a denominative from חֶמְאָה; something buttery (i.e. unctuous and pleasant), as (figuratively) flattery; [idiom] than butter.
Transliteration:machămâʼâh
Pronunciation:makh-am-aw-aw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word machămâʼâh (`{{H4260}}`) is a denominative form derived from ḥemʼâh (`{{H2529}}`), which signifies "curd," "butter," or "cream." Fundamentally, machămâʼâh evokes the literal qualities of butter: its smoothness, richness, and pleasantness to the taste. This literal sense forms the foundation for its figurative extension. In its metaphorical application, machămâʼâh denotes "flattery" or "smooth words"—expressions that are outwardly agreeable and unctuous, yet often conceal deceit, manipulation, or malevolent intent. The idiomatic use, such as "smoother than butter," emphasizes an extreme degree of such pleasant, yet potentially deceptive, communication.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term machămâʼâh (`{{H4260}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[Psalm 55:21]]. This singular occurrence, however, is profoundly impactful and illuminates the word's full semantic range. The verse reads: "The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords." In this lament by David, likely concerning the betrayal by a close confidant (traditionally understood as Ahithophel, as in [[2 Samuel 15:31]]), machămâʼâh serves as a powerful metaphor for the deceptive nature of the betrayer's speech. The outward pleasantness of his words, described as "smoother than butter" (מַחֲמָאֹת), stands in stark contrast to the hidden malice ("war was in his heart") and destructive intent ("drawn swords"). The parallelism with "softer than oil" (shemen, `{{H8081}}`) further emphasizes the insidious smoothness that masks a violent and treacherous spirit. This context vividly portrays machămâʼâh as a symbol of hypocrisy, where outward amiability conceals inward hostility.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is ḥemʼâh (`{{H2529}}`), the root from which machămâʼâh is derived, meaning "butter" or "curds." This etymological link grounds the figurative meaning in a tangible, sensory experience. The parallel term in [[Psalm 55:21]], shemen (`{{H8081}}`), "oil," also connotes smoothness and richness, reinforcing the deceptive pleasantness. Conceptually, machămâʼâh is closely tied to themes of flattery, deceit, treachery, and hypocrisy. Other Hebrew words that convey similar ideas of deceptive smoothness or flattery include ḥālāq (חָלָק, `{{H2505}}`), meaning "smooth" or "flattering," often used in a negative sense (e.g., [[Proverbs 2:16]], [[Proverbs 7:5]]). The antithesis of machămâʼâh would be words signifying truth (emet, `{{H571}}`), integrity (yosher, `{{H3477}}`), and faithfulness ('emunah, `{{H530}}`).
### Theological Significance
The singular yet potent use of machămâʼâh in [[Psalm 55:21]] carries significant theological weight. It serves as a profound illustration of the deceptive nature of sin and the spiritual danger of hypocrisy. The "buttery words" symbolize the outward appearance of virtue or friendship that conceals inner corruption and destructive intent. This theme resonates throughout biblical theology, where God consistently condemns deceit and flattery while valuing truth and integrity (e.g., [[Psalm 15:2]]; [[Proverbs 12:22]]; [[Romans 16:18]]). The passage underscores the necessity for spiritual discernment, urging believers to look beyond superficial pleasantries to perceive the true intentions of the heart (cf. [[Hebrews 4:12]]; [[1 John 4:1]]). The betrayer's machămâʼâh represents a spiritual snare, as it can lull one into a false sense of security, making them vulnerable to hidden malice. It highlights the stark contrast between the ways of the righteous, who speak truth, and the wicked, whose words are often a veil for their destructive purposes.
### Summary
Machămâʼâh (`{{H4260}}`), derived from ḥemʼâh (`{{H2529}}`), literally signifies "something buttery," evoking richness and smoothness. Figuratively, it powerfully conveys the concept of flattery or deceptively smooth words. Its sole biblical appearance in [[Psalm 55:21]] provides a vivid portrayal of this deceptive quality, contrasting the pleasant exterior of a betrayer's words with the hostile and violent intent of their heart. This word serves as a potent metaphor for hypocrisy and highlights the profound spiritual danger of outward pleasantness masking inner malice. It underscores the biblical emphasis on truthfulness and integrity, standing in stark opposition to the destructive nature of deceit and flattery in human relationships and before God.
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