מֵרַע (me.ra)
me.ra
mischief
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew term me‘ra appears only once in the Old Testament, found in Daniel 11:27. In this specific context, it translates as "mischief" or "evil," describing the harmful actions and malicious intent of rival kings who plot against one another. The word derives from the root ra‘a, which broadly covers being evil, bad, or injurious, but here takes on a concrete sense of active wrongdoing.
While some lexicons note a secondary meaning related to "confidential friend" in other contexts, the Hiphil stem used here emphasizes the act of doing injury. The sources highlight that this usage aligns with the broader biblical theme of ethical evil and harm inflicted upon others. It is not merely an abstract concept but a description of real, damaging behavior.
Translators consistently render this word as "mischief" or "evil," capturing the destructive nature of the kings' schemes. The single occurrence in Daniel underscores the chaos and conflict that characterize the political struggles described in the chapter. This rare usage reminds readers of the tangible consequences of wickedness in historical narratives.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word me‘ra appears in Scripture to describe active harm rather than abstract badness. In Daniel 11:27 it captures the destructive intent of kings who plot against each other. Their hearts are set on mischief, and they speak lies while sharing a table. This image shows how betrayal often hides behind familiar faces.
When you face conflict or deception in your own life, this word reminds you that evil actions have real consequences. The text notes their schemes will not prosper because the end is fixed at God’s appointed time. You can trust that justice belongs to the Lord, even when human plans seem powerful.
This rare occurrence highlights the chaos of political struggle but points to a greater stability. While rulers scheme and lie, God remains sovereign over history. Your peace does not depend on the fairness of others but on the faithfulness of God who sets the times and seasons.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [will be] to/ evil1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְ/מֵרָ֔ע1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 11:27
As for both these kings, their hearts will be to do evil, and they will speak lies at one table; but it won’t prosper, for the end will still be at the appointed time.
This verse uses me‘ra to describe the active, malicious intent of rival kings plotting together, showing that their shared table is a place of deception rather than fellowship.