מַרְגֵּמָה (mar.ge.mah)
mar.ge.mah
sling
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun margemah refers to a sling, specifically the tool used for hurling stones. It appears only once in the entire Old Testament, found in Proverbs 26:8. In this context, it serves as a vivid metaphor within a proverb about the absurdity of honoring a fool.
Proverbs 26:8 compares giving honor to a fool to binding a stone in a sling. The image suggests that just as a sling is designed to launch a projectile with force, attaching dignity to someone foolish results only in harm or ridicule rather than respect. The tool’s purpose is destructive speed, making the association with folly particularly apt.
While some modern lexical resources note an alternative meaning of "heap of stones," the primary and widely accepted definition remains the weapon itself. This singular usage highlights how ancient wisdom literature employed everyday agricultural and military items to illustrate moral truths about human behavior and social conduct.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word mar gemah means sling. It appears only once in the Old Testament, in Proverbs 26:8. The verse compares giving honor to a fool with binding a stone in a sling. A sling is a tool for launching stones with force. When you attach dignity to someone who rejects wisdom, you create danger instead of respect.
This image reminds us that some actions have unintended consequences. We might intend to show kindness or respect, but if the recipient lacks discernment, our gesture can backfire. It does not mean we should be harsh or unkind. It means we should be wise about where we invest our trust and admiration.
Consider how you share your time and praise. Not every heart is ready to receive honor in a way that builds up. Sometimes, holding back is the most loving choice. Let wisdom guide your interactions, so your kindness does not become a weapon against yourself or others.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- in/ a sling1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בְּ/מַרְגֵּמָ֑ה1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 26:8
As one who binds a stone in a sling, so is he who gives honor to a fool.
This verse uses the sling as a metaphor to show that honoring a fool is as absurd and dangerous as preparing a stone for launch.