מִרְזַח

מִרְזַח

a cry, i.e. (of job), a revel

Definition

The Hebrew noun מִרְזַח (mirzach) refers to a loud, boisterous celebration, specifically a feast or banquet characterized by revelry and excessive drinking. In its single biblical occurrence in Amos 6:7, it describes the lavish, self-indulgent feasts of the wealthy elite in Israel. The term carries a strong negative connotation, implying a party that is riotous, clamorous, and disconnected from social justice and piety. It is not a simple meal but a symbol of decadent excess.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in Amos 6:7. It is employed by the prophet Amos in a context of judgment, specifically condemning the leaders of Israel and Judah for their luxurious, carefree lifestyles while ignoring the plight of the poor and the nation's moral decay. The 'mirzach' is presented as the epitome of their misplaced priorities and will be met with exile.

Etymology

Derived from an unused Hebrew root meaning 'to scream' or 'to cry out.' This root meaning directly informs the word's sense of a noisy, clamorous gathering. The noun form suggests a specific event defined by its loud revelry, distinguishing it from more solemn or ordinary feasts.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it encapsulates the prophetic critique of religious hypocrisy and social injustice. Amos uses 'mirzach' to contrast the empty, self-serving celebrations of the powerful with the true worship and justice God requires. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading of Amos by highlighting the specific, sensory nature of the sin being condemned—not just feasting, but a raucous, oblivious indulgence that drowns out the cries of the oppressed. In the ancient Near East, feasting was a common social and religious practice. However, a 'mirzach' represented a specific type of excessive, secular party often associated with the aristocracy. It differed from religious festivals or covenant meals, focusing instead on personal pleasure, heavy drinking, and displays of wealth, which prophets like Amos saw as a betrayal of Israel's covenant identity. מִשְׁתֶּה (mishteh, H4960) — a general term for a drinking feast or banquet, which can be neutral or positive (e.g., Esther 1:5), unlike the negatively charged 'mirzach'.

Word Details