מֶ֫רֶד (me.red)
me.red
rebellion
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 mered denotes a deliberate act of rebellion or revolt, specifically when directed against God. In the biblical text, it carries the weight of open defiance rather than simple disagreement. This term appears only once in the Old Testament, marking it as a precise and significant descriptor for covenant-breaking behavior.
Its sole occurrence is found in Joshua 22:22, where the tribes east of the Jordan defend themselves against accusations from their western counterparts. When they cry out that mered is not their intent if they have built an altar for worship rather than sacrifice, they use this word to distinguish between faithful obedience and treasonous insubordination against Jehovah.
The term emphasizes the relational breach caused by turning away from divine authority. By using a single instance in Joshua, the text highlights how serious such a rupture is within the community of Israel. It serves as a stark reminder that loyalty to God requires more than outward conformity; it demands an internal alignment with His will.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word mered describes a deliberate turning away from God’s authority, carrying the heavy weight of open defiance rather than simple disagreement. In Joshua 22:22, the tribes east of the Jordan use this term to defend their hearts against accusations of treason. They cry out that if they have acted in rebellion or trespass, God Himself should not save them that day. This powerful declaration shows that true faithfulness requires an honest heart, free from hidden motives or secret defiance.
For your daily walk, this word reminds us that loyalty to God is more than outward conformity. It demands an internal alignment with His will, where our actions match our devotion. When we face misunderstandings or accusations, like the tribes in Joshua did, we can respond with transparency and a clear conscience. This assurance brings peace, knowing that God sees the true intentions of our hearts.
May you find comfort in the knowledge that God values sincerity above all else. His desire is not to punish but to restore, inviting us into a relationship built on trust and mutual understanding. Let this truth encourage you to live openly before Him, confident in His grace and justice.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- in/ rebellion1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בְּ/מֶ֤רֶד1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 22:22
“The Mighty One, God, Yahweh, the Mighty One, God, Yahweh, he knows; and Israel shall know: if it was in rebellion, or if in trespass against Yahweh (don’t save us today),
This verse uses mered as a self-curse, showing that the tribes would rather face God’s judgment than be seen as rebellious.