Mara
TextsWhat is the meaning of Mara in the Bible?
Mara is a Hebrew word meaning 'bitter,' used by Naomi to describe her life after returning from Moab, reflecting her profound grief and sense of divine abandonment.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the meaning of Mara allows readers to grasp the emotional weight of Naomi's lament, highlighting how personal tragedy and perceived divine judgment are central themes in the Book of Ruth.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Manuscript & Literary Context: Notice how Mara functions as an authoritative historical witness connecting earlier prophetic promises with scripture's broader fulfillment.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Mara in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Mara clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Mara." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/mara/