### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **dôwnag**, represented by `{{H1749}}`, translates to **wax**. Though its derivation is uncertain, it appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses**, where it is used consistently as a powerful simile to describe something dissolving or losing its form.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1749}}` is exclusively used to illustrate a state of melting or dissolution. It describes the physical world reacting to the presence of God, as when the hills `{{H2022}}` melted like **wax** [[Psalms 97:5]] and mountains `{{H2022}}` were molten as **wax** before the fire `{{H784}}` [[Micah 1:4]]. The term also vividly portrays the fate of the wicked `{{H7563}}`, who perish as **wax** melteth before the fire `{{H784}}` at the presence of God `{{H430}}` [[Psalms 68:2]]. In a deeply personal context, it conveys utter human frailty, where a suffering individual's heart `{{H3820}}` becomes like **wax**, melted in the midst of his bowels `{{H4578}}` [[Psalms 22:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are key to understanding the imagery surrounding `{{H1749}}`:
* `{{H4549}}` **mâçaç** (to liquefy): This verb for melting appears alongside `{{H1749}}` in verses describing mountains [[Micah 1:4]], hills [[Psalms 97:5]], and the human heart [[Psalms 22:14]] dissolving like wax.
* `{{H784}}` **ʼêsh** (fire): This word provides the agent of melting in several key passages. The wicked perish as wax before the **fire** [[Psalms 68:2]], and mountains are molten as wax before the **fire** [[Micah 1:4]].
* `{{H2022}}` **har** (a mountain or range of hills): This word establishes the scale of divine power, as these seemingly permanent structures are described as melting like wax ([[Psalms 97:5]], [[Micah 1:4]]).
* `{{H6440}}` **pânîym** (the face, presence): The melting often occurs "at the **presence** of the LORD" [[Psalms 97:5]] or "before" God [[Psalms 68:2]], indicating that this dissolution is a direct reaction to the appearance of divine authority.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1749}}` is found in its powerful metaphorical use.
* **Divine Judgment:** The image of wax melting before fire `{{H784}}` is a symbol of judgment. It shows how the wicked `{{H7563}}`, no matter how established, will utterly perish before the presence `{{H6440}}` of God `{{H430}}` [[Psalms 68:2]].
* **Theophany:** The word is used to describe the overwhelming effect of God's manifest presence. The strongest parts of creation, the mountains `{{H2022}}` and hills, cannot stand but melt like wax when the Lord `{{H3068}}` of the whole earth `{{H776}}` appears ([[Psalms 97:5]], [[Micah 1:4]]).
* **Human Frailty:** In the context of suffering, a heart `{{H3820}}` that is like melted wax signifies a complete loss of strength, courage, and stability, illustrating a state of ultimate vulnerability [[Psalms 22:14]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1749}}` is more than the simple substance of wax; it is a vivid biblical symbol for dissolution and instability. It powerfully illustrates the impermanence of both the physically mighty and the morally wicked when confronted by the presence of God. Furthermore, it provides a poignant metaphor for the internal collapse experienced during times of profound personal suffering, showing how a single image can convey both the awesome power of divine judgment and the depths of human despair.
TRV