מַעֲרָב (ma.a.rav)
ma.a.rav
west
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Definition
Definition
Brown-Driver-Briggs
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word ma'arav simply means 'west'. In biblical geography, it marks the direction of the Mediterranean Sea. This is not just a compass point; it represents the boundary of the known land for ancient Israel. When Scripture mentions this direction, it often highlights the limits of human reach or the vastness of God's creation.
For your faith, this word reminds you that God’s care extends beyond every horizon. Whether you feel confined by circumstances or overwhelmed by distance, the same God who set the boundaries of the earth also holds your life. He is not limited by space or direction. His presence is as near in the west as it is in the east.
Consider how Psalm 103 uses this word to describe forgiveness. It says God removes our sins 'as far as the east is from the west.' This image tells us that our mistakes do not define our future. They are removed completely, leaving room for grace and new beginnings in every direction.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- west/ -ward3×
- to the/ west2×
- the/ west1×
- from/ west1×
- from/ [the] setting place1×
- and/ to the/ west1×
- and/ from/ west1×
- and/ from/ setting place/ its1×
- and/ from/ [the] west1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַּעְרָ֖בָ/ה1×
- מַעְרָבָ/ה֩1×
- מַעְרָ֑בָ/ה1×
- מִֽ/מַּעֲרָב֙1×
- מִֽ/מַּֽעֲרָ֑ב1×
- לַֽ/מַּעֲרָ֔ב1×
- לַֽ/מַּעֲרָ֑ב1×
- וּ/מִֽ/מַּעֲרָ֖ב1×
- וּ/מִֽ/מַּעֲרָ֑ב1×
- וּ/מִ/מַּ֣עֲרָבָ֔/ה1×
- וְ/לַֽ/מַּעֲרָ֗ב1×
- הַֽ/מַּעֲרָב֙1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 103:12
As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
This verse uses the west as a fixed reference point to illustrate the infinite distance of God's forgiveness from our sins.
-
Isaiah 43:5
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. I will bring your offspring from the east, and gather you from the west.
Here, the west represents a place of gathering, showing God's power to restore His people from the farthest edges of the earth.
-
Daniel 8:5
As I was considering, behold, a male goat came from the west over the surface of the whole earth, and didn’t touch the ground. The goat had a notable horn between his eyes.
The goat coming from the west signals a specific historical movement, reminding readers that God oversees global events and empires.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ma'arav mean in the Bible?
Why is the west mentioned in Psalm 103?
Does ma'arav have any spiritual symbolism?
Every Occurrence (12 verses across 5 books)
I Chronicles 4 verses
Their possessions and settlements were Bethel and its towns, and eastward Naaran, and westward Gezer with its towns;…
I Chronicles 26:16To Shuppim and Hosah westward, by the gate of Shallecheth, at the causeway that goes up, watchman opposite watchman.
I Chronicles 26:18For Parbar westward, four at the causeway, and two at Parbar.
I Chronicles 26:30Of the Hebronites, Hashabiah and his brothers, one thousand seven hundred men of valor, had the oversight of Israel…