from רָצַץ; oppression; violence. See also מְרוּצָה.
Transliteration:mᵉrutsâh
Pronunciation:mer-oo-tsaw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מְרֻצָה (mᵉrutsâh), Strong's number `{{H4835}}`, is derived from the root רָצַץ (ratsats, `{{H7533}}`). The root רָצַץ carries the primary meaning of "to crush," "to break in pieces," or "to oppress." Consequently, מְרֻצָה denotes the state, act, or result of such crushing or oppression. Its semantic range thus encompasses "oppression," "violence," "breaking," or "shattering." It implies a forceful, destructive, and often unjust action inflicted upon another, leading to a state of being downtrodden or broken. The word points to a severe form of affliction, characterized by overwhelming force and injurious impact.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While מְרֻצָה (mᵉrutsâh, `{{H4835}}`) is cataloged in lexicons, its direct and unambiguous occurrence as a distinct nominal form in the Masoretic Text is highly debated among scholars. Some lexicographers suggest it is only indirectly related to verbal forms of its root רָצַץ (`{{H7533}}`) found in various passages. For instance, in [[Judges 9:53]], the verb וַתָּרִץ (wattarits), a Hiphil form of רָצַץ, describes the woman who "broke" Abimelech's skull with a millstone. This verse exemplifies the core action of "crushing" or "breaking" inherent in the root.
Given the rarity or debated nature of מְרֻצָה as a standalone noun, its conceptual understanding is primarily derived from the robust usage of its root רָצַץ (`{{H7533}}`) throughout the Hebrew Bible. The root רָצַץ frequently describes:
* **Physical breaking or crushing:** As seen in [[Judges 9:53]] or [[Isaiah 42:3]] where a "bruised reed" (קָנֶה רָצוּץ) is not broken.
* **Oppression of the vulnerable:** Often used in the context of the poor, the afflicted, or nations being crushed by their enemies. For example, [[Psalm 74:14]] speaks of God breaking the heads of Leviathan, and [[Job 6:9]] uses the verb to express a desire for God to crush him.
* **Divine judgment:** God's breaking or crushing of the wicked or rebellious, as in [[Psalm 2:9]], where the nations will be "dashed in pieces" (תְּנַפְּצֵם) like a potter's vessel.
Therefore, while H4835 itself may not have a clear nominal occurrence, its meaning of "oppression" or "violence" is deeply embedded in the biblical understanding of its root רָצַץ, reflecting the experience of being crushed or broken, whether physically, socially, or spiritually.
### Related Words & Concepts
The conceptual field of מְרֻצָה is enriched by its relationship to other Hebrew terms expressing similar ideas of harm, injustice, and suffering:
* **Root רָצַץ (ratsats, `{{H7533}}`):** The foundational verb meaning "to crush," "to break," "to oppress." Understanding this root is crucial for grasping the full import of מְרֻצָה.
* **עֹשֶׁק (osheq, `{{H6233}}`):** "Oppression," "extortion," often related to economic injustice.
* **לַחַץ (lachats, `{{H3906}}`):** "Oppression," "distress," "affliction," often emphasizing pressure or constraint.
* **דִּכּוּי (dikkuy, from דָּכָא dakha, `{{H1792}}`):** "Crushing," "oppression," "being broken," often with a sense of being humbled or shattered.
* **חָמָס (hamas, `{{H2555}}`):** "Violence," "wrong," "cruelty," a broader term for lawless and destructive behavior.
* **שֹׁד (shod, `{{H7701}}`):** "Devastation," "destruction," "violence," often referring to the ruin brought by hostile forces.
These terms collectively paint a vivid picture of the various forms of suffering and injustice experienced in the biblical world, against which God's justice and deliverance are often contrasted.
### Theological Significance
The concept embodied by מְרֻצָה—that of crushing oppression or violence—holds profound theological significance within the biblical narrative.
1. **The Reality of Human Sin and Suffering:** The existence of מְרֻצָה speaks to the pervasive reality of human sinfulness, where individuals and groups inflict severe harm upon one another. It highlights the brokenness of creation and the consequences of humanity's fallen state, leading to injustice, cruelty, and the subjugation of the vulnerable.
2. **God's Character as Deliverer and Judge:** The Bible consistently portrays Yahweh as a God who opposes oppression (רָצַץ). He is the defender of the weak, the one who hears the cry of the oppressed ([[Psalm 9:9]], [[Psalm 10:18]]). His righteous anger is often directed against those who perpetrate מְרֻצָה, promising judgment upon the oppressors ([[Psalm 72:4]]). This demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to justice and His compassion for the suffering.
3. **The Hope of Redemption and Restoration:** The ultimate vision of God's kingdom is one free from מְרֻצָה. Prophets envision a time when the "bruised reed" will not be broken ([[Isaiah 42:3]]) and when the Lamb will overcome all violence and oppression. This eschatological hope provides comfort and assurance that God will ultimately bring an end to all forms of crushing and breaking, establishing a reign of peace and justice.
4. **The Suffering Servant:** In the New Testament, the concept of being "crushed" or "bruised" finds its ultimate expression in the suffering of the Messiah. [[Isaiah 53:5]] speaks of the Servant being "pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities" (מְדֻכָּא מֵעֲוֹנֹתֵינוּ). This voluntary suffering to bear the crushing weight of human sin transforms the experience of מְרֻצָה from a mere consequence of sin to a means of redemption.
### Summary
מְרֻצָה (mᵉrutsâh, `{{H4835}}`) is a Hebrew term whose core meaning, derived from the root רָצַץ (`{{H7533}}`), signifies "oppression," "violence," or "crushing." While its direct occurrence as a distinct noun in the Masoretic Text is debated, its conceptual force is powerfully conveyed through the widespread use of its verbal root, which describes physical breaking, the oppression of the vulnerable, and divine judgment. Theologically, מְרֻצָה underscores the tragic reality of human sin and suffering, highlights God's character as a righteous deliverer who opposes injustice, and points to the ultimate hope of a future free from all forms of oppression, culminating in the redemptive suffering of the Messiah.
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