Lexical Summary mera: Bitterness, rebellion Original Word: מֵרַע Strong's Exhaustive Concordance do mischief From ra'a'; used as (abstract) noun, wickedness -- do mischief. see HEBREW ra'a' NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom raa, q.v. Topical Lexicon Definition and Semantic Range Derived from the larger רע (raʿ) family, מֵרַע (mēraʿ) points to a deliberate, heart-level bent toward mischief, harm, or moral evil, emphasizing intention more than mere circumstance. Biblical Occurrence Daniel 11:27 is the sole attestation: “The two kings, their hearts bent on evil, will sit at the same table and speak lies to one another, but it will not succeed, for the end will still come at the appointed time” (Berean Standard Bible). Historical Context Daniel’s prophecy depicts Antiochus III (North) and Ptolemy V (South) negotiating circa 197–195 B.C. Political theater masks identical motives—each king plots against the other while outwardly pursuing peace. The Spirit’s use of mēraʿ exposes that hidden resolve. Theological Significance 1. Interior Source of Sin: Evil springs from the heart (Jeremiah 17:9; Mark 7:21). Ministry and Devotional Insights • Discernment—Diplomacy can cloak mēraʿ; believers must be “wise as serpents” (Matthew 10:16). Canonical Links Psalm 21:11; Proverbs 21:30; Isaiah 8:10 echo the Daniel theme: evil intentions fail beneath divine rule. Christological and Eschatological Notes Daniel’s duplicitous table foreshadows conspiracies against Jesus (Luke 22:2). The cross—humankind’s ultimate mēraʿ—becomes God’s means of redemption (Acts 2:23). Prophetic certainties about “appointed times” buttress endurance in latter-day conflict (Matthew 24:6). Practical Application • Test motives (James 4:1-3). Related Hebrew Terms רֶשַׁע (reshaʿ, wickedness); זִמָּה (zimmah, evil scheme); בְּלִיַּעַל (beliyyaal, worthlessness). All speak of wrongdoing, yet mēraʿ stresses an inward resolve to harm. In its single appearance, מֵרַע crystallizes Scripture’s witness: human hearts may devise evil, but the Lord governs history and brings every secret purpose into the light. Forms and Transliterations לְמֵרָ֔ע למרע lə·mê·rā‘ lemeRa ləmêrā‘Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 11:27 HEB: הַמְּלָכִים֙ לְבָבָ֣ם לְמֵרָ֔ע וְעַל־ שֻׁלְחָ֥ן KJV: hearts [shall be] to do mischief, and they shall speak INT: kings their hearts do mischief and table 1 Occurrence |
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