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מַרְגּוֹעַ (mar.go.a)

mar.go.a

rest

H4771 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 1 verses

H:N-M

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
H:N-M

Word Overview

The Hebrew noun margoa signifies a state of rest or ease, appearing only once in the Old Testament within Jeremiah 6:16. In this poetic context, it describes the spiritual and physical relief found by walking in the ancient paths of God’s instruction. The word captures more than mere inactivity; it points to the stability and peace that come from aligning one’s life with divine wisdom.

Though rare in Scripture, its singular usage carries significant weight. Jeremiah contrasts this true rest with the anxiety and turmoil facing Judah. The term suggests a cessation of striving, where the soul finds quiet confidence rather than restless fear. Translators typically render it simply as "rest," reflecting its straightforward yet profound meaning in this specific prophetic warning.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word margoa appears just once in the Old Testament, found in Jeremiah 6:16. It describes a deep sense of rest and ease that comes from walking in God’s ancient paths. This is not simply about stopping work or taking a break. It points to a spiritual stability where the soul finds peace by aligning with divine wisdom.

In a time of great turmoil, Jeremiah offered this hope: true rest is found when we trust God’s guidance instead of our own striving. For you today, this means that peace is available when you choose to follow His ways. It invites you to lay down your anxieties and find quiet confidence in His care.

This rare word reminds us that rest is a gift given to those who walk in faith. It is a state of being where fear gives way to trust. May you experience this soul-deep peace as you seek to live according to God’s truth.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • rest1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • מַרְגּ֖וֹעַ1×

Key Verses

  • Jeremiah 6:16
    Yahweh says, “Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, ‘Where is the good way?’ and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’

    This is the only occurrence of the word, linking physical obedience to spiritual rest for the soul.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word margoa mean?

Margoa is a Hebrew noun that means rest, ease, or stability. It appears only once in the Old Testament in Jeremiah 6:16. The term describes the peace found by walking in God’s ancient paths rather than relying on one’s own strength.

Where does margoa appear in the Bible?

It appears exclusively in Jeremiah 6:16. In this verse, God promises rest for the souls of those who ask for and walk in the old paths of His instruction. Its singular usage highlights its significance in prophetic literature.

How is margoa different from other words for rest?

While other Hebrew words like shalom emphasize peace or wholeness, margoa specifically conveys a state of ease and cessation of striving. It suggests a relief from anxiety that comes from trusting God’s guidance. This makes it unique in its focus on spiritual stability.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)