from נָטָה; a stretching, i.e. distortion (figuratively, iniquity); perverseness.
Transliteration:muṭṭeh
Pronunciation:moot-teh'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word muṭṭeh (מֻטֶּה), Strong's `{{H4297}}`, is a noun derived from the verb nāṭāh (נָטָה) `{{H5186}}`, which primarily means "to stretch out," "to extend," "to incline," or "to turn aside." As a noun, muṭṭeh captures the negative moral implications of this "turning aside" or "inclining." It denotes a "stretching" or "bending" that results in distortion, perverseness, or iniquity. Its semantic range encompasses:
* **Distortion:** A deviation from what is straight, true, or proper. It implies a twisting or bending away from an intended or correct form.
* **Perverseness:** A willful inclination towards wrong or evil, often characterized by moral crookedness, obstinacy, or a deliberate turning away from righteousness.
* **Iniquity:** A general term for moral wrong, emphasizing the inherent twistedness or deviation from divine standards rather than merely a transgression.
In essence, muṭṭeh describes an action, state, or character that is not upright but rather bent or twisted out of its proper form or alignment, particularly in ethical and spiritual contexts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word muṭṭeh (מֻטֶּה) `{{H4297}}` appears infrequently in the Hebrew Bible, making each instance particularly significant for discerning its precise nuance.
* One prominent occurrence is found in [[2 Samuel 22:27]], which is paralleled in [[Psalm 18:26]]. In these verses, the word is translated as "perverse" or "crooked": "With the pure you show yourself pure, but with the crooked (מֻטֶּה) you show yourself perverse." Here, muṭṭeh describes individuals who are morally twisted or deviant, implying a deliberate and ingrained inclination towards wrong. God's response to such perverseness is presented as a just reflection of their crookedness, highlighting the principle of divine retribution and the unyielding nature of God's justice against those who persist in turning aside from His ways. It underscores that God does not align with perversity but rather acts in a manner commensurate with it.
* Another key instance is in [[Job 6:30]]: "Is there iniquity (מֻטֶּה) on my tongue? Cannot my palate discern calamities?" In this context, Job is defending his integrity and the truthfulness of his words. He questions whether there is any "distortion" or "perverseness" in what he says, asserting that his speech is not twisted, false, or morally corrupt, even amidst his profound suffering. This usage highlights muṭṭeh as referring to moral or intellectual dishonesty and a deviation from truth in expression.
The limited occurrences of muṭṭeh underscore its powerful meaning: it signifies not merely a mistake or a single transgression, but a deep-seated deviation or distortion, particularly in moral character, conduct, or communication. It points to a fundamental bent away from what is righteous and true.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of muṭṭeh is enriched by examining its relationship to other Hebrew terms that convey similar or complementary ideas:
* **Root Verb nāṭāh (נָטָה) `{{H5186}}`:** As the source of muṭṭeh, nāṭāh provides the foundational imagery of "stretching," "extending," "inclining," or "turning aside." While nāṭāh can be used neutrally (e.g., "to stretch out a hand"), muṭṭeh specifically captures the negative moral consequence of "turning aside" from the path of righteousness or truth.
* **'āwōn (עָווֹן) `{{H5771}}`:** Often translated as "iniquity" or "guilt," this word also carries the connotation of "bending" or "twisting" (from the root ʿāwāh `{{H5753}}`, "to bend, twist"). Both muṭṭeh and 'āwōn describe a deviation from the straight path. However, muṭṭeh emphasizes the *state* of being twisted or the *act* of distorting, while 'āwōn often focuses on the *guilt* or *punishment* associated with such deviation.
* **'iqqēš (עִקֵּשׁ) `{{H6140}}`:** An adjective meaning "perverse," "crooked," or "twisted." This term is frequently used to describe a person, a heart, or a way that is morally depraved. It shares a strong semantic overlap with muṭṭeh in describing moral crookedness, particularly evident in the parallel structure of [[2 Samuel 22:27]] and [[Psalm 18:26]], where muṭṭeh describes the "crooked" person.
* **rāshaʿ (רָשָׁע) `{{H7563}}`:** Meaning "wicked" or "guilty," this term describes the wicked person or the state of being unrighteous. While muṭṭeh describes a specific characteristic of perverseness or distortion, rāshaʿ is a broader term encompassing the entire state of wickedness.
The common thread among these related terms is the concept of deviation from a divine standard of rectitude, whether it be a physical straightness, a moral uprightness, or a truthfulness in speech. Muṭṭeh specifically highlights the *distortion* inherent in such deviation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of muṭṭeh lies in its profound portrayal of sin not merely as an error or a transgression, but as a fundamental distortion or perversion of character, action, and truth. It speaks to a deep-seated bent away from God's righteous and upright standards.
* In [[2 Samuel 22:27]] and [[Psalm 18:26]], the use of muṭṭeh underscores the unyielding nature of God's justice. God's interaction with the "perverse" (מֻטֶּה) is not one of compromise but a righteous response that reflects their crookedness back to them in judgment. This emphasizes divine holiness and the impossibility of God condoning or aligning with perversity. It highlights the principle that God deals with people according to their ways, demonstrating His perfect righteousness in contrast to human deviation.
* In [[Job 6:30]], Job's denial of muṭṭeh on his tongue points to the critical importance of truthfulness and integrity in speech before God. A distorted or perverse tongue speaks falsehoods, misrepresents reality, or harbors malicious intent. This highlights the ethical dimension of human language and the expectation of divine scrutiny over every word. It suggests that even in suffering, one must maintain integrity of speech, avoiding any perversion of truth.
* The concept of muṭṭeh reinforces the biblical understanding of sin as a deviation from the divine blueprint for humanity. It is not simply missing a mark, but actively bending or twisting reality, truth, or one's own moral compass away from God's perfect design. This inherent perverseness ultimately leads to separation from God, who is perfectly straight, true, and without deviation. It speaks to a corruption of nature that demands divine intervention for rectification.
### Summary
Muṭṭeh (מֻטֶּה) `{{H4297}}` is a potent Hebrew term derived from the verb nāṭāh `{{H5186}}`, signifying a "stretching" or "turning aside." As a noun, it carries the strong connotation of "distortion," "perverseness," or "iniquity." Its rare but impactful appearances in the Old Testament, particularly in [[2 Samuel 22:27]] (and [[Psalm 18:26]]) and [[Job 6:30]], illustrate its use to describe moral crookedness, a willful deviation from righteousness, and the perversion of truth in speech. Theologically, muṭṭeh underscores God's unwavering justice in confronting human perversity and emphasizes the profound importance of integrity and truthfulness in all aspects of life. It portrays sin not merely as an act, but as a fundamental bending or twisting of character, conduct, and communication away from the upright standard of God.
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