Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Meaning: The term "Mirmah" is a Hebrew word that is often translated as "deceit," "treachery," or "fraud." It is used in the Old Testament to describe actions or behaviors that are dishonest or misleading. The root of the word conveys the idea of trickery or betrayal, often in the context of violating trust or covenant. Biblical References: Mirmah appears in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, highlighting the moral and ethical implications of deceitful behavior. It is frequently associated with actions that are contrary to the character and commandments of God. 1. Genesis 27:35 · In the account of Jacob and Esau, Isaac tells Esau, "Your brother came deceitfully and took your blessing." Here, "deceitfully" is derived from the Hebrew "Mirmah," illustrating Jacob's use of deception to obtain the blessing meant for Esau. 2. Psalm 55:11 · The psalmist laments, "Destruction is within her; oppression and deceit never leave her streets." The use of "deceit" (Mirmah) in this verse underscores the pervasive nature of treachery within the city, contributing to its downfall. 3. Proverbs 12:5 · "The plans of the righteous are just, but the counsel of the wicked leads to deceit." This proverb contrasts the integrity of the righteous with the deceitful schemes of the wicked, emphasizing the moral divide between truth and falsehood. 4. Jeremiah 9:6 · "You live in the midst of deception; in their deceit they refuse to know Me," declares the LORD. Here, "deception" (Mirmah) is linked to a rejection of God, illustrating how deceit can lead to spiritual estrangement. 5. Hosea 12:7 · "A merchant loves to defraud with dishonest scales in his hands." The prophet Hosea uses "defraud" (Mirmah) to describe the unethical practices of merchants, highlighting the societal impact of deceit. Theological Significance: In the biblical narrative, Mirmah is consistently portrayed as antithetical to the nature of God, who is characterized by truth and faithfulness. Deceit is condemned as a violation of the divine order and a breach of the covenant relationship between God and His people. The presence of Mirmah in a community or individual is often depicted as leading to judgment and separation from God. Moral and Ethical Implications: The use of Mirmah in the Bible serves as a warning against the destructive power of deceit. It calls believers to uphold truth and integrity in their dealings with others, reflecting the character of God in their lives. The biblical admonition against deceit encourages a life of honesty, transparency, and trustworthiness, aligning with the teachings of Jesus Christ, who declared Himself to be "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). Cultural and Historical Context: In ancient Israel, as in many ancient cultures, trust and covenantal relationships were foundational to societal stability. Deceit, therefore, was not merely a personal failing but a threat to the community's cohesion and well-being. The biblical authors often used Mirmah to critique social injustices and call for a return to covenantal faithfulness. Conclusion: While the Bible does not provide a systematic theology of deceit, the recurring theme of Mirmah throughout the Scriptures underscores the importance of truthfulness and integrity in the life of faith. The biblical witness calls believers to reject deceit in all its forms and to live in a manner that honors God and reflects His truth to the world. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia MIRMAHmur'-ma (mirmah, "deceit"): A Benjamite (1 Chronicles 8:10). Strong's Hebrew 4821. Mirmah -- a Benjamite... 4820, 4821. Mirmah. 4822 . a Benjamite. Transliteration: Mirmah Phonetic Spelling: (meer-maw') Short Definition: Mirmah. Word Origin ... /hebrew/4821.htm - 6k 4820. mirmah -- deceit, treachery 4822. Meremoth -- two Israelites priests, also an Israelite Library Chapter xxxiv Chapter xxvi Thesaurus Mirmah (1 Occurrence)... Standard Bible Encyclopedia MIRMAH. mur'-ma (mirmah, "deceit"): A Benjamite (1 Chronicles 8:10). Multi-Version Concordance Mirmah (1 Occurrence). ... /m/mirmah.htm - 6k Guile (21 Occurrences) Mirma (1 Occurrence) Subtil (3 Occurrences) Subtlety (3 Occurrences) Subtilty (9 Occurrences) Subtle (5 Occurrences) Mirror (4 Occurrences) Je'uz (1 Occurrence) Jeuz (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Mirmah (1 Occurrence)1 Chronicles 8:10 Subtopics Related Terms |