מְרֹדָךְ (me.ro.dakh)
me.ro.dakh
Merodach
N:N-M-TQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-T
Word Overview
The name Merodach refers to the chief deity of the Babylonian pantheon during the reign of Nebuchadnezzar. The Hebrew spelling, מְרֹדָךְ, is a transliteration of the Akkadian Marduk, who held supreme authority in the religious life of the empire.
Lexical sources note that the name is often interpreted as meaning "thy rebellion," though this reflects a popular etymology rather than the original Semitic roots. The word appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in Jeremiah 50:2, where it serves as a focal point for God’s judgment against Babylon.
In this prophetic context, Merodach is not merely a statue but represents the entire system of idolatrous power that opposed Israel. The mention of his name underscores the contrast between the living God and the manufactured gods of empires, highlighting the futility of trusting in political or religious might over divine sovereignty.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Merodach appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Jeremiah 50:2. It stands as a transliteration of Marduk, the chief god of Babylon. This single mention carries heavy weight because it represents more than just a statue or a local deity. It symbolizes the entire system of power that sought to oppose God’s people.
When the prophet declares that Merodach is dismayed, he reminds us that earthly empires and their idols cannot stand against divine sovereignty. For your faith, this offers comfort. No matter how strong political or religious powers seem, they are temporary. The living God remains supreme, and trusting in Him provides a stability that human strength cannot match.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Marduk1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מְרֹדָ֔ךְ1×
Key Verses
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Jeremiah 50:2
“Declare among the nations and publish, and set up a standard; publish, and don’t conceal; say, ‘Babylon has been taken, Bel is disappointed, Merodach is dismayed! Her images are disappointed. Her idols are dismayed.’
This verse marks the only occurrence of the name in the Hebrew Bible, using it to proclaim the humiliation of Babylon’s supreme deity alongside Bel.