מְעָרָה
𐤌𐤏𐤓𐤄
Mearah
H4632 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A natural cave, cavern, or hollow in rock; also used as a proper noun to denote a specific place named 'Me'arah.' The primary lexical meaning is 'cave,' typically referring to a naturally occurring subterranean chamber in limestone or rock, suitable for shelter, burial, or refuge. In some contexts, used as a place-name.
Semantic Range
cave, cavern, hollow, subterranean chamber; (as a proper noun) Mearah, place marked by a cave
Root / Etymology
From the root עָרָה, 'to strip, bare, lay bare.' The noun is derived from the meaning 'bare place' or 'opening/excavation,' thus referring to a cave as an exposed or hollowed out place. The root idea ('to bare/expose') is linked to the natural geological hollowing of rock to create a cave. Used as a proper noun, the term designates a location characterized by such geological features.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Hebrew Bible, מְעָרָה most often refers to natural caves used for a range of purposes: burial (e.g. Abraham's purchase of the cave of Machpelah for Sarah's burial, Gen 23), refuge or hiding (e.g. David hiding from Saul, 1 Sam 24), and at times dwelling or temporary shelter. The use of caves for burial reflected ancient Near Eastern practices among various peoples. In poetry and narrative, 'mearah' carries connotations of secrecy, darkness, and security. As a place-name, 'Mearah' (Josh 13:4) most likely refers to a notable cave or series of caves marking territorial boundaries; precise location is debated, but possibly associated with later-known caves in the Lebanon region. English translations typically render the word as 'cave,' but in proper noun context as 'Mearah.' The term’s association with both general geological formations and a specific site highlights the importance of caves in the topography and cultural landscape of the Levant.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
the same as מְעָרָה; cave; Mearah, a place in Palestine; Mearah.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
ערה (ʿ-r-h) — to bare, uncover, lay bare, excavate
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H4626 | מַעַר | like the exposed part of |
| H4629 | מַעֲרֶה | from an exposed pasture |
| H4630 | מַעֲרָה | bare clearings of |
| H4631 | מְעָרָה | in the cave |
| H6168 | עָרָה | bare places |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4632-01 |
וּ/מְעָרָ֛ה | umearah | HC/Np |
and Mearah | and Mearah | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4632-01 |
Joshua 13:4 | וּ/מְעָרָ֛ה | umearah | HC/Np |
and Mearah | and Mearah |