### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mâhal**, represented by `{{H4107}}`, is a primitive root that properly means to cut down or reduce. By implication, it means to **adulterate** or be **mixed**. This word is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, yet it carries significant metaphorical weight.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{H4107}}` is found in a prophetic critique in the book of Isaiah. It is used to create a powerful image of corruption and degradation: "Thy silver is become dross, thy wine **mixed** with water" [[Isaiah 1:22]]. Here, the word describes the act of diluting wine, a valuable commodity, with water, thereby reducing its quality and worth. This physical act of adulteration serves as a metaphor for the spiritual and moral decay of the people, whose purity and value have been compromised.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of `{{H4107}}` is illuminated by the words used alongside it in its only biblical context:
* `{{H3701}}` **keçeph** (silver; by implication, money): Represents something precious and pure that has been corrupted into something worthless. The dossier notes it is refined with fire [[Zechariah 13:9]].
* `{{H5509}}` **çîyg** (dross): This is what the pure silver has become, an image of worthless refuse. This term is consistently associated with impurity that must be purged away ([[Isaiah 1:25]], [[Proverbs 25:4]]).
* `{{H5435}}` **çôbeʼ** (wine): This refers to the wine that has been adulterated. It symbolizes richness and vitality that has been diluted and weakened.
* `{{H4325}}` **mayim** (water): The substance used to dilute the wine, representing the common or worthless element introduced to corrupt what was once pure.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4107}}` is centered on its use as a metaphor for spiritual compromise.
* **Symbol of Corruption:** The act of being "mixed" serves as a direct symbol of moral and spiritual adulteration. It signifies a loss of integrity and a departure from a pure state.
* **Devaluation of the Covenant:** In Isaiah, the wine being mixed with water illustrates how Israel's relationship with God, once precious, has been devalued by faithlessness and sin. What should have been pure has been tainted.
* **An Indictment Leading to Judgment:** The state of being "mixed" or adulterated is presented as evidence in a divine indictment. The parallel imagery of silver becoming dross `{{H5509}}` connects this idea to a process of judgment and forceful purification, as God promises to "purge away thy dross" [[Isaiah 1:25]].
### Summary
In summary, though `{{H4107}}` appears only once, its meaning is profound. It is not just about a simple action of mixing liquids; it is a powerful biblical symbol for adulteration, corruption, and the loss of spiritual purity. Its context in [[Isaiah 1:22]] uses the imagery of diluted wine to diagnose a nation's moral decay, illustrating how compromising with worthless things ruins what is precious.
TRV