מַרְגּוֹעַ

a resting place

Definition

The Hebrew noun מַרְגּוֹעַ (margôwaʻ) refers to a place or state of rest, specifically a resting place where one can find relief, cessation from labor, or safety. It is derived from the root רָגַע (rāgaʻ), meaning 'to be at rest' or 'to settle down.' In its sole biblical occurrence in Jeremiah 6:16, it describes the 'rest for your souls' that God offers to those who walk in the ancient, good paths. This concept encompasses both physical rest and spiritual peace, portraying a holistic sense of well-being granted by following God's ways.

Biblical Usage

This word appears only once in the Old Testament, in Jeremiah 6:16, where it is used in a prophetic call to repentance. The context is God's invitation through the prophet for the people to seek the 'ancient paths' and find 'rest for your souls.' It is employed in a spiritual and covenantal framework, contrasting the turmoil of disobedience with the peace found in obedience to God's commands. The usage is metaphorical, emphasizing a deep, soul-level tranquility rather than merely a physical stopping place.

Etymology

מַרְגּוֹעַ is a noun derived from the root רָגַע (rāgaʻ, H7280), which means 'to be at rest,' 'to relax,' or 'to settle.' This root appears in verbs and nouns conveying ideas of quietness, calm, and cessation (e.g., רֶגַע, regaʻ, 'a moment'). The noun form מַרְגּוֹעַ intensifies the concept into a substantive 'place of rest' or 'condition of rest.' Cognates in other Semitic languages also relate to tranquility and settling down, reinforcing its core meaning of peaceful repose.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it captures God's promise of spiritual rest for His people. In Jeremiah 6:16, it points to the soul's deep peace found in covenant faithfulness and walking in God's ways—a theme echoed in Jesus' invitation to find 'rest for your souls' (Matthew 11:29). It enriches the biblical concept of 'rest' (like שַׁבָּת, shabbat) by emphasizing an internal, personal tranquility granted by God, foreshadowing the New Testament gospel of peace through Christ. Understanding this Hebrew term deepens appreciation for God's desire to provide holistic rest from spiritual weariness.

In ancient Israelite culture, 'rest' was not merely inactivity but a positive state of security, prosperity, and harmony with God, often associated with the land (e.g., Deuteronomy 12:9). A 'resting place' could imply a safe haven from enemies or a settled home. Jeremiah's use of מַרְגּוֹעַ would resonate with listeners longing for stability amid national crisis, framing obedience as the path to true safety and peace, contrasting with the false security they sought through political alliances.

מְנוּחָה (mᵉnûḥâ, H4496) — a more common term for rest, often referring to a place of settling or quietness, like the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 12:9). נַחַת (naḥath, H5183) — emphasizes quietness, descent, or settling down, sometimes in a negative sense of going down (e.g., into Sheol). שַׁבָּת (shabbat, H7676) — focuses on cessation from work, highlighting a rhythmic, covenantal rest.

Word Details

Scripture References