English · KJV
H4838

מָרַק

mâraq /maw-rak'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root
Meaningto polish; by implication, to sharpen; also to rinse
KJV usagebright, furbish, scour.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of mâraq — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word mâraq, represented by H4838, is a primitive root with meanings related to polishing and cleaning. Its definitions include to polish, sharpen, rinse, furbish, scour, and bright. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses, showing its specific application in contexts of preparation and purification.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In its biblical usage, H4838 appears in three distinct contexts. In Leviticus, it is used for the ritual cleansing of a brass pot used for offerings, which must be scoured and rinsed with water Leviticus 6:28. In a military context, the prophet Jeremiah commands horsemen to furbish their spears in preparation for battle Jeremiah 46:4. Finally, in 2 Chronicles, it describes the quality of the temple instruments made by Huram for King Solomon, which were crafted from bright brass 2 Chronicles 4:16.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the contexts in which H4838 is used:

  • H3627 kᵉlîy (instrument, vessel): This word refers to any prepared apparatus or utensil. It is used for both the temple instruments described as "bright" 2 Chronicles 4:16 and the pot that must be "scoured" Leviticus 6:28.
  • H7420 rômach (spear): A lance or javelin. This is the weapon that is commanded to be furbished, or sharpened, in preparation for war Jeremiah 46:4.
  • H7857 shâṭaph (rinse): Meaning to gush or cleanse with water. This action is directly paired with "scoured" H4838 in the instructions for purifying a brass vessel, indicating a thorough cleaning process Leviticus 6:28.

Theological Significance

The conceptual weight of H4838 centers on the idea of making something fit for its purpose, whether holy or secular.

  • Ritual Purification: The command to scour a pot in Leviticus highlights the need for physical and ritual cleanness. Items used in service to God must be purified and restored Leviticus 6:28.
  • Readiness for Action: Furbishing a spear is an act of preparation for conflict. It signifies a state of readiness to execute a command or judgment, transforming a simple object into a ready weapon Jeremiah 46:4.
  • Excellence in Worship: The description of the temple items as "bright" brass underscores the quality and glory suitable for the house of the LORD. The polished state of these instruments reflects the honor and perfection associated with divine service 2 Chronicles 4:16.

Summary

In summary, H4838 is a specific and potent word that moves beyond simple polishing. It consistently conveys a sense of purpose-driven preparation. Whether through scouring a vessel for holy use, furbishing a weapon for battle, or describing the brilliant finish of temple instruments, mâraq signifies the process of making an object perfectly suited for its intended function.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb and a noun across 5 occurrences, inflected in 4 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

  • מָּרַק
  • מֹרַק
  • מִרְקוּ
  • מָרוּק

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

H3627 כְּלִי from כָּלָה; something prepared, i.e. any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon); armour(-bearer) H7420 רֹמַח from an unused root meaning to hurl; a lance (as thrown); especially the iron point; buckler, javelin, lancet, spear. H7857 שָׁטַף a primitive root; to gush; by implication, to inundate, cleanse; by analogy, to gallop, conquer; drown, (over-) flow(-wh

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 3 verses across 3 of the 39 books. Most frequent in Leviticus, 2 Chronicles, and Jeremiah (1 verse each); never once in the other 36.

1
Leviticus
1
2 Chronicles
1
Jeremiah

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.