מָרַח
𐤌𐤓𐤇
mârach
H4799 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To smear, spread, or apply a soft material (often a salve, ointment, or other emollient substance) onto a surface, especially for medicinal treatment. The word refers primarily to the action of softening by spreading or smearing, often with an implication of gentle or careful application.
Semantic Range
to smear (a substance), to spread, to apply (especially ointment or salve), to lay or press on (as with a plaster or poultice)
Root / Etymology
From the root מרח, which conveys the idea of smoothing, spreading, or smearing, typically with the hands or a tool. The verb is derived directly from the root and describes the physical action of applying or rubbing a substance onto another surface. There is no evidence of borrowing; the term is native to Northwest Semitic languages.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Usage of מָרַח is rare in the Hebrew Bible, occurring in contexts that involve preparation or application of substances—predominantly for healing or ritual purposes. The verb's action (to smear or spread a soft substance) is sometimes rendered in older translations as 'anoint' or 'lay,' but its nuance is distinct from verbs like משׁח (to anoint with oil for ritual consecration), as מָרַח generally refers to medicinal or practical application rather than ritual or ceremonial use. This verb is also distinct from other verbs for spreading, such as נטה, in focusing on the action of pressure and rubbing. Over time, the explicit medicinal or healing context in its usage faded, but the core sense of 'smearing' remains. Later traditions sometimes translate or conceptualize the term more broadly. English translations do not always capture its technical aspect, sometimes using language implying ritual rather than physical application.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; properly, to soften by rubbing or pressure; hence (medicinally) to apply as an emollient; lay for a plaister.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
מרח (m-r-ḥ) — to smear, to spread, to apply by rubbing
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H4790 | מְרוֹחַ | crushed male |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4799-01 |
וְ/יִמְרְח֥וּ | veyimerechu | HC/Vqi3mp |
and apply it | and they will smear | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4799-01 |
Isaiah 38:21 | וְ/יִמְרְח֥וּ | veyimerechu | HC/Vqi3mp |
and apply it | and they will smear |