מְרַאֲשָׁוֹת (mar.a.shah)
mar.a.shah
head
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew term merashot denotes a position at the head or front, functioning as both a noun for "head-place" and an adverb meaning "at the head." Its root connects to rosh, the word for head, but adds a sense of location or status. In Scripture, it describes being placed in a position of prominence or leadership.
This rare word appears only once, in Jeremiah 27:3. There, it describes how foreign kings are brought before King Nebuchadnezzar to place their yokes on his neck. The usage highlights subordination and the reality of dominion, showing those subjects literally standing at the head of the process as they submit to Babylon’s authority.
Translators often render this difficult term as "at the head" or simply describe the action of placing the yoke. It emphasizes the physical and political hierarchy established in that moment, rather than abstract leadership. The word captures a specific spatial relationship where one party is elevated above another in a structured order.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word merashot appears only once in Scripture, found in Jeremiah 27:3. It describes foreign kings standing at the head or front to place a yoke on King Nebuchadnezzar’s neck. This rare term highlights a specific spatial hierarchy where one party is elevated above another in a structured order of dominion.
For your faith, this image reminds us that God sets up and removes rulers according to His sovereign plan. Even when earthly powers seem supreme, they operate within the boundaries God allows. Trusting in His ultimate authority brings peace, knowing that no human throne is permanent or absolute outside of His permission.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] place of head/ your1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַרְאֲשׁ֣וֹתֵי/כֶ֔ם1×