Original Word: מַרְאָה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: mar'ah
Pronunciation: mar-ah'
Phonetic Spelling: (mar-aw')
KJV: looking glass, vision
Word Origin: [feminine of H4758 (מַראֶה - appearance)]

1. a vision
2. (causatively) a mirror

looking glass, vision

Feminine of mar'eh; a vision; also (causatively) a mirror -- looking glass, vision.

see HEBREW mar'eh

I. מַרְאָה noun feminine vision, as means of revelation: ׳מ absolute Numbers 12:6 (E), 1 Samuel 3:15; Daniel 10:16, as accusative of congnate meaning with verb Daniel 10:7; Daniel 10:7; Daniel 10:8; apparently plural absolute מַרְאוֺת Ezekiel 43:3, but read מַרְאֵה הָרֶכֶב ᵐ5 Co Berthol Siegf Krae, or strike out Toy Krae (as alternative); construct מַרְאוֺת הַלַּיְלָה Genesis 46:2 (E), מַרְאוֺת אֱלֹהִים Ezekiel 1:1; Ezekiel 8:3; Ezekiel 40:2.

II. [מַרְאָה] noun feminine mirror (so Vrss; as place, or instrument, of seeing (oneself)); — plural construct מַרְאֹת הַצֹּבְאֹת Exodus 38:8 (P) the mirrors of the serving-women (see Di).

Occurrences and Semantic Range

מַרְאָה is employed eleven times to denote a visible manifestation that comes from God, whether as a nocturnal dream‐vision, an open prophetic trance, or, once, a physical “mirror.” The contextual range moves from comforting covenantal assurances (Genesis) through prophetic commission (Numbers, Samuel) to temple imagery (Ezekiel) and apocalyptic revelation (Daniel). Its solitary use for a literal mirror (Exodus) underscores the broader theme of “seeing” rightly before the Lord.

Visions of the Night and Covenant Assurance (Genesis 46:2)

On the eve of Jacob’s descent into Egypt, “God spoke to Israel in visions of the night and said, ‘Jacob, Jacob!’ ‘Here I am,’ he replied” (Genesis 46:2). The vision confirms the Abrahamic promises, turning potential fear into obedient faith. The episode illustrates that divine visions are not merely informative but covenantal, designed to sustain the patriarchal line during a watershed moment.

The Women’s Mirrors and Sanctification of Sight (Exodus 38:8)

“He made the bronze basin and its stand from the bronze mirrors of the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting” (Exodus 38:8). The everyday instrument of self‐reflection is surrendered for priestly purification, signifying that physical sight must submit to spiritual cleansing. The transformation from mirror to laver also hints that authentic vision is found in consecrated service, not in personal vanity.

Prophetic Communication Pattern (Numbers 12:6; 1 Samuel 3:15)

To Miriam and Aaron the LORD declares, “If there is a prophet among you…I make Myself known to him in a vision” (Numbers 12:6). Samuel receives such a vision yet “was afraid to tell Eli” (1 Samuel 3:15), showing that revelation carries moral weight and accountability. מַרְאָה thus becomes a hallmark of genuine prophetic office, distinguishing it from self‐appointed speech.

Ezekiel: Visions of God in Exile (Ezekiel 1:1; 8:3; 40:2)

Ezekiel’s inaugural call—“the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God” (Ezekiel 1:1)—anchors his entire ministry. Repeated transport “in visions of God” (Ezekiel 8:3; 40:2) moves the prophet from Babylon to a spiritually appraised Jerusalem and finally to a future temple. In exile, מַרְאָה bridges the geographical gap, assuring the remnant that divine presence is not confined to a location but accompanies the obedient.

Daniel’s Apocalyptic Revelation (Daniel 10:7–16)

Only Daniel “saw the vision” (Daniel 10:7); its overwhelming glory leaves him without strength (Daniel 10:8) and in deep anguish (Daniel 10:16). Here מַרְאָה unveils cosmic conflict and future deliverance, reinforcing that God owns history and will vindicate His people. The exclusivity of the experience (others sense terror but see nothing) highlights spiritual perception as a gift, not a natural capacity.

Theological Themes

1. Divine Initiative: Every מַרְאָה is God‐initiated, underscoring His sovereignty in revelation.
2. Mediated Knowledge: Visions often require interpretation (Daniel 10) or prophetic explanation (1 Samuel 3), reminding readers that Scripture itself interprets God’s acts.
3. Holiness and Purity: From the bronze laver to the shaken prophet, visions call for cleansing and humility.
4. Continuity of Revelation: The term spans the Patriarchal, Mosaic, Prophetic, and Exilic eras, witnessing to a consistent divine methodology.

Historical Reflection

Second Temple literature and later rabbinic tradition frequently link מַרְאָה with ecstatic experiences, yet the canonical texts keep the phenomenon tethered to ethical obedience and covenant fidelity. Early church fathers viewed Daniel’s visions as messianic foreshadowings, reinforcing the unity of Old and New Testament revelation.

Ministry Implications

• Expectation with Discernment: While God may still grant visual revelation, Scripture provides the normative standard; any contemporary claim must align with biblical truth.
• Stewardship of Revelation: Like Samuel, recipients must share God’s word even when it is uncomfortable.
• Purified Perception: Believers are called to exchange self‐focused “mirrors” for sanctified vision, offering their faculties for the service of the gospel.

בְּמַרְא֣וֹת בְּמַרְאֹ֣ת בְּמַרְאֹת֙ בַּמַּרְאָה֙ במראה במראות במראת הַמַּרְאָ֑ה הַמַּרְאָ֔ה הַמַּרְאָ֖ה הַמַּרְאָ֤ה המראה מַרְא֥וֹת מראות bam·mar·’āh bammar’āh bammarAh bə·mar·’ō·wṯ bə·mar·’ōṯ bəmar’ōṯ bəmar’ōwṯ bemarOt ham·mar·’āh hammar’āh hammarAh mar’ōwṯ mar·’ō·wṯ marotInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts