מֵאמַר (me.mar)
me.mar
command
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
The Aramaic noun me’mar denotes a word or command, functioning as the direct cognate of the Hebrew ma’amar (H3982). Its usage is extremely rare in the biblical canon, appearing only once in the book of Ezra. This scarcity highlights its specific role within the official correspondence between Jewish leaders and Persian authorities.
In that single occurrence, the term refers to a royal decree or edict issued by the king. The word carries the weight of formal authority, distinguishing it from casual speech. It represents a binding statement that demands obedience, reflecting the legal and administrative language typical of imperial correspondence in the post-exilic period.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Aramaic term me’mar appears only once in Scripture, found within the official correspondence recorded in Ezra. It translates to 'command' or 'decree,' carrying the weight of formal royal authority. In this context, it refers to the binding edict issued by the Persian king that permitted the rebuilding of the temple and provided for its ongoing needs.
This single occurrence reminds us that God’s plans are not confined to private devotion but extend into the public sphere of history and governance. The word underscores how divine provision can flow through unexpected channels, even the decrees of foreign rulers. It invites trust in God’s sovereignty over nations and institutions.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- according to/ [the] word of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כְּ/מֵאמַ֨ר1×
Key Verses
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Ezra 6:9
That which they have need of, including young bulls, rams, and lambs, for burnt offerings to the God of heaven; also wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the word of the priests who are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail,
This verse uses me’mar to refer specifically to the royal decree that mandated daily provisions for the temple, highlighting its role as a binding administrative command.