מְעָרָה (me.a.rah)
me.a.rah
Mearah
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun mĕʿārâ simply means a cave or cavern, referring to a natural hollow in the earth. While it appears only once in the entire Bible, its single occurrence carries significant narrative weight. The word is found in Joshua 10:16, describing where five Amorite kings had hidden themselves during battle.
Its usage here highlights a stark contrast between royal power and vulnerability. These leaders, who commanded armies and ruled cities, were reduced to hiding in the dark earth of a cave. The text notes they were discovered near Gibeah, an area east of Sidon, grounding this moment of defeat in a specific geographical reality.
Though rare, the word serves as a concrete setting for a pivotal moment in Israel’s conquest of Canaan. It reminds readers that even the most powerful earthly figures can be found hiding in the simplest of places when faced with divine judgment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word mĕʿārâ appears just once in Scripture, yet it paints a vivid picture of human vulnerability. In Joshua 10:16, five powerful kings hid in a cave to escape defeat. Their royal status offered no protection against the unfolding events of their time. This single image reminds us that earthly power is temporary and often fragile.
For your faith, this word offers comfort. No matter how strong or influential you feel, there are moments when hiding feels like the only option. God sees those hidden places. He knows the fears we keep in the dark corners of our lives. You do not have to perform strength for Him.
Even in Joshua 13:4, the land associated with this term is described simply as territory belonging to others. It grounds the narrative in real geography, reminding us that God works within history and place. Your struggles are not abstract; they happen here, in the real world. Yet, the One who guides history also walks with you in your hidden moments.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Mearah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/מְעָרָ֛ה1×