ma.rad describes a city portrayed as acting in rebellion against kings and provinces.

The two attested uses apply the adjective to Jerusalem as a city accused of rebellion: it is called such while its walls are being rebuilt, and the records are said to identify it as damaging to kings and provinces.

1. A city accused of rebellion · dominant

   In Ezra 4:12, the determined feminine singular form describes Jerusalem in the accusation surrounding the rebuilding of its walls. In Ezra 4:15, the absolute feminine singular form again characterizes the city in a records-based charge that it was damaging to kings and provinces; the APB renders the clauses “the rebellious and bad city” and “the city is a rebellious city.”

   Ezra 4:12Ezra 4:15

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB presents the adjective with “rebellious” in both verses, once in the charge concerning Jerusalem's rebuilding and once in the description sought in the records. These renderings confirm the clauses' overall presentation rather than isolate every feature of the term.