מֵעֶה

used only in plural the intestines, or (collectively) the abdomen, figuratively, sympathy; by implication

Definition

The Hebrew noun מֵעֶה (mêʻeh) refers primarily to the internal organs of the body, especially the intestines and bowels. In its plural form, it is used literally for the physical abdomen and its contents, as in the violent death of Amasa where his bowels spilled out (2 Samuel 20:10). Figuratively, it represents the seat of deep emotions, particularly compassion and sympathy, as when David's men are called 'the sons of my mother's womb (מֵעֶה)' (2 Samuel 16:11), expressing intimate kinship. It also commonly denotes the womb, as in God's promise that an heir will come from Abraham's own body (Genesis 15:4), and can extend to the stomach or the general inner body cavity.

Biblical Usage

The word is used 30 times in the Old Testament, primarily in narrative and poetic books. It appears literally for the abdominal organs in contexts of violence or sacrifice (e.g., Numbers 5:22, the priestly oath). Its figurative use for deep emotion or sympathy is seen in poetic and prophetic passages. Its most frequent usage is for the womb, relating to progeny and God's promises, found in Genesis (15:4; 25:23), Ruth (1:11), and the Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7:12).

Etymology

Derived from an unused root likely meaning 'to be soft,' referring to the soft internal organs. The word is almost exclusively used in its plural form (מֵעִים, mêʻîm), emphasizing the collective nature of the intestines or inner parts.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it connects physical descent with divine promise and covenant. God's pledge that an heir would come from Abraham's own 'body' (מֵעֶה) grounds the covenant in tangible lineage (Genesis 15:4). Similarly, the promise to David that a successor would come from his 'body' (2 Samuel 7:12) links the messianic line to physical descent. The term also bridges the physical and emotional, showing how biblical writers located deep compassion and familial bonds in the inner physical self, enriching our understanding of biblical anthropology.

In ancient Hebrew thought, internal organs were not just biological but were seen as the seat of emotions, thought, and identity—a concept foreign to modern Western dualism. The 'bowels' (מֵעִים) were considered the center of profound feeling and compassion. This holistic view meant a promise concerning one's 'body' or 'womb' encompassed one's entire future legacy and deepest personal being.

בֶּטֶן (beṭen, H990) — A more general term for belly or womb, often used interchangeably but can emphasize the exterior belly. רֶחֶם (reḥem, H7358) — Specifically denotes the womb or uterus, with a stronger focus on compassion. לֵבָב (lēḇāḇ, H3824) — The heart as the center of intellect, will, and emotion, whereas מֵעֶה focuses on visceral, gut-level feeling.

Word Details

Scripture References