The term "marish" is an archaic English word that refers to a marsh or swamp, a tract of low-lying, wet, and often waterlogged land. In the context of the Bible, the concept of marshes or marshy places is used both literally and metaphorically to convey various spiritual and physical realities.

Biblical References:

1. Ezekiel 47:11 : "But the swamps and marshes will not become fresh; they will be left for salt." This verse is part of the vision of the river flowing from the temple, which brings life and healing wherever it goes. However, the swamps and marshes are exceptions, remaining salty and unhealed. This imagery can symbolize areas of resistance to God's transformative power, representing places or hearts that remain unchanged despite the presence of divine influence.

2. Isaiah 35:7 : "The parched ground will become a pool, the thirsty land springs of water. In the haunt of jackals, where they lie down, there will be grass, reeds, and papyrus." While the term "marish" is not directly used here, the transformation of dry land into a place of water and growth reflects the biblical theme of God's restoration and provision. The imagery of water in a desert signifies hope and renewal, contrasting with the stagnant nature of a marsh.

Theological Significance:

In biblical literature, marshes can symbolize stagnation and unfruitfulness, contrasting with the life-giving and cleansing properties of flowing water. The distinction between fresh, flowing water and stagnant marshes serves as a metaphor for spiritual vitality versus spiritual stagnation. In Ezekiel's vision, the river that brings life is a powerful image of God's presence and blessing, while the marshes that remain salty highlight areas resistant to change and growth.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, marshes were often seen as inhospitable and unproductive lands. They were places where cultivation was difficult, and they could harbor dangers such as disease and wild animals. This understanding would have informed the biblical writers' use of marsh imagery to convey spiritual truths about fruitfulness and desolation.

Application for Believers:

For believers, the imagery of marshes serves as a reminder to remain open to God's transformative work. Just as the marshes in Ezekiel's vision remain unchanged, individuals can resist spiritual growth by clinging to sin or refusing to embrace God's will. The call is to allow the "living water" of God's Spirit to flow freely, bringing renewal and life to every area of one's life.

In summary, while the term "marish" itself may not frequently appear in modern translations, its conceptual significance in the Bible underscores themes of spiritual vitality, resistance to divine influence, and the transformative power of God's presence.1. (n.) Low, wet ground; a marsh; a fen; a bog; a moor.

2. (a.) Moory; fenny; boggy.

3. (a.) Growing in marshes.

MARISH

mar'-ish (gebhe'; helos): An old form of "marsh," found in the King James Version, the English Revised Version Ezekiel 47:11 (the American Standard Revised Version "marsh"). Some (not all) editions of the King James Version Apocrypha have retained this same spelling in 1 Maccabees 9:42, 45 (the Revised Version (British and American) "marsh").

1360. gebe -- a cistern, pool
... marish, pit. From an unused root meaning probably to collect; a reservoir; by analogy,
a marsh -- marish, pit. 1359, 1360. gebe. 1361 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/1360.htm - 5kMarish
... 1. (n.) Low, wet ground; a marsh; a fen; a bog; a moor. 2. (a.) Moory; fenny; boggy.
3. (a.) Growing in marshes. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. MARISH. ...
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Marishes (1 Occurrence)

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Marisa

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Marsh (4 Occurrences)
... marsh ((1) gebhe', the American Standard Revised Version "marsh," the King James
Version and the English Revised Version "marish" (Ezekiel 47:11); the King ...
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Marish: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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