מָרוֹם (ma.rom)
ma.rom
height
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 42 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun marom denotes height, elevation, or an elevated place. Derived from the root for "high," it appears frequently in poetic books like Psalms and Isaiah to describe physical altitude, such as the lofty mountain of Zion (Ezekiel 17:23), or the heavens above (Psalm 18:17). It serves as a concrete term for anything situated far above the ground.
Beyond physical space, marom carries abstract and figurative weight. It can refer to pride or loftiness of mind, as seen in descriptions of haughty behavior (Psalm 56:3). In theological contexts, it often functions as a title for God’s exalted status, emphasizing His transcendence and distance from human limitations (Isaiah 57:15). The plural form sometimes denotes high-ranking officials or great honors (Ecclesiastes 10:6).
Translators handle marom with variety, choosing words like "high," "height," "above," or "haughty" depending on the context. This flexibility reflects its dual nature as both a spatial descriptor and a metaphor for status or divine majesty. The word consistently points upward, whether describing geography, social rank, or the celestial realm.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word marom points to what is lifted up, whether it is a mountain peak, the heavens, or a proud heart. In Scripture, this height often describes God’s majestic throne, reminding us that He stands far above our struggles and fears. When we feel small or overwhelmed by life’s pressures, this image offers comfort: the One who reigns from the heights is also close enough to hear your cry.
Yet marom also warns against human pride. The Bible shows how arrogance leads to a fall, while humility invites God’s lift. Instead of seeking our own high places, we are invited to rest in His exalted grace. This duality teaches us to reverence God’s majesty while trusting in His gentle care for the lowly.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 42 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- from/ a high place7×
- height4×
- a high place4×
- in the/ height[s]3×
- [the] heights of3×
- [the] height[s] of3×
- [the] height of2×
- to/ a high place1×
- to the/ height[s]1×
- the/ height1×
- on/ [the] height of1×
- on the/ high places1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מְר֣וֹם4×
- מְר֥וֹם3×
- מָר֛וֹם2×
- מָר֑וֹם2×
- מְרֹ֣מֵי2×
- בַּ/מָּר֣וֹם2×
- בַּ/מְּרוֹמִֽים\׃2×
- מָרוֹם֙1×
- מָר֨וֹם1×
- מָר֥וֹם1×
- מָר֣וֹם1×
- מָר֖וֹם1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 22:17
He sent from on high and he took me. He drew me out of many waters.
This verse uses marom to describe God’s active intervention, showing that His height is not distance but power to rescue.
-
Psalms 93:4
Above the voices of many waters, the mighty breakers of the sea, Yahweh on high is mighty.
Here the word emphasizes Yahweh’s supreme strength over chaotic forces, affirming His control from His exalted position.
-
Job 5:11
so that he sets up on high those who are low, those who mourn are exalted to safety.
This occurrence contrasts human lowliness with divine elevation, showing God’s role in lifting up those who mourn.