from an unused root probably meaning to be eminent; properly, a distinguished thing; hence something valuable, as aproduct or fruit; pleasant, precious fruit (thing).
Transliteration:meged
Pronunciation:meh'-ghed
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun H4022 (מֶגֶד, *meged*) derives from an unused root that likely conveyed the idea of eminence or distinction. Consequently, its core meaning revolves around something that is "distinguished," "valuable," or "precious." While the root suggests a quality of superiority, the word's usage in the biblical text primarily applies this distinction to tangible products, particularly fruits or agricultural produce. Thus, meged denotes the choicest, most desirable, or most excellent of such items. Its semantic range extends from the abstract notion of inherent value to the concrete manifestation of that value in pleasant and precious commodities, emphasizing quality, desirability, and abundance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H4022 appears six times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in two distinct contexts:
1. **Deuteronomy 33:13, 15, 16 (Blessing of Joseph):** In Moses' blessing upon the tribe of Joseph, meged is used three times to describe the "precious things" or "choicest produce" bestowed by divine favor.
* [[Deuteronomy 33:13]]: "Blessed of the Lord be his land, with the choicest gifts of heaven above, with the dew, and with the deep that couches beneath." Here, "choicest gifts" (מִמֶּגֶד שָׁמַיִם, *mimmeḡeḏ šāmayim*) refers to the valuable sustenance provided by the heavens, such as rain and dew, essential for agricultural prosperity.
* [[Deuteronomy 33:15]]: "and with the choicest gifts of the ancient mountains, and the precious things of the everlasting hills." (מִמֶּגֶד הַרְרֵי קֶדֶם, *mimmeḡeḏ harrê qeḏem*). This refers to the rich produce from the fertile slopes and valleys.
* [[Deuteronomy 33:16]]: "and with the choicest gifts of the earth and its fullness, and the favor of him who dwells in the bush." (וּמִמֶּגֶד אֶרֶץ וּמְלֹאָהּ, *ûmimmeḡeḏ ’ereṣ ûmĕlō’āh*). This comprehensive phrase encapsulates all the valuable produce and bounty of the land itself.
In these passages, meged underscores the abundant and superior quality of divine provision, emphasizing the richness and fertility that God promises to His people, particularly Joseph's descendants. It speaks of a land blessed with the very best.
2. **Song of Solomon 4:13, 16; 7:13 (Description of the Beloved and Love's Fruits):** In the Song of Solomon, meged appears in its plural form (מְגָדִים, *mĕḡāḏîm*), consistently translated as "pleasant fruits" or "choice fruits."
* [[Song of Solomon 4:13]]: "Your shoots are an orchard of pomegranates with choicest fruits, henna with nard." Here, the beloved's beauty and desirability are likened to a garden yielding the most delightful and valuable produce.
* [[Song of Solomon 4:16]]: "Awake, O north wind, and come, O south wind! Blow upon my garden, let its spices flow out. Let my beloved come to his garden and eat its choicest fruits." This invites the beloved to partake of the delightful and desirable aspects of the lover.
* [[Song of Solomon 7:13]]: "The mandrakes give forth fragrance, and over our doors are all choice fruits, new as well as old, which I have laid up for you, O my beloved." This verse continues the theme of abundant, desirable fruit, symbolizing the richness and variety of love's offerings.
In these contexts, meged shifts from literal agricultural bounty to a metaphorical representation of the delightful, desirable, and excellent qualities, often associated with the beloved or the fruits of intimate love. It conveys attractiveness, richness, and pleasantness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of H4022 (מֶגֶד, *meged*) intersects with several related Hebrew words and theological concepts:
* **`{{H2896}}` (ṭôb) / `{{H2898}}` (ṭûḇ):** "Good" or "goodness." While ṭôb is a general term for quality, meged specifies a higher degree of excellence and desirability, often in a material sense.
* **`{{H2988}}` (yāqār):** "Precious" or "valuable." Yāqār emphasizes intrinsic worth, whereas meged often highlights the delightful and desirable nature of that which is valuable, particularly as a product.
* **`{{H6287}}` (pěrî):** "Fruit." This is the general term for fruit. Meged specifies the *choicest* or *pleasant* kind of fruit, emphasizing its superior quality and desirability.
* **`{{H1293}}` (bərāḵāh):** "Blessing." The use of meged in Deuteronomy is a direct manifestation of divine blessing, where the "precious things" are the tangible outcomes of God's favor and provision.
* **`{{H8081}}` (šāmēn):** "Fat" or "rich." Often used to describe fertile land or abundant produce, aligning with the sense of plenitude conveyed by meged.
Conceptually, meged is linked to:
* **Divine Provision:** God's generous and abundant provision for His people.
* **Covenant Blessings:** The tangible outcomes of faithfulness to God's covenant.
* **Fertility and Abundance:** The richness of the land and its capacity to yield superior produce.
* **Delight and Desirability:** The pleasantness and attractiveness of valuable things, extending metaphorically to human relationships.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H4022 (מֶגֶד, *meged*) is multifaceted, revealing aspects of God's character, His relationship with humanity, and the nature of His creation:
1. **God's Benevolence and Abundance:** The primary theological implication of meged is God's overflowing goodness and generosity. In Deuteronomy, the "precious things" are not merely sufficient but are the very best, demonstrating a divine desire to bless His people lavishly. This speaks to a God who delights in providing rich and excellent provisions, going beyond mere necessity to bestow abundance and quality. It reflects His character as a benevolent Giver.
2. **Manifestation of Covenant Blessing:** The use of meged in the blessing upon Joseph signifies the tangible, material blessings associated with God's covenant faithfulness. It illustrates how God's promises of a land flowing with milk and honey translate into concrete realities of fertile land, abundant crops, and desirable produce. These "precious things" serve as a visible sign of God's favor and the prosperity that accompanies His presence and blessing.
3. **Affirmation of Creation's Goodness:** By describing natural produce as "precious" and "pleasant," meged implicitly affirms the inherent goodness and desirability of God's creation. The earth is not merely a resource but a source of delightful and valuable things, designed by God to sustain, enrich, and bring joy to human life.
4. **Metaphor for Spiritual and Relational Richness:** In the Song of Solomon, the metaphorical use of "pleasant fruits" extends the concept of meged to the realm of human love and intimacy. This suggests that just as God provides the choicest physical blessings, He also intends for human relationships to be rich, delightful, and fruitful. While not directly referring to spiritual fruit (cf. `{{G2590}}` for "fruit" of the Spirit), it sets a precedent for understanding desirable, excellent outcomes in a broader sense, including the richness of a life lived in accordance with God's design.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H4022 (מֶגֶד, *meged*) denotes that which is eminent, distinguished, and supremely valuable, particularly in the context of desirable produce or fruit. Its usage in Deuteronomy highlights God's lavish provision and the choicest blessings bestowed upon His people, reflecting His benevolent character and covenant faithfulness. Here, meged signifies the abundant, superior quality of divine gifts, such as fertile land and rich harvests. In the Song of Solomon, the plural form mĕḡāḏîm extends this meaning metaphorically to describe the delightful and attractive qualities of the beloved, or the rich, desirable "fruits" of love and intimacy. Across its occurrences, meged consistently points to excellence, desirability, and divine favor, underscoring both the goodness of God's material provisions and the richness intended for human experience and relationships.
TRV