מָרַד (ma.rad)
ma.rad
to rebel
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 20 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb marad describes the act of rebellion or revolt, specifically in a political or covenantal context. It appears twenty times in the Old Testament, most frequently in the historical books of Joshua and Second Kings. The word captures a deliberate break in loyalty, whether directed against a human ruler or against God Himself.
Its usage highlights the severity of this defiance. In 2 Kings 18:7 and 24:1, it records kings rebelling against their overlords, leading to military consequences. In Joshua 22:16, it is used to accuse the tribes of crossing the Jordan in an act of treason against the covenant community. The term also appears in poetic literature, such as Job 24:13, where rebels are described as opposing the light.
Marad implies more than mere disagreement; it suggests a hardened stance that rejects established authority. This distinction is important because it frames disobedience not just as a moral failure but as a rupture of relationship and order. The consistent pairing with prepositions like "against" emphasizes the adversarial nature of the action.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word marad describes a deliberate break in loyalty, often used in political or covenantal contexts. It is not merely disagreement but a hardened stance that rejects established authority. When applied to God, it signifies turning away from His guidance and laws. This term appears frequently in historical books like Joshua and Kings, highlighting the serious consequences of such defiance against both human rulers and the Divine.
Understanding this word helps us see the gravity of sin as a rupture in relationship rather than just a moral error. It reminds us that trust is foundational to our walk with God. Instead of resisting His direction, we are invited to lean into His wisdom. This perspective encourages humility and a willingness to submit to His loving authority.
For your faith life, this word serves as a gentle warning against pride. It invites reflection on areas where we might be resisting God’s will. By acknowledging our need for Him, we can restore the broken trust. This leads to a deeper peace and alignment with His purposes for our lives.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 20 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ he rebelled5×
- you rebel2×
- you have rebelled2×
- to/ rebel2×
- you are rebelling1×
- we have rebelled1×
- they rebelled1×
- rebelling1×
- may you rebel1×
- he rebelled1×
- by/ rebelling/ your1×
- and/ we have rebelled1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/יִּמְרֹ֥ד3×
- מָרַ֖דְתָּ2×
- תִּמְרֹדוּ֒1×
- תִּמְרֹ֗דוּ1×
- תִּמְרֹ֔דוּ1×
- תִּמְרְד֤וּ1×
- מֹרְדִֽים\׃1×
- מָרָֽדוּ\׃1×
- מָרָ֔ד1×
- מָרַ֖דְנוּ1×
- לִ/מְרֹ֣ד1×
- לִ/מְרָדְ/כֶ֥ם1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 22:16
“The whole congregation of Yahweh says, ‘What trespass is this that you have committed against the God of Israel, to turn away today from following Yahweh, in that you have built yourselves an altar, to rebel today against Yahweh?
This verse uses marad to accuse the tribes of treason against the covenant community by building an unauthorized altar, showing how rebellion fractures communal unity.
-
Numbers 14:9
Only don’t rebel against Yahweh, neither fear the people of the land; for they are bread for us. Their defense is removed from over them, and Yahweh is with us. Don’t fear them.”
Here Moses warns the people not to rebel against Yahweh, linking their fear of enemies with a lack of trust in God's protective presence.
-
Daniel 9:9
To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against him.
In this prayer of confession, the nation admits they have rebelled against God, contrasting their defiance with His enduring mercy and forgiveness.