מָרָק (ma.raq)
ma.raq
broth
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun maraq refers to the liquid extracted by simmering meat, essentially a rich broth or stew. It appears only three times in the Old Testament, marking it as a specific culinary term rather than a general word for food. The sources define it clearly as the juice cooked out of flesh, highlighting its role as a nourishing element derived from animal protein.
This word surfaces in Judges 19:19 and Isaiah 58:7 to describe provisions offered to guests or the hungry. In these contexts, maraq represents more than just sustenance; it signifies hospitality and care for those in need. The presence of such a dish implies a level of abundance and generosity, as preparing broth requires time and resources.
The rarity of maraq in Scripture draws attention to its significance when it does appear. Translators often render it as "broth" or "stew," capturing the idea of a warm, liquid meal. Its usage underscores the biblical theme of providing for the physical needs of others, linking simple acts of feeding with deeper spiritual responsibilities.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When Gideon prepared a meal for the angel, he offered a pot of broth alongside his meat. This simple dish was not just fuel; it was an act of hospitality in a time of fear and uncertainty. The word maraq points to the warmth and care embedded in sharing food with those who are passing through or seeking refuge.
In Isaiah, the same word appears in a stark warning about isolation and idolatry. Here, broth sits in vessels associated with forbidden practices, showing how even good things can be twisted when separated from God’s commands. The contrast reminds us that our meals should reflect purity and connection to community, not secrecy or rebellion.
For your daily life, this word invites you to see feeding others as a spiritual act. Whether it is a bowl of soup for a neighbor or a shared meal with family, these moments carry weight. They are opportunities to embody God’s provision and love in tangible ways, turning ordinary sustenance into a gesture of grace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ broth1×
- and/ the/ broth1×
- and/ broth of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/מְרַ֥ק1×
- וְ/הַ/מָּרַ֖ק1×
- הַ/מָּרַ֖ק1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 6:19
Gideon went in and prepared a young goat and unleavened cakes of an ephah of meal. He put the meat in a basket and he put the broth in a pot, and brought it out to him under the oak, and presented it.
This verse highlights the preparation of maraq as part of Gideon’s hesitant but faithful hospitality toward the divine visitor.
-
Judges 6:20
The angel of God said to him, “Take the meat and the unleavened cakes, and lay them on this rock, and pour out the broth.” He did so.
The command to pour out the broth underscores the ritual significance of the offering and God’s acceptance of Gideon’s gesture.
-
Isaiah 65:4
who sit among the graves, and spend nights in secret places; who eat pig’s meat, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels;
Here, maraq is associated with abominable practices, illustrating how physical nourishment can become tainted by spiritual disobedience.