מָרָא
𐤌𐤓𐤀
mârâʼ
H4754 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To be rebellious, to act defiantly or stubbornly, especially against authority or instruction. Primary use is to describe defiance or deliberate opposition, particularly in relation to divine instruction or established leadership. Less commonly, used in extended or figurative contexts for self-willed or recalcitrant behavior, or physical lashing/motion associated with agitation.
Semantic Range
to rebel, to oppose authority, to act defiantly, to disobey, to refuse compliance, figuratively to agitate or lash (oneself, as with ostrich wings)
Root / Etymology
Root מָרָה (marah). The root מָרָה conveys the sense of opposition or defiance, especially against guidance or authority. While the root most frequently leads to forms meaning 'to rebel' or 'to be disobedient,' derived forms sometimes relate to bitterness (see מַר, 'bitter'), though the semantic paths are distinct.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In biblical Hebrew, מָרָא (mârâʼ) is predominantly used to describe rebelliousness, most often referring to the Israelite people's attitude toward YHWH, but also used for acts of resistance against human authority (e.g., Moses or other leaders). The verb implies intentional, conscious opposition rather than passive neglect or error. In some rare poetic or figurative contexts (e.g., ostriches lashing themselves with wings in Job 39:16), the root notion of defiance or agitation is perceived through physical motion but this is a minority usage. The suggestion in some lexica of connotations such as 'to be filthy' reflects either a perceived semantic extension via ideas of insolence/disorder or possibly confusion with unrelated roots; such senses are marginal at best. The English translation 'rebel' generally captures the core meaning but may miss the nuanced sense of willful stubbornness or provocation present in Hebrew usage. Distinct from verbs meaning 'to transgress' (פָּשַׁע, פָּרַע), which imply breach or casting off restraint. No theological connotations are inherent apart from the act of conscious opposition.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; to rebel; hence (through the idea of maltreating) to whip, i.e. lash (self with wings, as the ostrich in running); be filthy, lift up self.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
מרה (m-r-h) — rebellion, defiance, resistance
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H4784 | מָרָה | the rebelling ones |
| H4805 | מְרִי | in their rebellion |
| H4811 | מְרָיָה | Yah is rebellious |
| H4812 | מְרָיוֹת | to Merayoth |
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4754-02 |
תַּמְרִ֑יא | tameri | HVhi3fs |
she lifts herself up | she causes rebellion | 1 |
H4754-01 |
מֹרְאָ֖ה | moreah | HVqrfsa |
rebellious | rebelling woman | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4754-01 |
Zephaniah 3:1 | מֹרְאָ֖ה | moreah | HVqrfsa |
rebellious | rebelling woman |
H4754-02 |
Job 39:18 | תַּמְרִ֑יא | tameri | HVhi3fs |
she lifts herself up | she causes rebellion |