מְרַד (me.rad)
me.rad
rebellion
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
The Aramaic noun merad signifies rebellion or revolt, appearing only once in the Hebrew Bible at Ezra 4:19. In this specific context, it describes the hostile actions taken by opponents against the Jewish community. The term captures a deliberate act of defiance and insubordination against established authority.
This word is the Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew mereḏ (H4777). While Hebrew literature uses the root more frequently to describe political uprisings or covenant breaking, this single instance in Ezra highlights the tension between imperial power and local resistance. The occurrence underscores the high stakes of loyalty during the post-exilic restoration period.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word מְרַד (me.rad) captures a deep sense of defiance, specifically directed against established authority. In Ezra 4:19, it describes the hostile actions taken by opponents who sought to halt the rebuilding of Jerusalem. This term highlights the high stakes of loyalty during a time when political power and spiritual restoration were closely intertwined.
For your faith life, this word reminds us that obedience is not always easy. It calls us to consider how we respond to authority and to God’s commands, even when circumstances feel tense or uncertain. Trusting in God’s plan, rather than reacting with rebellion, brings peace and stability to our hearts.
May you find strength in submitting to God’s will, knowing that He guides all things for His glory. Let this word encourage you to walk in humility and faithfulness, regardless of the challenges you face.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ rebellion1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/מְרַ֥ד1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 4:19
I decreed, and search has been made, and it was found that this city has made insurrection against kings in the past, and that rebellion and revolts have been made in it.
This verse uses מְרַד to describe the specific act of insurrection against kings, highlighting the political tension that threatened the rebuilding efforts.