מַעֲרָךְ (ma.a.rakh)
ma.a.rakh
plan
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun ma‘arakh refers to an arrangement or plan, specifically one that involves careful preparation. In Scripture, it appears only once, in Proverbs 16:1, where it describes the deliberate ordering of a person’s thoughts and intentions.
Its root relates to setting things in order or arraying them systematically. The text contrasts human planning with divine sovereignty, noting that while people may make detailed plans, the ultimate direction comes from God. This highlights a tension between human agency and divine control, suggesting that thoughtful preparation is valuable but not absolute.
Translators typically render ma‘arakh as "plan" or "arrangement," emphasizing the structured nature of human decision-making. The word underscores the wisdom tradition’s focus on intentional living, where careful thought precedes action, yet always acknowledges a higher purpose guiding outcomes.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ma‘arakh describes a plan made with care and order. It suggests that your thoughts and intentions are not random, but structured. When you think through your choices, you are engaging in a meaningful act of preparation.
Proverbs 16:1 reminds us that while we make these plans, the final outcome rests with God. This does not mean our efforts are pointless. Instead, it invites us to bring our careful thoughts to Him, trusting that He guides the results. Your planning is a gift, held within His greater purpose.
Let this truth bring peace. You can prepare well without carrying the heavy burden of controlling every result. God honors your diligence and directs your steps according to His wisdom.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] plans of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַֽעַרְכֵי\־1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 16:1
The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from Yahweh.
This verse uses ma‘arakh to contrast human intentionality with divine sovereignty, showing that while we arrange our thoughts, God determines the final outcome.