מַרְגֵּעָה
𐤌𐤓𐤂𐤏𐤄
margêʻâh
H4774 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A state or period of rest, tranquility, or cessation from activity; specifically denotes a respite, calm, or peaceful interval, often as relief following unrest, turmoil, or hardship. In some contexts, conveys the sense of refreshment or a soothing pause, rather than permanent peace.
Semantic Range
rest, moment of respite, cessation from trouble, calming interval, temporary peace, refreshment, soothing pause
Root / Etymology
From the root רָגַע (r-g-ʿ), which fundamentally means 'to be at rest, to be calm, to quiet.' The word מַרְגֵּעָה employs the nominal prefix מַ־ and the pattern *maqtēlâh*, often forming concrete nouns denoting place, state, or instrument related to the root's action. Thus, מַרְגֵּעָה literally indicates 'a place or state of calmness/rest.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
מַרְגֵּעָה is a rare term in Biblical Hebrew, appearing only in poetic or prophetic literature. Its usage primarily occurs in the context of promised or sought-after relief amid affliction, particularly in exilic or post-exilic passages. It differs from שָׁלוֹם (shalom, 'peace'), which conveys a broader sense of wellbeing or wholeness; מַרְגֵּעָה is more narrowly focused on the specific experience or moment of rest or relief. Later translations sometimes render the word as 'refreshing' or 'reprieve,' sometimes with theological connotations, but the classical Hebrew meaning is temporal and situational rather than absolute. In the Hebrew Bible, the term is used to describe anticipated or conditional relief rather than ongoing spiritual peace. English 'rest' or 'refreshing' may capture the term's sense but can miss its nuance as a discrete period or event of respite.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from רָגַע; rest; refreshing.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
רגע (r-g-ʿ) — to rest, to be quiet, to be still, to calm
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H4771 | מַרְגּוֹעַ | resting-place |
| H7280 | רָגַע | I will cause to rest |
| H7281 | רֶגַע | in a brief pause |
| H7282 | רָגֵעַ | calm ones of |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4774-01 |
הַ/מַּרְגֵּעָ֑ה | hamaregeah | HTd/Ncfsa |
the repose | the calming respite | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4774-01 |
Isaiah 28:12 | הַ/מַּרְגֵּעָ֑ה | hamaregeah | HTd/Ncfsa |
the repose | the calming respite |