מְרוּצָה (me.ru.tsah)
me.ru.tsah
oppression
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun merutsah denotes a state of crushing force or violent oppression. It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Jeremiah 22:17, where it describes the behavior of King Jehoiakim. The term conveys not just general injustice, but a specific kind of heavy-handed exploitation that breaks those under its weight.
Its root suggests a pressing or grinding action, implying that the oppressed are subjected to relentless pressure. In this single occurrence, the word highlights how royal authority was misused to extract labor and resources from the people without regard for their dignity. The prophet uses it to contrast Jehoiakim’s actions with those of his father Josiah, who cared for the needy.
Though rare, merutsah carries significant theological weight in Jeremiah. It serves as a sharp indictment of leadership that prioritizes personal gain over justice. The word reminds readers that power exercised without compassion is viewed by God as a form of violence against the vulnerable.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word merutsah paints a vivid picture of crushing weight. It describes a force that grinds down the vulnerable, much like a millstone pressing against grain. In Jeremiah 22:17, this term condemns King Jehoiakim for using his power to exploit others rather than protect them. This is not mere disagreement or conflict; it is systemic violence where authority becomes a tool for oppression.
For your faith life, this word serves as a sobering reminder that leadership carries heavy responsibility. God sees how those in power treat the weak. It challenges us to examine our own interactions, ensuring we do not become sources of pressure or injustice for others. Instead, we are called to lift up those who feel crushed by life’s burdens.
When you encounter situations of unfairness, remember that God opposes this kind of merutsah. He stands with the oppressed and calls His people to act with justice and compassion. This truth offers hope to those suffering under heavy loads, knowing their plight is seen and valued by their Creator.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- <the>/ extortion1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/מְּרוּצָ֖ה1×
Key Verses
-
Jeremiah 22:17
But your eyes and your heart are only for your covetousness, for shedding innocent blood, for oppression, and for doing violence.”
This verse explicitly lists merutsah alongside shedding blood, highlighting it as a grave sin of royal exploitation.