a primitive root; properly, to cut down or reduce, i.e. by implication, to adulterate; mixed.
Transliteration:mâhal
Pronunciation:maw-hal'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H4107}}` (מָהַל, *mâhal*) is a primitive root carrying the core meaning of "to cut down or reduce." This initial sense implies a diminution or a weakening of an original substance. From this foundational meaning, the term extends by implication to "adulterate" or "dilute." The resulting state is "mixed," but critically, this mixing is not benign; it denotes a corruption or debasement of the original quality through the addition of an inferior or foreign element. Thus, the semantic range moves from a physical act of reduction to a moral and spiritual concept of impurity, compromise, and loss of integrity through admixture.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verbal form of `{{H4107}}` appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, as a passive participle (מָהוּל, *mahul*), in [[Isaiah 1:22]]. The prophet Isaiah declares, "Your silver has become dross, your choicest wine mixed with water."
In this powerful lament, Isaiah uses vivid imagery to denounce the profound moral and spiritual corruption prevalent in Jerusalem and Judah. The "choicest wine" (סֹבְאֵךְ, *sov'ekh*) represents the once pure and valuable essence of the nation, perhaps its covenant relationship with Yahweh, its justice, or its leadership. The act of it being "mixed with water" (מָהוּל בַּמָּיִם, *mahul bammayim*) signifies a deliberate adulteration, a weakening and debasing of that which was originally potent and good. This is not merely a quantitative reduction but a qualitative degradation. The juxtaposition with "silver becoming dross" reinforces the theme of valuable substances being rendered worthless through impurity. The context immediately following this verse speaks of rebellious princes, companions of thieves, and those who love bribes and neglect the orphan and widow ([[Isaiah 1:23]]). Thus, the "mixed wine" serves as a potent metaphor for the perversion of justice, the corruption of leadership, and the general moral decay that has infiltrated the very fabric of society, rendering it spiritually impure and deserving of divine judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept conveyed by `{{H4107}}` resonates with several other biblical themes and lexical fields. It stands in direct contrast to words denoting purity and holiness, such as `{{H2889}}` (טָהוֹר, *tahor*, "pure, clean") and the broader concept of separateness for God (קָדֹשׁ, *qadosh*, "holy"). Conversely, it aligns with notions of uncleanness or defilement, often represented by `{{H2931}}` (טָמֵא, *tame*, "unclean, defiled"). The act of adulteration implies a departure from covenant faithfulness, drawing parallels to spiritual adultery (e.g., [[Jeremiah 3:8-9]]) where devotion to God is "mixed" with idolatry or worldly allegiances. The idea of "diluting" or "weakening" truth or justice can also be seen in passages that condemn false prophets or corrupt judges who pervert righteous standards (e.g., [[Micah 3:9-11]]). The imagery of mixing also brings to mind the warnings against uneven yokes or syncretism, where the pure worship of Yahweh is compromised by foreign practices or beliefs.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of `{{H4107}}` in [[Isaiah 1:22]] carries profound theological weight. It underscores God's unwavering standard of purity and unadulterated devotion from His covenant people. The act of *mahal*—adulterating—represents a fundamental betrayal of this standard, a compromise that diminishes the integrity of faith and practice. Theologically, it highlights:
1. **Divine Expectation of Purity:** God desires His people to be unmixed, entirely devoted to Him, reflecting His own holy character.
2. **Consequences of Corruption:** The "mixed wine" leads to divine judgment, as seen in Isaiah's prophecy. It illustrates how spiritual and moral compromise inevitably results in societal decay and a breach in the relationship with God.
3. **Metaphor for Spiritual Compromise:** The word serves as a powerful metaphor for a spiritual state that is no longer wholehearted. When faith is diluted by worldly values, justice is corrupted by greed, or worship is compromised by syncretism, the "wine" becomes "mixed with water," losing its potency and value in God's eyes.
4. **Call to Integrity:** Implicit in the condemnation of adulteration is a call for integrity, authenticity, and an unblemished commitment to God's ways, emphasizing that true faithfulness cannot be compromised or diluted.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb `{{H4107}}` (מָהַל, *mâhal*), meaning "to cut down or reduce," and by implication, "to adulterate" or "to mix" in a pejorative sense, appears uniquely in [[Isaiah 1:22]]. In this pivotal verse, the "choicest wine mixed with water" serves as a stark metaphor for the profound moral and spiritual corruption of Judah. This single usage powerfully conveys the concept of debasing something pure and valuable through the addition of inferior elements, reflecting a loss of integrity and a departure from divine standards. Theologically, `{{H4107}}` underscores God's demand for unadulterated purity and wholehearted devotion, warning against the severe consequences—both societal and spiritual—of compromise, injustice, and unfaithfulness. It stands as a timeless reminder of the importance of maintaining the purity of faith and practice, unmixed by the corrupting influences of the world.
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