מִכְרֶה (mikh.reh)
mikh.reh
pit
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun mikh.reh refers to a pit, with some sources suggesting it may specifically denote a salt pit. This word appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, found in Zephaniah 2:9.
Because its usage is so limited, the exact nuance remains somewhat uncertain. It likely describes a deep depression or excavation, possibly one used for storing salt or preserving goods. The singular occurrence means we must look closely at the context of Zephaniah’s prophecy to understand its full weight, as it stands alone without parallel examples in Scripture.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word mikh.reh describes a pit, often linked to salt pits in ancient contexts. In Zephaniah 2:9, it paints a picture of Moab and Ammon becoming as desolate as Sodom and Gomorrah. This imagery highlights the severity of judgment when pride replaces humility before God.
For your faith, this serves as a sobering reminder that God’s holiness demands justice. Yet, even in judgment, there is a promise for the remnant of His people. It invites us to examine our own hearts, ensuring we do not rely on our strength but rest securely in God’s righteous character.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ a pit of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/מִכְרֵה\־1×
Key Verses
-
Zephaniah 2:9
Therefore, as I live, says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, surely Moab will be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah, a possession of nettles and salt pits, and a perpetual desolation. The remnant of my people will plunder them, and the survivors of my nation will inherit them.
This verse uses the term to describe the permanent desolation of Moab and Ammon, comparing them to Sodom and Gomorrah.