מַעֲרֹם (ma.a.rom)
ma.a.rom
naked
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 ma’arom refers to a state of being naked or uncovered. It is a rare word in the Old Testament, appearing only once in the canonical text at 2 Chronicles 28:15. In that specific context, it describes the clothing provided by men of Jehud and Benjamin to their shivering, exposed brothers from Ephraim.
Its meaning is concrete rather than abstract. While other Hebrew words like ervah focus on shame or sexual exposure, ma’arom simply denotes the physical condition of having no covering. The verse highlights a moment of practical mercy, where supplies were distributed to those who were literally bare and cold after battle.
This single occurrence underscores the word’s literal sense. It does not carry the heavy theological baggage often associated with nakedness in Genesis or Ezekiel. Instead, it serves as a stark image of vulnerability that is met with immediate, tangible care from their neighbors.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ma’arom describes a simple, physical reality: being naked. It appears only once in the Old Testament, in 2 Chronicles 28:15. Here, it refers to captives who were shivering and exposed after battle. The text does not focus on shame or sin. Instead, it highlights their immediate need for warmth and dignity.
This single occurrence reminds us that faith often looks like practical care. The men of Jehud and Benjamin did not offer abstract advice. They provided clothes, sandals, food, and drink to those who were literally bare. Their actions turned a moment of vulnerability into one of restoration.
For your life today, this word invites you to look for tangible ways to help others. It is easy to feel overwhelmed by large problems, but small acts of kindness matter deeply. When you see someone in need, offering what they lack is a powerful witness. May you find opportunities to bring comfort and warmth to those around you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- naked people/ their1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַעֲרֻמֵּי/הֶם֮1×
Key Verses
-
II Chronicles 28:15
The men who have been mentioned by name rose up and took the captives, and with the plunder clothed all who were naked among them, dressed them, gave them sandals, gave them something to eat and to drink, anointed them, carried all the feeble of them on donkeys, and brought them to Jericho, the city of palm trees, to their brothers. Then they returned to Samaria.
This verse uses ma’arom to describe captives who were physically exposed and cold, prompting the men of Jehud and Benjamin to provide them with clothes and supplies.