מָרַח (ma.rach)
ma.rach
to rub
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb marach carries a simple, physical meaning: to rub or smear something onto a surface. It appears only once in the Old Testament, found in Isaiah 38:21 during the account of King Hezekiah’s recovery from a life-threatening illness.
In this specific context, the prophet Isaiah instructs Hezekiah to apply a paste made from figs to his boil. The action is practical and medicinal, reflecting an ancient method of treatment where substances were rubbed or smeared directly onto the skin to promote healing. There is no metaphorical or spiritual symbolism attached to the word here; it describes a tangible, bodily remedy.
Because its usage is so limited, marach serves as a reminder of the concrete nature of biblical narratives. Even in moments of divine intervention and miraculous recovery, the text grounds the story in real-world actions and physical care. The verb highlights how God’s work often intersects with everyday human practices and natural means.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word marach simply means to rub or smear something onto a surface. It appears only once in the Old Testament, in Isaiah 38:21. Here, the prophet Isaiah tells King Hezekiah to apply a fig poultice to his boil. This is not a metaphor for spiritual cleansing or divine anointing. It is a practical, physical act of healing.
This single usage reminds us that God often works through tangible means. Even when He brings miraculous recovery, He does not always bypass natural remedies. The text grounds the story in real-world care, showing that physical actions can be part of God’s plan for restoration.
For your faith, this word invites you to see the sacred in the ordinary. Whether you are seeking healing or offering comfort, remember that simple acts of care matter. God uses both prayer and practical steps to bring about wholeness. Trust that He is present in the everyday details of your life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ let them rub [it]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/יִמְרְח֥וּ1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 38:21
Now Isaiah had said, “Let them take a cake of figs, and lay it for a poultice on the boil, and he shall recover.”
This verse uniquely uses marach to describe the physical application of a fig poultice, grounding Hezekiah's miraculous recovery in a concrete medical act.