מַרְבֵּץ (mar.bets)
mar.bets
resting
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 marbets refers to a place where one lies down, rests, or dwells. It describes a specific location designated for settling in, particularly one used by animals rather than people.
This word appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Zephaniah 2:14. The prophet uses it to describe how wild beasts will take over the ruins of cities after judgment falls. In this context, the city becomes a resting place for jackals and other creatures, highlighting the desolation left behind when human life departs.
The term emphasizes the physical act of lying down in a spot that serves as a dwelling or shelter. Its rare usage underscores the stark contrast between occupied cities and those reduced to animal habitats.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word marbets describes a resting place, often used for animals rather than people. In Zephaniah, it paints a picture of a city reduced to ruins where wild creatures settle in. This stark image reminds us that human achievements are temporary and subject to change.
For your faith life, this offers a gentle perspective on worldly success. When pride leads to carelessness, even the most joyous places can become desolate. It invites you to find your true rest not in fleeting security, but in God's enduring presence.
Trust in the One who remains constant. Your soul finds its safe haven in Him, far beyond the reach of any earthly ruin or judgment.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a resting place1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַרְבֵּץ֙1×
Key Verses
-
Zephaniah 2:15
This is the joyous city that lived carelessly, that said in her heart, “I am, and there is no one besides me.” How she has become a desolation, a place for animals to lie down in! Everyone who passes by her will hiss and shake their fists.
The term highlights the complete desolation of a proud city by showing it has become a shelter for wild animals instead of people.