מְרַט (me.rat)
me.rat
to pluck
A:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb merat means to pluck or pull something off. It appears only once in the Old Testament, found in Daniel 7:4. In this vision, a beast with eagle’s wings is described as having its wings plucked off. The action suggests a sudden removal of strength or protection, leaving the creature exposed and vulnerable.
As a Hiphil form, the word emphasizes the result of the action rather than the act itself. The sources note it describes something being plucked off by an external force. This usage highlights a loss of power or status, fitting the symbolic nature of Daniel’s apocalyptic imagery where animal traits represent political empires.
Translators typically render this as "plucked" or "taken away." The image is concrete and physical, yet it carries significant theological weight regarding the temporary nature of earthly power. The removal of the wings signifies a dramatic change in the beast’s condition, marking a shift from dominance to weakness within the prophetic narrative.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
In Daniel’s vision, the lion with eagle’s wings loses its feathers, stripped of speed and protection. This image reminds us that human power is temporary. No matter how strong we feel, strength can be taken away by forces beyond our control.
Yet this loss is not the end. The beast stands on two feet like a man, given a human heart. God often humbles pride to restore wisdom and peace. When we face sudden changes or feel vulnerable, we can trust that God sees us. He uses these moments to shape our character and draw us closer to Him.
Your worth does not depend on your strength or status. Even when wings are plucked, you remain held by God’s care. Rest in the hope that He brings purpose even in loss.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they were plucked off1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מְּרִ֨יטוּ1×
Key Verses
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Daniel 7:4
“The first was like a lion, and had eagle’s wings. I watched until its wings were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth and made to stand on two feet as a man. A man’s heart was given to it.
The verb describes the sudden removal of the lion-beast's wings, symbolizing the stripping away of imperial power and speed.