Lexical Summary meah: Hundred Original Word: מְאָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance hundred (Aramaic) corresponding to me'ah -- hundred. see HEBREW me'ah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to meah Definition hundred NASB Translation 100 (1), 120* (1), 200 (1). Topical Lexicon Range and Setting of the WordThe numeral מְאָה functions as the ordinary Hebrew term for “one hundred.” In the Old Testament it is often paired with other numerals to form composite numbers, yet in the small post-exilic corpus of eight occurrences attached to this Strong number it always stands alone. All eight references lie within Persian-period narratives: the dedication of the Second Temple (Ezra 6:17), Artaxerxes’ rescript to Ezra (Ezra 7:22, four times), and the reorganization of the empire under Darius the Mede (Daniel 6:1). Its restricted placement highlights one hundred as a carefully chosen round figure in royal decrees and covenant worship. Ezra 6:17 – Worship That Matches a Renewed House “For the dedication of this house of God, they offered one hundred bulls…” (Ezra 6:17). The Temple is complete, yet only now, through worship, is it truly “dedicated.” One hundred bulls form the lead sacrifice. In comparison, Solomon had offered twenty-two thousand cattle (1 Kings 8:63). The smaller post-exilic community cannot match that scale, yet the Spirit-inspired historian still records the precise figure. The round hundred underscores: • Proportionate obedience: the community gives all it can without despising the day of small things (Zechariah 4:10). Ezra 7:22 – Royal Provision for Ongoing Ministry “Up to one hundred talents of silver, one hundred kors of wheat, one hundred baths of wine, one hundred baths of oil, and salt without limit.” (Ezra 7:22) Artaxerxes authorizes Ezra to withdraw fixed amounts “from the royal treasury.” The repetition of one hundred shows: • Sufficiency without waste: the Persian king intends generous but accountable support. Daniel 6:1 – Administrative Order under Gentile Dominion “It pleased Darius to appoint one hundred and twenty satraps to rule throughout the kingdom.” (Daniel 6:1). While not itself “one hundred,” the verse pairs מְאָה with “twenty.” The base hundred plus an additional score illustrates: • Governance by law: the empire values structure, mirroring God’s own concern for order. Symbolic Nuances of One Hundred 1. Completeness on a manageable scale – Unlike a thousand, a hundred conveys fullness the average worshiper can grasp, bridging the gulf between infinity and daily life. Ministry Implications • Faithful stewardship: Churches and families today may not command Solomon’s wealth, yet the Lord honors offerings scaled to available resources. Conclusion Across these Persian-era passages, מְאָה frames covenant dedication, royal generosity, and administrative order. The shared numeral quietly testifies that the God of Israel remains sovereign over worship, provision, and politics alike, guiding His people through precise, measurable acts that manifest His unchanging faithfulness. Forms and Transliterations מְאָ֑ה מְאָ֔ה מְאָ֣ה מְאָה֒ מָאתַ֔יִן מאה מאתין mā·ṯa·yin maTayin māṯayin mə’āh mə·’āh meAhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 6:17 HEB: דְנָה֒ תּוֹרִ֣ין מְאָ֔ה דִּכְרִ֣ין מָאתַ֔יִן NAS: temple of God 100 bulls, 200 KJV: of God an hundred bullocks, INT: of this bullocks an hundred rams hundred Ezra 6:17 Ezra 6:17 Ezra 7:22 Ezra 7:22 Ezra 7:22 Ezra 7:22 Daniel 6:1 8 Occurrences |
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