### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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.
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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