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H4758 · Hebrew · Old Testament
מַרְאֶה
Mareh
Noun, masculine
Appearance, Sight, Vision

Definition

The Hebrew noun mareh refers to appearance, sight, what is seen, or a vision. Occurring about 103 times in the OT, it describes both the visual appearance of persons and things, and the visionary mode by which God communicated with prophets (as in Ezekiel's visions).

Usage & Theological Significance

Mareh captures the tension in Scripture between outer appearance and inner reality. God told Samuel: 'The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart' (1 Samuel 16:7). Yet mareh also describes the overwhelming visions given to Daniel and Ezekiel — God's glory disclosed in visionary form. The eschatological hope is to see God's mareh directly, face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12).

Key Bible Verses

1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, 'Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at.'
Ezekiel 1:26 Above the vault over their heads was what looked like a throne of lapis lazuli, and high above on the throne was a figure like that of a man.
Daniel 8:15 While I, Daniel, was watching the vision and trying to understand it, there before me stood one who looked like a man.
Genesis 2:9 The LORD God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground — trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food.
Song of Songs 5:15 His legs are pillars of marble set on bases of pure gold. His appearance is like Lebanon, choice as its cedars.

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External Resources

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