Lexical Summary margoa: Rest, repose, tranquility Original Word: מַרְגּוֹעַ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance rest From raga'; a resting place -- rest. see HEBREW raga' NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom raga Definition a rest NASB Translation rest (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מַרְגּוֺעַ noun [masculine] rest (poetry), Jeremiah 6:16 וּמִצְאוּ לִנַפְשְׁכֶם ׳מ. Topical Lexicon Definition and Essence Margōaʿ denotes a settled restfulness of soul, a state of inward quiet that proceeds from walking in paths ordained by the Lord. It speaks not merely of cessation from labor but of the deep repose that comes when life is aligned with divine instruction. Biblical Occurrence Jeremiah 6:16 records the word’s sole appearance: “Thus says the LORD: ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.’”. The offer is immediately followed by Judah’s tragic refusal: “But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’” Historical Setting in Jeremiah The prophet addressed a nation on the brink of catastrophe. Political turmoil, idolatry, and social injustice had hollowed out Judah’s covenant life. Against this backdrop, the Lord summoned His people back to the “ancient paths”—the Mosaic revelation and its attendant obedience. Margōaʿ encapsulates the promise of covenant blessing: if Judah would heed the tested ways, God would grant them the quiet security their hearts craved but could not manufacture through alliances or ritual formalism. Rest as Covenant Blessing Throughout the Old Testament, rest is God’s gift to a people living under His rule (Deuteronomy 12:10; Joshua 21:44). In Jeremiah 6:16, margōaʿ reprises that theme: peace within, not merely peace from enemies without. The term thus bridges earlier promises (“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest,” Exodus 33:14) and later prophetic assurances of restoration (Isaiah 30:15). Trajectory into the New Testament Jeremiah’s invitation anticipates Christ’s call: “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28). The Lord echoes the language of soul-rest, locating its fulfillment in Himself. Hebrews 4:9-11 identifies a “Sabbath rest” that remains for the people of God, urging believers to enter it by faith and obedience—precisely the pattern Jeremiah’s audience resisted. Spiritual Implications for Believers 1. Discipleship: The “ancient paths” equate to walking in revealed truth. Margōaʿ is experienced as believers shape life by Scripture rather than culture. Ministry Applications • Preaching: Jeremiah 6:16 serves as a timeless altar call—stand, look, ask, walk, and find rest. Related Scriptures for Study Exodus 33:14; Deuteronomy 12:10; Psalm 116:7; Isaiah 30:15; Matthew 11:28-29; Hebrews 4:9-11; Revelation 14:13. Margōaʿ thus stands as a prophetic signpost: rest is found where God’s ancient, good way is honored. Forms and Transliterations מַרְגּ֖וֹעַ מרגוע mar·gō·w·a‘ marGoa margōwa‘Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Jeremiah 6:16 HEB: בָ֔הּ וּמִצְא֥וּ מַרְגּ֖וֹעַ לְנַפְשְׁכֶ֑ם וַיֹּאמְר֖וּ NAS: in it; And you will find rest for your souls. KJV: therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. INT: is and walk will find rest your souls said 1 Occurrence |
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