מָרַר (ma.rar)
ma.rar
to provoke
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 15 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb marar describes a state of bitterness or the act of making something bitter. In its basic form, it refers to the sharp, unpleasant taste that characterizes harsh experiences. This physical sensation serves as a powerful metaphor for emotional pain, resentment, or distress in the biblical text.
Its usage varies across different verb stems. The Qal form simply states that someone is bitter, while the Piel and Hiphil forms indicate causing bitterness in others. In Ruth 1:20-21, Naomi uses this word to describe how the Almighty has made her life bitter through loss. Similarly, in Isaiah and Zechariah, it often depicts nations or individuals provoking anger or experiencing severe hardship.
Translators typically render marar as "bitter" or "embitter," capturing both the sensory and emotional dimensions. The word connects physical taste with spiritual or relational strain, showing how deep pain can alter one’s entire outlook on life.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word marar paints a vivid picture of life’s sharpest moments. It describes not just an emotion, but a physical sensation of bitterness that settles deep in the soul. When Naomi called herself Mara, she was naming the reality of profound loss. Her grief was so intense it changed her very identity. This word reminds us that pain is real and valid. God does not ask us to pretend our struggles are small or insignificant.
Yet marar also appears in contexts where bitterness is provoked by disobedience or conflict. It serves as a warning about how sin can spoil the sweetness of life. The Bible acknowledges this harsh taste without minimizing it. Instead, it points toward a hope that transcends current suffering. Even when life feels bitter, there is room for grace and restoration.
This word invites honesty before God. You do not need to hide your pain or force a smile. Bringing your bitterness into the light allows healing to begin. The scriptures show us that even in the deepest valleys, God’s presence remains steady. He sees your tears and hears your cries. There is comfort in knowing you are not alone in your struggle.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 15 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- it is bitter4×
- you cause bitterness1×
- so/ he may be enraged1×
- it will be bitter1×
- it was bitter1×
- he has caused bitterness1×
- as/ shows bitterness1×
- and/ they will show bitterness1×
- and/ they showed bitterness to/ him1×
- and/ they made bitter1×
- and/ it was enraged1×
- [who] he has made bitter1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַר\־3×
- הֵמַ֥ר2×
- תַּמֵּ֣ר1×
- מָֽרָה\־1×
- מָ֔ר1×
- כְּ/הָמֵ֥ר1×
- יֵמַ֥ר1×
- וַֽ/יְמָרֲרֻ֖/הוּ1×
- וַ/יִּתְמַרְמַ֤ר1×
- וַ/יְמָרְר֨וּ1×
- וְ/יִתְמַרְמַר֙1×
- וְ/הָמֵ֥ר1×
Key Verses
-
Ruth 1:20
She said to them, “Don’t call me Naomi. Call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.
Naomi uses this word to declare that her life has become bitter due to severe loss, showing how grief can reshape one's identity.
-
Exodus 1:14
and they made their lives bitter with hard service in mortar and in brick, and in all kinds of service in the field, all their service, in which they ruthlessly made them serve.
The Egyptians made the Israelites' lives bitter through harsh slavery, illustrating how oppression creates deep spiritual and emotional strain.
-
Jeremiah 4:18
“Your way and your doings have brought these things to you. This is your wickedness, for it is bitter, for it reaches to your heart.”
The prophet describes bitterness reaching the heart as a consequence of wickedness, highlighting the internal damage caused by sin.
-
Zechariah 12:10
I will pour on David’s house and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the spirit of grace and of supplication. They will look to me whom they have pierced; and they shall mourn for him as one mourns for his only son, and will grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for his firstborn.
This verse connects bitter mourning with repentance and grace, showing how deep sorrow can lead to spiritual renewal.