מַרְדּוּת

מַרְדּוּת

rebelliousness

Definition

מַרְדּוּת (mardûwth) is a Hebrew noun meaning 'rebelliousness' or 'state of rebellion.' It specifically denotes a willful, defiant attitude of insubordination against established authority, particularly in a relational or covenantal context. The word appears only once in the Old Testament, in 1 Samuel 20:30, where King Saul uses it to accuse his son Jonathan of disloyalty for siding with David. In this instance, it describes a profound breach of familial and royal obedience, framed as a rebellion against Saul's own person and throne.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only in 1 Samuel 20:30. Saul, in a rage, shouts at Jonathan, 'You son of a perverse, rebellious woman! Do I not know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your own shame...?' Here, מַרְדּוּת is used as an attributive noun ('rebellious woman') to characterize a spirit of defiance. The context is intensely personal and political, highlighting a rupture in the father-son and king-heir relationship, where loyalty to David is interpreted as treasonous rebellion against Saul.

Etymology

מַרְדּוּת is a derivative noun formed from the root מרד (m-r-d, H4775, מָרַד), which means 'to rebel,' 'revolt,' or 'be rebellious.' The '-ûth' suffix typically forms abstract nouns indicating a state or condition, thus מַרְדּוּת means 'the state or quality of rebellion.' It is part of a word family including מֶרִי (merî, H4805) and מְרִי (merî, H4805), which also convey rebellion, often in a covenant context against God.

Semantic Range

Though used only in a human relational conflict, the word's root connects it to the major biblical theme of rebellion against God. Understanding this term enriches the reading of 1 Samuel 20:30 by showing Saul's accusation is not merely about personal disrespect but taps into the language of covenant betrayal. It frames Jonathan's loyalty to David—who is God's anointed—not as true rebellion, but as a higher allegiance, ironically highlighting Saul's own rebellious spirit against God's will (cf. 1 Samuel 15:23). In ancient Israel's honor-shame and patriarchal culture, a son's obedience to his father was paramount. Accusing one's own son of מַרְדּוּת was a severe public shaming, implying a fundamental failure in filial duty that threatened social and political order. Saul's use of the word weaponizes this cultural value to paint Jonathan's actions as not just disobedient but as a subversive act against the kingdom itself. מֶרִי (merî, H4805) — A more common term for rebellion, often used for defiance against God's commands (e.g., Deuteronomy 31:27). פֶּשַׁע (peshaʿ, H6588) — Transgression, rebellion; emphasizes the breaking of a relationship or covenant. סָרַר (sārar, H5637) — To be stubborn or rebellious; focuses on a refractory, turning away attitude.

Word Details