### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H4849}}` (מִרְשַׁעַת, *mirshaʻath*) is a feminine noun derived from the root `{{H7561}}` (רָשַׁע, *rashaʻ*), which means "to be wicked," "to act wickedly," or "to be guilty." The base definition of `{{H4849}}` is "a female wicked doer" or "wicked woman." It signifies an individual characterized by active moral depravity, guilt, and a state of being unrighteous, standing in direct opposition to righteousness (`{{H6662}}`, *tsaddiq*). While its grammatical form clearly denotes a feminine agent, its sole biblical occurrence reveals a nuanced semantic range, extending beyond a literal "wicked woman" to encompass abstract "wickedness" or "malicious intent."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H4849}}` appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[Proverbs 21:27]]: "The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when he brings it with a wicked intent?" (ESV). The KJV renders the final phrase as "when he bringeth it with a wicked mind."
In this solitary instance, `{{H4849}}` (מִרְשַׁעַת) does not refer to a specific "wicked woman" but rather functions adverbially or as an abstract noun describing the *manner* or *intent* behind the sacrifice. The verse emphasizes that the inherent wickedness of the one offering the sacrifice makes it an abomination, but this abhorrence is amplified when the act itself is performed with an underlying "wicked intent" or "malice." This usage highlights that the quality of mirshaʻath can permeate not only a person's character but also their actions and motivations, rendering even outwardly religious acts detestable to God. The focus shifts from the identity of a "wicked woman" to the pervasive nature of "wickedness" itself, particularly in the context of one's disposition before the Divine.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary conceptual link for `{{H4849}}` is its root, `{{H7561}}` (רָשַׁע, *rashaʻ*), which broadly describes the state or act of being wicked, guilty, or condemned. This root is foundational to understanding the biblical concept of unrighteousness and is frequently contrasted with `{{H6662}}` (צַדִּיק, *tsaddiq*), meaning "righteous."
Other related terms that describe various facets of evil or wrongdoing include:
* `{{H7451}}` (רָע, *raʻ*): Evil, bad, morally corrupt.
* `{{H205}}` (אָוֶן, *aven*): Iniquity, trouble, wickedness, often implying emptiness or vanity.
* `{{H6588}}` (פֶּשַׁע, *peshaʻ*): Transgression, rebellion, a deliberate breaking of a covenant or law.
* `{{H5771}}` (עָוֹן, *avon*): Iniquity, guilt, punishment for sin, often focusing on the crookedness or perversity of sin.
While `{{H4849}}` is a rare, gendered noun, its usage in [[Proverbs 21:27]] demonstrates how the core concept of "wickedness" can be applied abstractly to the quality of an action or intent, transcending its specific gendered form.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4849}}`, particularly as seen in its sole occurrence, underscores a profound truth about God's nature and humanity's relationship with Him.
1. **The Nature of Wickedness:** Mirshaʻath points to an active, culpable form of wickedness that is not merely a passive state but an underlying disposition or intent that corrupts actions. It signifies a fundamental opposition to the divine will and moral order.
2. **Heart over Ritual:** [[Proverbs 21:27]] powerfully illustrates that outward religious acts, even sacrifices, are an "abomination" to God if they stem from or are accompanied by mirshaʻath. This emphasizes that God prioritizes the sincerity and purity of the heart over mere external observance. True worship requires an inner disposition aligned with righteousness, not just adherence to ritual.
3. **Divine Displeasure:** The term intrinsically carries the weight of divine displeasure and judgment. Wickedness, whether embodied in a person or expressed through intent, incurs God's wrath and leads to spiritual alienation.
4. **Moral Accountability:** The concept inherent in mirshaʻath highlights human moral accountability before God. Individuals are responsible for their character and the intentions behind their actions.
### Summary
`{{H4849}}` (מִרְשַׁעַת, *mirshaʻath*) is a feminine Hebrew noun derived from the root `{{H7561}}` (רָשַׁע), meaning "wicked woman" or "female wicked doer." Despite its gendered form, its singular appearance in the Bible, [[Proverbs 21:27]], reveals a deeper semantic range where it functions abstractly to denote "wicked intent" or "malice." This unique usage highlights the profound biblical truth that God regards not only the actions themselves but also the underlying motivations. A sacrifice, though a prescribed religious act, becomes an "abomination" when offered with mirshaʻath, underscoring that true piety demands integrity of heart and purpose. The word thus serves as a potent reminder of God's demand for genuine righteousness, where inward disposition holds precedence over outward ritual.
TRV