מַרְאָה (mar.ah)
mar.ah
vision; mirror
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun mar’ah carries two distinct meanings that depend heavily on context: a visual appearance or vision, and a physical mirror. In its primary sense as a vision, it refers to a mode of divine revelation where God presents something to the mind’s eye. This usage appears frequently in the book of Daniel, describing prophetic dreams and supernatural sights granted to the seer.
When referring to an object, mar’ah denotes a mirror. The most notable instance occurs in Exodus 38:8, where it describes the bronze mirrors used by the women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting. Here, the word points to a tangible instrument for seeing one’s reflection, contrasting with its more common spiritual application as a window into heavenly realities.
Translators must carefully distinguish between these senses. In Daniel, the term emphasizes the clarity and authority of what is seen in prophecy. In Exodus, it highlights the material craftsmanship of the sanctuary. The word itself does not imply the quality of the image but rather the act or instrument of seeing.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read about visions in Scripture, it is easy to feel distant from those ancient prophets who received such dramatic encounters. Yet this word reminds us that God desires to communicate clearly with His people. Whether through a dream or a sudden sight, these moments were not random chaos but intentional revelations designed to guide and comfort.
In the quiet of our own lives, we may not see burning bushes or heavenly beings. Instead, we look for clarity in prayer and study. The mirror imagery found in Exodus suggests that just as glass reflects an image, Scripture reflects God’s character back to us. We are invited to gaze into His Word to understand who He is and how He calls us to live.
This dual meaning offers a gentle encouragement. You do not need supernatural spectacles to know God. Through the ordinary means of faith, He makes Himself known with clarity and truth, providing direction for your daily steps.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ vision4×
- with/ [the] mirrors of1×
- on the/ vision1×
- in/ [the] visions of1×
- by <the>/ vision1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בַּ/מַּרְאָה֙2×
- הַ/מַּרְאָ֤ה1×
- הַ/מַּרְאָ֖ה1×
- הַ/מַּרְאָ֔ה1×
- הַ/מַּרְאָ֑ה1×
- בְּ/מַרְאֹת֙1×
- בְּ/מַרְאֹ֣ת1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 10:8
So I was left alone and saw this great vision. No strength remained in me; for my face grew deathly pale, and I retained no strength.
This verse highlights the overwhelming physical impact a divine vision can have on a prophet, showing the weight of heavenly revelation.
-
Exodus 38:8
He made the basin of bronze, and its base of bronze, out of the mirrors of the ministering women who ministered at the door of the Tent of Meeting.
Here the word refers to physical mirrors donated by women, linking their service to the sanctuary with tangible objects used for reflection.
-
Numbers 12:6
He said, “Now hear my words. If there is a prophet among you, I, Yahweh, will make myself known to him in a vision. I will speak with him in a dream.
God uses this term to define the standard of prophetic communication, distinguishing visions and dreams from direct speech.