מְרָרִי (me.ra.ri)
me.ra.ri
Merari
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 28 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Merari, meaning "bitter," identifies the third son of Levi and Jochebed. This personal designation marks the beginning of a significant lineage within Israel’s priestly tribe. The sources trace this figure back to the genealogies in Genesis and Exodus, establishing him as the ancestor of one of the major Levitical clans.
While the name itself carries a sense of hardship or bitterness, its scriptural presence is primarily structural rather than narrative. Merari appears frequently in lists of descendants, particularly in Numbers and Chronicles, where his family’s role in transporting the tabernacle’s heavy frames and posts is detailed. These records highlight the organized service assigned to his descendants for the care of the sanctuary.
The etymology from the root for bitterness contrasts with the honor of his priestly duty. This juxtaposition suggests that even names rooted in difficult experiences become part of a larger, ordered community. The Merarites are remembered not for individual stories but for their faithful contribution to the worship structure of ancient Israel.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Merari comes from a Hebrew root meaning bitter, yet this label marks the start of a lineage defined by steady service. As one of Levi’s three sons, he is not remembered for dramatic personal stories but for the quiet reliability of his descendants. Their duty involved moving the heavy frames and posts of the tabernacle, work that required strength and consistency rather than spotlight.
This history offers a gentle reminder that faithfulness often looks like showing up for the hard tasks. When life feels heavy or your contributions go unnoticed, remember that God values the structural support you provide to others. Your steady presence helps carry the weight of community worship and daily living.
Even when names or circumstances suggest bitterness, they can become part of a larger plan for order and care. The Merarites taught Israel that every role matters in the sanctuary. You too have a place where your strength is needed, not despite your struggles, but perhaps because of the resilience you have built.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 28 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Merari23×
- and/ Merari4×
- of/ Merari1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מְרָרִ֑י7×
- מְרָרִי֙4×
- מְרָרִ֔י4×
- מְרָרִֽי\׃2×
- מְרָרִ֖י2×
- וּ/מְרָרִֽי\׃2×
- מְרָרִי֮1×
- מְרָרִי֒1×
- מְרָרִ֜י1×
- מְרָרִ֛י1×
- לִ/מְרָרִ֕י1×
- וּ/מְרָרִֽי\׃\ \ס1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 46:11
The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
This verse establishes Merari as one of the three foundational sons of Levi, setting the stage for his clan’s future role in Israel.
-
Numbers 3:36
The appointed duty of the sons of Merari shall be the tabernacle’s boards, its bars, its pillars, its sockets, all its instruments, all its service,
Here the text specifies their unique burden to carry the heavy boards and bars, highlighting their physical contribution to the sanctuary's structure.