Original Word: מֶרְכָּב
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: merkab
Pronunciation: mer-kawb'
Phonetic Spelling: (mer-kawb')
Definition: a chariot, a seat
Meaning: A chariot, a seat.

Word Origin: Derived from the root רָכַב (rakav), which means "to ride" or "to mount."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • The Greek equivalent for a chariot is ἅρμα (harma), Strong's Greek Number 716, which is used in the Septuagint and the New Testament to convey similar meanings of a chariot or vehicle.

Usage: The term מֶרְכָּב is used in the Hebrew Bible to refer to a chariot, often in the context of war or transportation. It can also denote a seat or place of sitting, emphasizing its function as a vehicle or conveyance.

Context: • The word מֶרְכָּב appears in the Hebrew Bible primarily in contexts related to transportation and warfare. Chariots were a significant part of ancient Near Eastern military technology, providing mobility and a platform for archers and warriors. The use of chariots is frequently mentioned in the narratives of battles and conquests.
• In 1 Kings 22:35, the term is used in the context of King Ahab's chariot: "The battle raged throughout that day, and the king was propped up in his chariot facing the Arameans. But by evening he had died, and the blood from his wound had pooled at the bottom of the chariot."
• The chariot is also symbolic of power and prestige, often associated with the wealth and military might of a nation. In 2 Kings 9:21, the chariot is mentioned in the account of Jehu's confrontation with Joram: "Harness the chariot!" ordered Joram. And they harnessed his chariot. Then Joram king of Israel and Ahaziah king of Judah set out, each in his own chariot, to meet Jehu. They met him at the plot of ground that had belonged to Naboth the Jezreelite.
• The term can also be used metaphorically to describe divine or supernatural conveyance, as seen in the vision of the chariots of fire in 2 Kings 6:17: "And Elisha prayed, 'O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.' And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha."
• The concept of the chariot extends beyond its physical form to represent the idea of movement, progress, and the execution of divine will.

Word Origin
from rakab
Definition
a chariot, riding seat
NASB Translation
chariots (1), saddle (1), seat (1).

מֶרְכָּב noun masculine^{Leviticus 15:9} chariot, riding-seat (properly riding-place); —

1 chariot ( = following), suffix סוּסִים לְמֶרְכָּבוֺ 1 Kings 5:6.

2 absolute ׳מ, probably saddle Leviticus 15:9 (P).

3 מֶרְכָּבוֺ seat of litter Songs 3:10.

chariot, covering, saddle

From rakab; a chariot; also a seat (in a vehicle) -- chariot, covering, saddle.

see HEBREW rakab

הַמֶּרְכָּ֗ב המרכב לְמֶרְכָּב֑וֹ למרכבו מֶרְכָּב֖וֹ מרכבו ham·mer·kāḇ hammerkāḇ hammerKav lə·mer·kā·ḇōw ləmerkāḇōw lemerkaVo mer·kā·ḇōw merkāḇōw merkaVoInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts