מַרְעֲלָה (mar.a.lah)
mar.a.lah
Mareal
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun mar‘alah, translated as "trembling," appears only once in the Old Testament, serving as a proper name for a town or landmark on the border of the tribe of Zebulun (Joshua 19:11). Its meaning is derived from the root that conveys shaking or quaking, suggesting a place associated with instability or perhaps a topographical feature that sways.
This single occurrence places it within the detailed inventory of cities allotted to Israel. The name’s stark, evocative quality contrasts with the stability often sought in settlement narratives, marking this specific border location with a sense of unease or physical movement. It stands as a rare lexical example where a geographical name directly reflects a physical phenomenon rather than a historical event or divine attribute.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Mareal appears in Joshua 19:11 as part of the detailed list of towns allotted to the tribe of Zebulun. The word itself suggests a sense of trembling or shaking, perhaps describing a place with unstable ground or a landscape that feels unsettled. In a chapter filled with boundaries and inheritance, this single name stands out for its evocative quality.
For your daily life, this rare word reminds us that even in the most structured plans of God, there are moments of uncertainty. We often seek stability in our circumstances, but Scripture acknowledges places of 'trembling.' This does not mean God has lost control; rather, it shows that He includes every detail of our geography and history in His record. When life feels shaky or unstable, we can trust that the same God who mapped these borders is holding your path.
It is comforting to know that no part of our journey is too small for Him to note. Whether you are in a place of firm footing or one that feels like it might shift, His promises remain steady. You are never outside the scope of His careful provision and guidance.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Maralah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/מַרְעֲלָ֖ה1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 19:11
Their border went up westward, even to Maralah, and reached to Dabbesheth. It reached to the brook that is before Jokneam.
This is the only occurrence of the word, identifying Mareal as a specific landmark on Zebulun's western border.