sin that reveals a complete disregard for divine and human values, drawing certain judgment from God.
TRV