מְרַאֲשָׁוֹת (me.ra.a.shah)
me.ra.a.shah
head
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew word merashshot functions as an adverb meaning "at the head" or "in a leading position." It appears eight times in the Old Testament, with significant usage in Genesis, 1 Samuel, and 1 Kings. The term describes a physical location at the front of a group or procession, but it frequently carries the stronger sense of holding dominion or authority.
Its root connects to rosh, meaning "head," but the specific form emphasizes the state of being placed there. In 1 Samuel 15:17, for instance, Saul describes himself as one who was "set at the head" of the tribes, highlighting a role of leadership established by God rather than merely personal ambition. The word captures both the spatial reality of leading from the front and the political weight of ruling over others.
Translators often render this term as "head" or "leader," depending on whether the context focuses on physical placement or hierarchical authority. It serves as a concrete reminder that in biblical thought, leadership is often depicted as a position of visibility and responsibility at the forefront of the community.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word merashshot places us right at the front line, where visibility meets responsibility. In ancient Israel, being set at the head was not just about status; it meant leading from a position of exposure and duty. When Saul spoke of being set at the head of the tribes, he acknowledged a role established by God, reminding us that true leadership is often a burden of service rather than a prize of power.
For your daily walk, this concept invites you to consider where God has placed you. Whether in your family, workplace, or community, being at the head means looking forward so others can follow safely. It calls for integrity and courage, knowing that those behind you are watching how you handle the weight of authority.
Even in moments of rest, like Jacob using a stone under his head, we find that our positions matter to God. He sees where we stand and uses our placement for His purposes. Let this truth encourage you to lead with humility and trust in His guidance, knowing that your position is held by His hand.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] place of head/ his3×
- [the] place of head/ its2×
- [was] [the] place of head/ his1×
- [was the] place of head/ his1×
- [is the] place of head/ his1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מְרַאֲשֹׁתָֽי/ו\׃2×
- מְרַאֲשֹׁתָ֛י/ו2×
- מְרַֽאֲשֹׁתָ֑י/ו2×
- מְרַאֲשֹׁתָ֑י/ו1×
- מְרַֽאֲשֹׁתָ֔י/ו1×
Key Verses
-
I Samuel 26:7
So David and Abishai came to the people by night; and, behold, Saul lay sleeping within the place of the wagons, with his spear stuck in the ground at his head; and Abner and the people lay around him.
The spear at Saul's head signifies his vulnerable yet protected status as Yahweh's anointed, emphasizing David's restraint.
-
Genesis 28:11
He came to a certain place, and stayed there all night, because the sun had set. He took one of the stones of the place, and put it under his head, and lay down in that place to sleep.
Jacob’s use of the stone under his head marks a pivotal moment of divine encounter at a place of rest and transition.