מָרָא
to rebel; hence (through the idea of maltreating) to whip, i.e. lash (self with wings, as the ostrich in running)
Definition
The Hebrew verb מָרָא (mârâʼ) primarily means 'to rebel' or 'to be rebellious,' conveying a strong sense of defiance and disobedience. In Zephaniah 3:1, it describes the city of Jerusalem as 'rebellious and defiled,' emphasizing moral and spiritual rebellion against God. A secondary, more vivid meaning arises in Job 39:18, where it depicts the ostrich 'laughing at the horse and its rider' and 'lashing herself' with her wings in her frantic running. This usage extends from the core idea of violent or tumultuous action, painting a picture of wild, uncontrolled motion.
Biblical Usage
This verb is used only twice in the Old Testament, in two distinct contexts. In Zephaniah 3:1, it is used in a prophetic oracle to characterize the sinful, disobedient nature of Jerusalem. In Job 39:18, it appears in God's speech from the whirlwind, describing the seemingly foolish but divinely ordained behavior of the ostrich. The usage thus spans prophetic condemnation of human sin and poetic description of animal behavior within God's creation.
Etymology
מָרָא is a primitive root. It is related to the more common verb מָרָה (mârâh, H4784), which also means 'to rebel' or 'be contentious.' The connection suggests a fundamental meaning of resistance or opposition. The development to the sense of 'lash' (as in Job) likely stems from the idea of violent or tumultuous action associated with rebellion.
Semantic Range
This word highlights the serious biblical concept of rebellion against God's authority, as seen in Zephaniah. It frames sin not merely as mistake but as active defiance. In Job, its use in describing creation underscores God's sovereign design over even seemingly chaotic or inexplicable behaviors, reminding readers that all things, even the ostrich's wild running, fall under His providence. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches reading by connecting human moral rebellion with broader themes of created order and divine sovereignty.
The description in Job 39:18 reflects ancient Near Eastern observations of the ostrich, an animal noted for its speed and seemingly careless nesting habits. The imagery of 'lashing' itself with wings would resonate with an audience familiar with the bird's dramatic, dust-raising run. Calling a city 'rebellious' (Zephaniah 3:1) employs a potent political and relational metaphor, comparing Jerusalem to a vassal kingdom in revolt against its sovereign king—in this case, God.
מָרָה (mârâh, H4784) — A more frequently used synonym for 'to rebel,' often in the context of rebelling against God or human authority. פָּשַׁע (pāšaʿ, H6586) — To transgress or revolt, emphasizing the breaking of a covenant or relationship. סָרַר (sārar, H5637) — To be stubborn or rebellious, highlighting a persistent, refractory attitude.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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