מָרַץ
𐤌𐤓𐤑
mârats
H4834 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To be strong or forcible, especially in the sense of exerting pressure or displaying intensity. The verb primarily indicates acting or being felt with force or vehemence, whether physically, emotionally, or in speech. It can carry negative nuances of provoking, emboldening in a confrontational sense, or causing distress or aggravation to others. Contextually, it may denote someone exerting themselves forcefully, stimulating strong reactions, or the experience of something severe or intense.
Semantic Range
to be forcible, to press upon, to embolden, to irritate or provoke, to be vehement, to cause distress, to urge with intensity
Root / Etymology
From the root מ-ר-ץ, which likely retains the basic sense of pressing, exerting force, or being intense. The root's sense is broader than simply violence, encompassing any form of intensity or pressured action, whether good or ill. The derived verb מָרַץ carries this idea into contexts of emotional or interpersonal force as well.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The verb מָרַץ is rare, with primary occurrences in poetic or highly stylized speech, such as prophetic or wisdom literature. It is not a common term for general violence or strength (unlike roots such as חזק 'to be strong' or עזז 'to be mighty'). Usage often carries a nuance of intensity that is pressing or exceeding the norm, sometimes tipping into irritation, provocation, or urging. English translations like 'embolden', 'irritate', or 'be forcible' only cover part of its range, often missing the interpersonal or emotional force implied. The verb may speak to both the person acting (as in emboldening or acting forcibly) and to the one affected (as in being provoked, pressed, or aggravated). The development of the term appears stable from early biblical literature through to later periods, but its infrequent usage means it retains a somewhat specialized, vivid connotation compared to more common synonyms.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; properly, to press, i.e. (figuratively) to be pungent or vehement; to irritate; embolden, be forcible, grievous, sore.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
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מרץ (m-r-ts) — pressing, exerting force, intensity, urgency
Word Forms
4 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4834-01 |
נִמְרָֽץ | nimerats | HVNsmsa |
grievous | one made forceful | 1 |
H4834-04 |
יַּ֝מְרִֽיצְ/ךָ֗ | yameritsekha | HVhi3ms/Sp2ms |
provokes you | he will hard-press you | 1 |
H4834-02 |
נִמְרֶ֔צֶת | nimeretset | HVNrfsa |
grievous | being intense | 1 |
H4834-03 |
נִּמְרְצ֥וּ | nimeretsu | HVNp3cp |
painful are | they were pressed hard | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
4 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4834-02 |
1 Kings 2:8 | נִמְרֶ֔צֶת | nimeretset | HVNrfsa |
grievous | being intense |
H4834-01 |
Micah 2:10 | נִמְרָֽץ | nimerats | HVNsmsa |
grievous | one made forceful |
H4834-03 |
Job 6:25 | נִּמְרְצ֥וּ | nimeretsu | HVNp3cp |
painful are | they were pressed hard |
H4834-04 |
Job 16:3 | יַּ֝מְרִֽיצְ/ךָ֗ | yameritsekha | HVhi3ms/Sp2ms |
provokes you | he will hard-press you |