מָאַר (ma.ar)
ma.ar
to malign
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb ma’ar, appearing in the Hiphil stem, carries the physical sense of pricking or irritating, which extends metaphorically to causing emotional pain or distress. In the context of Leviticus 19:16, it is used to describe the act of maligning a neighbor. The imagery suggests that harmful speech does not just offend but inflicts a sharp, penetrating wound on another person’s dignity.
This concrete physical root distinguishes it from general terms for hatred or anger. Instead of abstract hostility, ma’ar implies an active, irritating force that causes suffering. By linking verbal abuse to physical pain, the text emphasizes the tangible harm caused by gossip and slander, treating such words as instruments that prick the social fabric.
Translators often render this word as "slander" or "malign," capturing the intent to hurt. The rarity of the term in Scripture highlights its specific focus on the damaging nature of speech. It serves as a stark reminder that words can be as injurious as physical violence, leaving marks that are felt deeply by the recipient.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word ma’ar describes speech that acts like a sharp prick or sting. Unlike general anger, this term points to an active force that inflicts real pain on another person’s dignity. It reminds us that harmful words are not just abstract insults but tangible injuries that wound the social fabric around us.
When we encounter gossip or slander, we see this concept in action. The text treats such speech as a destructive mildew, similar to what is described in Leviticus 13 regarding garments and houses. Just as physical decay spreads and ruins material things, malicious talk corrodes trust and community. Recognizing this helps us value the healing power of honest, gentle communication.
Understanding the weight of our words invites us to build up rather than tear down. We are encouraged to speak in ways that protect the dignity of others, fostering an environment where people feel safe and respected. This perspective highlights the profound responsibility we hold in how we treat our neighbors through our speech.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- malignant3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַמְאֶ֥רֶת1×
- מַמְאֶ֛רֶת1×
- מַמְאֶ֙רֶת֙1×
Key Verses
-
Leviticus 13:51
He shall examine the plague on the seventh day. If the plague has spread in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in the skin, whatever use the skin is used for, the plague is a destructive mildew. It is unclean.
This verse introduces the concept of destructive mildew spreading in a garment, serving as a physical metaphor for how harmful speech can infect and ruin social relationships.
-
Leviticus 13:52
He shall burn the garment, whether the warp or the woof, in wool or in linen, or anything of leather, in which the plague is, for it is a destructive mildew. It shall be burned in the fire.
The command to burn the infected garment illustrates the serious consequence of allowing corruption to remain, paralleling the need to address and remove maligning behavior from our lives.
-
Leviticus 14:44
then the priest shall come in and look; and behold, if the plague has spread in the house, it is a destructive mildew in the house. It is unclean.
The examination of a house for spreading plague reinforces the idea that malicious speech is not a private matter but a communal issue that requires careful inspection and correction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word ma’ar mean?
How is ma’ar different from general hatred?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Leviticus 3 verses
He shall examine the plague on the seventh day. If the plague has spread in the garment, either in the warp, or in the…
Leviticus 13:52He shall burn the garment, whether the warp or the woof, in wool or in linen, or anything of leather, in which the…
Leviticus 14:44then the priest shall come in and look; and behold, if the plague has spread in the house, it is a destructive mildew…