Strong's Lexicon Merathayim: Merathayim Original Word: מְרָתַיִם Word Origin: Derived from the Hebrew root מָרָה (marah), meaning "to rebel" or "to be bitter," combined with the dual form, suggesting "double rebellion" or "double bitterness." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There is no direct Greek equivalent for Merathayim in the Strong's Greek Dictionary, as it is a specific Hebrew term used in the context of Old Testament prophecy. Usage: Merathayim is a symbolic name used in the Bible to refer to Babylon. The term is often interpreted as "double rebellion" or "double bitterness," reflecting the city's notorious reputation for idolatry, pride, and opposition to God. It is used in a prophetic context to emphasize the judgment and destruction that would come upon Babylon due to its sins. Cultural and Historical Background: Babylon was a major city in ancient Mesopotamia, known for its grandeur, wealth, and influence. It was a center of idolatry and pagan worship, often standing in opposition to the God of Israel. The prophets frequently spoke against Babylon, predicting its downfall as a consequence of its arrogance and rebellion against God. The name Merathayim captures the essence of Babylon's defiance and the divine judgment it would face. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originperhaps from marah Definition perhaps "double rebellion," another name for Bab. NASB Translation Merathaim (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מְרָתַ֫יִם used as proper name, feminine = Babylon, עֲלֵה עָלֶיהָ עַלֿ ׳הָאָרֶץ מ Jeremiah 50:21; perhaps = Double rebellion (dual) √ מרה q. v.; DePar 182 thinks = Babylonian Marrâtim, i.e., land by the nar Marrâtu, the bitter river (Persian Gulf) = Southern Babylonia. Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Merathaim Dual of mar feminine; double bitterness; Merathajim, an epithet of Babylon -- Merathaim. see HEBREW mar Forms and Transliterations מְרָתַ֙יִם֙ מרתים mə·rā·ṯa·yim meraTayim mərāṯayimLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Jeremiah 50:21 HEB: עַל־ הָאָ֤רֶץ מְרָתַ֙יִם֙ עֲלֵ֣ה עָלֶ֔יהָ NAS: the land of Merathaim, go KJV: against the land of Merathaim, [even] against it, and against the inhabitants INT: Against the land of Merathaim go against 1 Occurrence |