Bible Dictionary
MIRAGE
A mirage is an apparent image of water produced by heat and atmospheric conditions, especially in dry regions. The biblical passages sometimes associated with the term are more commonly translated as referring to heat or parched ground.
Definition
A mirage is an apparent flowing or pool of water produced by heat and atmospheric conditions, especially over dry ground. The biblical word can denote a heat-mirage, though the context of the passages is generally judged to favor translations referring to heat or parched ground.
Biblical Usage
The word occurs in connection with Isaiah’s descriptions of thirsty ground and protection from heat. The Revised Version margin gives “mirage” in these passages, while the ordinary text uses “parched ground” or “heat.”
Historical Background
Mirages are common in the drier parts of the country. The supplied discussion derives the term from a word associated with flowing water, but finds the contextual translation “mirage” less suitable than the usual renderings.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>me-razh' (sharabh, "heat-mirage"; Arabic sarab, from verb which means "to go forth," "to flow"; hence, "flowing of water"): "The glowing sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water" (Isa 35:7); the King James Version has "parched ground" and the Revised Version margin "mirage." The same Hebrew word is also used in Isa 49:10, "Neither shall the heat (margin "mirage") nor sun smite them." These are the only uses of the word in the Scriptures, although mirages are very common in the drier parts of the country. However, the context in both cases seems to justify the translation usually given, rather than "mirage."</p><p>Alfred H. Joy</p>