The Hebrew word Mᵉrâthayim, represented by H4850, is a symbolic name for Babylon meaning double bitterness. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. The term serves as an epithet, a descriptive name highlighting a specific characteristic of Babylon in a prophetic context.
The sole appearance of H4850 is in a divine judgment against Babylon. In Jeremiah 50:21, the LORD H3068 commands an army to "Go up against the land of Merathaim". The name is used to characterize the land as a place of "double bitterness," which is to be subjected to complete destruction. This prophetic oracle pairs Merathaim with Pekod H6489, another symbolic name for Babylon, emphasizing the totality of the coming desolation.
Several related words in the surrounding text clarify the judgment pronounced against Merathaim:
- H6489 Pᵉqôwd (punishment; Pekod, a symbolic name for Babylon): This word appears alongside Merathaim as a target of divine judgment, identifying the inhabitants destined for punishment (Jeremiah 50:21, Ezekiel 23:23).
- H2717 chârab (to parch... desolate, destroy, kill): This root describes the physical outcome of the judgment, to "waste" the land. It is used elsewhere to describe cities being laid waste Ezekiel 6:6 and nations being utterly wasted Isaiah 60:12.
- H2763 châram (to... devote to religious uses (especially destruction)... utterly destroy): This term intensifies the command from simple destruction to a consecrated, total annihilation, as when God commanded Israel to "utterly destroy" their enemies Deuteronomy 7:2.
The theological weight of H4850 is tied to the principle of divine retribution.
- Symbolic Judgment: The use of a symbolic name like Merathaim ("double bitterness") instead of just "Babylon" imbues the prophecy with theological meaning. It defines Babylon not just by its location, but by its character and the bitter consequence of its actions, which in turn brings a bitter judgment upon it.
- Prophetic Oracle: The name is delivered within a divine oracle, where "saith H5002 the LORD H3068" frames the entire command Jeremiah 50:21. This establishes the judgment as a sovereign act of God, not merely a historical event.
- Retributive Justice: The association with Pekod H6489, meaning "punishment," underscores that the destruction is a direct consequence of sin. The "double bitterness" of the land is met with a severe and complete punishment commanded H6680 by God.
In summary, H4850 Mᵉrâthayim is a powerful and specific term used once in scripture to describe Babylon. As an epithet meaning "double bitterness," it moves beyond a simple geographical label to deliver a theological verdict. Its appearance in Jeremiah 50:21 frames the impending destruction of Babylon as a just and severe punishment from the LORD, directly linked to the nation's own bitter character.
TRV