lemma מַלוּחַ missing dagesh, corrected to מַלּוּחַ; from מָלַח; sea-purslain (from its saltness); mallows.
Transliteration:mallûwach
Pronunciation:mal-loo'-akh
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The lemma מַלּוּחַ (mallûwach, `{{H4408}}`) is a noun derived from the verb מָלַח (malach, `{{H4414}}`), which signifies "to salt," "to season with salt," or "to be salty." Consequently, mallûwach refers to a specific type of plant characterized by its inherent saltiness or its propensity to grow in saline environments. The most common botanical identifications include "sea-purslain" (*Atriplex halimus*) or "mallow" (specifically a species like saltwort, *Salsola kali*). Both are hardy plants found in arid and semi-arid regions, often thriving in salty soils or near coastal areas. Their leaves are typically somewhat succulent and possess a distinct salty or bitter taste. The semantic range of mallûwach is quite narrow, pointing specifically to this category of wild, often unpalatable, vegetation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word מַלּוּחַ (mallûwach, `{{H4408}}`) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Job.
* [[Job 30:4]]: "They pluck saltwort by the bushes, and the roots of the broom tree are their food." (ESV)
The context of [[Job 30]] is crucial for understanding the significance of mallûwach. Job, in his profound lament, describes the utter degradation and contempt he now faces, even from those whom he considers to be the lowest of society. He paints a vivid picture of these individuals as utterly destitute, driven into the wilderness, starving, and forced to subsist on the most meager and undesirable provisions. The mention of mallûwach alongside "broom tree roots" (often identified as *Retama raetam* or *Juniperus phoenicea*), which are known for their bitterness and fibrous nature, underscores the extreme poverty and desperation of these people. They are depicted as "gnawing the dry land" and living in "gloom of desolation," implying a state of utter destitution where only the most unappetizing wild plants are available for sustenance. This imagery intensifies Job's complaint, as even these wretched outcasts, who eat such miserable fare, now mock him. The plant, therefore, functions as a potent symbol of extreme deprivation and social abandonment.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **מָלַח (malach, `{{H4414}}`):** The foundational verb meaning "to salt" or "to be salty." This etymological link directly informs the understanding of mallûwach as a plant with a salty characteristic, either in taste or growing environment.
* **מֶלַח (melach, `{{H4417}}`):** The noun for "salt." This further reinforces the core concept of saltiness associated with the plant, whether as a flavor or an indicator of saline soil conditions.
* **Wild Edibles and Foraging:** The concept of consuming wild plants out of necessity is a recurring motif in the biblical narrative, often associated with periods of famine, wilderness wandering, or extreme poverty. Unlike manna ([[Exodus 16]]) which was divine provision, mallûwach is presented as a sign of desperate measures taken by the most marginalized.
* **Poverty and Destitution:** The passage in Job is replete with terms describing extreme want, hunger, and social ostracism. Mallûwach serves as a concrete, tangible representation of this absolute destitution, highlighting the severity of the suffering endured.
* **Wilderness Ecology:** The specific mention of mallûwach and broom roots provides insight into the harsh, arid environment of the ancient Near East, where only the most resilient and often unpalatable plants could survive and be resorted to by those in extreme need.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of מַלּוּחַ (mallûwach, `{{H4408}}`) in [[Job 30:4]] carries significant theological weight, primarily by intensifying the portrayal of human suffering and degradation. While the plant itself holds no inherent sacred symbolism, its contextual use imbues it with profound meaning. It functions as a stark and visceral symbol of abject poverty and the lowest rung of human existence. The very act of consuming such bitter and unappetizing wild plants underscores the depths of desperation to which individuals can be driven. This imagery serves to heighten Job's lament, emphasizing the profound injustice and humiliation he feels, as he is now scorned by those who are themselves reduced to such wretched sustenance. Theologically, this passage contributes to the book of Job's broader exploration of the problem of suffering, the nature of divine justice, and the inexplicable aspects of God's ways with humanity. It vividly illustrates the harsh realities of a fallen world and the extreme hardships that can befall even the righteous. The bitter taste and scarcity of mallûwach parallel the bitter and desolate experience of those who are utterly forsaken, serving as a powerful backdrop against which Job's unwavering, yet struggling, faith is tested.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מַלּוּחַ (mallûwach, `{{H4408}}`) designates "sea-purslain" or "mallow," a wild, salty-tasting plant derived from the root מָלַח (malach, `{{H4414}}`), meaning "to salt." Its sole occurrence in the Bible is in [[Job 30:4]], where it is depicted as the food of the most impoverished and despised individuals. In this context, mallûwach serves as a powerful symbol of extreme destitution, hunger, and social degradation, underscoring the profound depths of human suffering that Job laments. It highlights the harsh realities of the ancient Near Eastern wilderness and the desperate measures taken by those on the fringes of society. Theologically, its presence in Job intensifies the narrative of inexplicable suffering and the challenge of maintaining faith amidst overwhelming hardship, vividly portraying the bitter reality faced by the utterly forsaken.
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