from מָרַק; soup (as if a rinsing); broth. See also פָּרָק.
Transliteration:mârâq
Pronunciation:maw-rawk'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun mârâq (`{{H4839}}`) signifies "soup" or "broth." Its etymology is crucial for understanding its semantic range, as it derives from the verbal root mâraq (`{{H4838}}`), which means "to rub, scour, polish, or make clean." This etymological link suggests that mârâq (`{{H4839}}`) refers to a liquid preparation that might be "rinsed," "clarified," or from which essences are "extracted" through a process akin to cleansing. Thus, it denotes a liquid food item, typically a nourishing broth, which embodies the essence or "cleansed" extract of its ingredients. The nuance "as if a rinsing" in its definition points to this connection with purification or extraction, even in the context of food.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term mârâq (`{{H4839}}`) appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, yet its occurrences present a striking contrast in their contextual implications, highlighting the profound symbolic weight that even common food items could carry.
1. **[[Judges 6:19]]**: "And Gideon went in and prepared a young goat and unleavened cakes from an ephah of flour. The meat he put in a basket, and the broth (מָרָק) he put in a pot, and brought them out to him under the terebinth and presented them."
In this passage, mârâq (`{{H4839}}`) refers to the liquid component of a cooked goat, likely a flavorful stock or gravy. This meal is prepared by Gideon as an offering to the Angel of the Lord, understood as a divine manifestation. Here, the broth is an integral part of a hospitable and sacred offering, representing wholesome provision and respect in a divine encounter. It is part of a complete meal presented in an act of faith and obedience.
2. **[[Isaiah 65:4]]**: "who sit among graves and lodge in secret places; who eat swine's flesh, and broth (מָרָק) of abominable things is in their vessels;"
This occurrence stands in stark opposition to the context in Judges. In Isaiah, mârâq (`{{H4839}}`) is explicitly linked with "abominable things" (פִּגּוּלִים), referring to ritually unclean sacrifices or forbidden foods. The prophet condemns those who engage in idolatrous practices and defile themselves by consuming swine's flesh and broth derived from such impure sources. Here, the "broth of abominable things" symbolizes extreme ritual impurity, rebellion against God's covenant laws (e.g., [[Leviticus 11]]), and deep spiritual corruption. It illustrates how defilement can permeate even the most basic sustenance, reflecting the spiritual state of those who have turned away from God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for mârâq (`{{H4839}}`) is its direct root, mâraq (`{{H4838}}`), meaning "to rub, scour, polish, or make clean." This root is found in contexts such as scouring cooking vessels to clean them (e.g., [[Leviticus 6:28]]) or polishing metal (e.g., [[2 Chronicles 4:16]], [[Ezekiel 21:10]]). The noun mârâq (`{{H4839}}`) thus conceptually links the liquid food to a process of extraction, purification, or refinement, even if the end product itself is not literally "clean" in the ritual sense (as seen in Isaiah).
While the base definition notes "See also פָּרָק," referring to pâraq (`{{H6555}}`, "to break off, tear away, deliver"), the semantic connection to mârâq (`{{H4839}}`) is less direct than that to mâraq (`{{H4838}}`). The primary conceptual and etymological relationship is with the root of cleansing and extraction. Other general terms for food and drink in the Bible, such as lechem (bread, `{{H3899}}`) or yayin (wine, `{{H3196}}`), represent broader categories of sustenance, but mârâq (`{{H4839}}`) specifically denotes a liquid, cooked food item, often associated with the essence of its ingredients.
### Theological Significance
The dual usage of mârâq (`{{H4839}}`) profoundly illustrates biblical themes of purity, defilement, and the nature of worship.
1. **Purity vs. Defilement:** The stark contrast between Gideon's pure, acceptable offering and the "broth of abominable things" in Isaiah underscores the critical importance of ritual and moral purity in the Old Testament. Food, often a symbol of life and fellowship, could also become a potent symbol of spiritual corruption and rebellion when its source or preparation violated divine commands. The very essence of the food (the broth) could convey either blessing or curse, depending on its origin and the heart of the one consuming it.
2. **Divine Encounter and Provision:** In Judges, the broth is part of a meal prepared for a divine figure, emphasizing the honor and care due in such an encounter. It speaks to the concept of offering one's best and providing wholesome sustenance in the presence of the Lord.
3. **Symbolic Weight of Everyday Life:** The use of mârâq (`{{H4839}}`) demonstrates how even seemingly mundane aspects of daily life, such as food preparation and consumption, were imbued with theological significance. Dietary laws and practices were not merely arbitrary rules but served as tangible expressions of covenant faithfulness, separation from paganism, and a lived theology of holiness.
### Summary
The Hebrew word mârâq (`{{H4839}}`), meaning "broth" or "soup," derives from a root signifying "to scour" or "make clean," implying a liquid extract or essence. Though appearing only twice in the biblical text, its occurrences are profoundly significant. In [[Judges 6:19]], it forms part of a pure and hospitable offering to the Angel of the Lord, symbolizing acceptable provision and reverence. Conversely, in [[Isaiah 65:4]], it is condemned as "broth of abominable things," representing extreme ritual impurity, rebellion against God's laws, and spiritual defilement. These contrasting contexts highlight mârâq (`{{H4839}}`)'s role in illustrating crucial biblical themes of purity and defilement, demonstrating how even a simple food item could carry immense theological weight in the Old Testament's understanding of worship, covenant, and spiritual state.
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