מִרְמָס

מִרְמָס

abasement (the act or the thing)

Definition

The noun מִרְמָס (mirmâç) refers to the state or act of being trampled, crushed, or abased. It describes the result of violent subjugation, often portraying something or someone being trodden underfoot, leading to ruin and humiliation. In Isaiah 5:5 and 7:25, it specifically denotes a vineyard or land being trampled down, symbolizing judgment and desolation. In prophetic contexts like Isaiah 28:18 and Daniel 8:13, it conveys the concept of something holy or a people being profaned and utterly defeated.

Biblical Usage

This word is used exclusively in prophetic literature, appearing in Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and Micah. It consistently describes the destructive consequences of judgment, whether on Israel's land (Isaiah 5:5; 7:25), on oppressive nations (Isaiah 10:6), on a covenant (Isaiah 28:18), on people by their own leaders (Ezekiel 34:19), in a heavenly vision (Daniel 8:13), or on an enemy (Micah 7:10). The pattern is one of forceful subjugation and resulting shame.

Etymology

Derived from the root רָמַס (rāmas, H7429), meaning 'to trample' or 'to tread down.' מִרְמָס is a noun form indicating the result or product of that action—the trampling itself or the state of being trampled. Cognates in other Semitic languages carry similar meanings of crushing or stamping.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it vividly portrays God's judgment against sin, both for His covenant people and for oppressive nations. It illustrates the severe consequences of rebellion, turning blessed places into scenes of abasement (Isaiah 5:5). In Daniel 8:13, it touches on the profanation of the holy. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches reading by conveying the forceful, degrading, and complete nature of divine justice and the reversal of fortunes in biblical prophecy. In an agrarian society, the image of a vineyard or field being trampled (Isaiah 5:5) would immediately communicate total loss of livelihood and value. The act of trampling underfoot was a powerful cultural symbol of conquest, disrespect, and utter domination, far more visceral than modern metaphors. רִמּוּס (rimmûs, H7429) — a less common synonym also meaning 'treading down' or 'trampling.' בּוּז (bûz, H937) — 'contempt' or 'disdain,' focusing on the attitude rather than the physical act. שַׁמָּה (shammâh, H8047) — 'desolation' or 'ruin,' the resulting state rather than the process.

Word Details