Original Word: מְרוֹחַ
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: mrowach
Pronunciation: meh-RO-akh
Phonetic Spelling: (mer-o-akh')
KJV: broken
NASB: crushed
Word Origin: [from H4799 (מָרַח - apply)]

1. bruised, i.e. emasculated

broken

From marach; bruised, i.e. Emasculated -- broken.

see HEBREW marach

Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
perhaps a rubbing away
NASB Translation
crushed (1).

[מָרוֺחַ] noun [masculine] dubious, only construct מְרוֺחַ אָ֑שֶׁךְ Leviticus 21:20; v either מָרַח rub = a rubbing away of the testicle; or רָוַח be roomy, enlarged = enlargement (read then מֶרְוַח); see further Di.

מָרוֺם see רום.

Definition and Occurrence

מְרוֹחַ appears once in the Old Testament, in Leviticus 21:20, where it denotes the condition of “damaged” or “crushed” testicles. The term forms part of the list of bodily defects that disqualified a descendant of Aaron from officiating at the altar.

Priestly Qualifications and Symbolism

Leviticus 21 sets a high standard for those who ministered in the sanctuary. Physical integrity in the priesthood mirrored the perfection of the offerings presented to God (Leviticus 22:20-25). A priest with מְרוֹחַ was not expelled from the covenant community—he could still eat the holy food (Leviticus 21:22)—but he was barred from approaching the veil or altar. Thus the blemish spoke not of personal sin but of ritual fitness. Wholeness of body served as a visible parable of the wholeness of heart God required (Psalm 24:3-4).

Connection with Other Purity Laws

Deuteronomy 23:1 similarly bars a man “whose testicles are crushed” from entering “the assembly of the LORD.” Together, these statutes underline the sanctity of procreative organs in biblical law, guarding Israel from pagan self-mutilation rites (1 Kings 18:28) and underscoring the covenantal emphasis on fruitfulness (Genesis 1:28; 17:6).

Typological Significance

The flawless priest foreshadowed the sinless High Priest, Jesus Christ. Whereas Aaron’s sons needed bodily completeness, Jesus offered moral and spiritual perfection: “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who was tempted in every way yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). The temporary exclusion of the blemished priest thus heightens appreciation for the Savior’s impeccable qualification to mediate the new covenant (Hebrews 7:26-28).

Historical and Cultural Background

In the ancient Near East, bodily injuries of the reproductive organs often excluded men from cultic service. By adopting a similar restriction, Israel demonstrated that true worship—unlike pagan fertility rites—honors the Creator rather than human potency. The priest’s body became a living sign of undivided devotion, free from the distortions of idolatrous practice.

Ministry Implications Today

1. Reverence for the Body: Although Levitical ceremonial regulations are fulfilled in Christ, they remind believers that the body is “a temple of the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:19).
2. Call to Wholeness: Physical blemishes no longer restrict access to God (Galatians 3:28), yet the underlying call to moral integrity endures (1 Timothy 3:2).
3. Compassionate Inclusion: Like the blemished priest who still ate of the holy things, congregations should ensure that physical limitations never hinder fellowship or gospel service (James 2:1-4).
4. Hope of Restoration: The prophetic vision of redeemed bodies (Philippians 3:21) anticipates a future where every limitation—symbolized by מְרוֹחַ—will be overcome in resurrection glory.

Related Scriptures

Leviticus 21:16-24; Leviticus 22:20-25; Deuteronomy 23:1; Hebrews 4:14-16; Hebrews 7:26-28; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Philippians 3:21; James 2:1-4

מְר֥וֹחַ מרוח mə·rō·w·aḥ meRoach mərōwaḥInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts