from מָסַךְ; mixture, i.e. (specifically) wine mixed (with water or spices); drink-offering, mixed wine.
Transliteration:mamçâk
Pronunciation:mam-sawk'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מַמְסָךְ (mamçâk, `{{H4469}}`) derives from the verbal root מָסַךְ (masak, `{{H4537}}`), meaning "to mix" or "to mingle." Consequently, *mamçâk* denotes a "mixture," specifically referring to wine that has been blended. This blending could involve the addition of water to dilute its potency, or more commonly, the infusion of spices, herbs, or other ingredients to enhance its flavor, aroma, or intoxicating effect. The semantic range thus encompasses both a general concept of "mixture" and a more specific application to "mixed wine" or a "drink-offering" prepared from such a mixture. The term implies a deliberate, intentional act of combining elements, rather than a casual or accidental blend.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word *mamçâk* appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, each instance carrying significant theological weight.
1. **[[Psalm 75:8]]**: "For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup, and the wine is red; it is full of mixture (מַמְסָךְ); and he pours out of the same: but the dregs thereof, all the wicked of the earth shall wring them out, and drink them."
* Here, *mamçâk* is central to the powerful metaphor of the "cup of wrath." The "mixture" within this cup is not portrayed as a dilution to lessen its impact, but rather as an intensification. It suggests a potent, perhaps bitter or highly concentrated, concoction that represents the full, unmitigated measure of divine judgment and retribution. The imagery emphasizes that the wicked will be forced to consume every drop of this prepared judgment, down to its bitter dregs, underscoring the completeness and severity of God's justice. The "mixture" highlights the deliberate and comprehensive nature of God's punitive response to human wickedness.
2. **[[Isaiah 65:11]]**: "But ye are they that forsake the LORD, that forget my holy mountain, that prepare a table for that troop, and that furnish the drink offering (מַמְסָךְ) unto that number."
* In this prophetic indictment, *mamçâk* refers to a "drink offering" prepared for pagan deities, specifically "that troop" (often identified with Gad, the god of Fortune) and "that number" (Meni, the god of Destiny). The context is one of apostasy and idolatry. The "drink offering" here is a ritual act of worship, highlighting the deliberate and prepared nature of Israel's unfaithfulness. The term underscores the conscious choice of the people to engage in forbidden religious practices, offering a specially prepared mixture to false gods, in direct defiance of their covenant with Yahweh. This usage emphasizes the gravity of their sin and the intentionality of their idolatrous devotion.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for *mamçâk* is its root verb, מָסַךְ (masak, `{{H4537}}`), which means "to mix," "to mingle," or "to pour out." This root is used in various contexts, including the mixing of flour and oil for offerings (e.g., [[Leviticus 2:4]]) or the mixing of metals.
Conceptually, *mamçâk* relates to:
* **Wine (יין, yayin, `{{H3196}}`):** The fundamental component of the mixture, a staple in ancient Near Eastern life for sustenance, celebration, and ritual.
* **Drink Offering (נסך, nesek, `{{H5262}}`):** A common element in both Israelite and pagan worship, typically involving the pouring out of wine or strong drink. While drink offerings to Yahweh were commanded (e.g., [[Numbers 15:5]]), the *mamçâk* in Isaiah 65:11 highlights an illicit, idolatrous offering.
* **Cup of Wrath/Judgment:** A potent biblical metaphor for divine retribution (e.g., [[Jeremiah 25:15]], [[Revelation 14:10]]). The "mixture" in this cup intensifies the imagery of judgment.
* **Idolatry and Apostasy:** The act of turning away from the true God to worship false deities, often involving specific rituals and offerings, as seen in Isaiah 65:11.
### Theological Significance
The infrequent but impactful occurrences of *mamçâk* imbue the term with significant theological weight, primarily in two distinct but related spheres: divine judgment and human apostasy.
In [[Psalm 75:8]], *mamçâk* powerfully illustrates the certainty and severity of God's judgment. The "mixed wine" in the divine cup of wrath is not a diluted mercy but a potent, undiluted, and perhaps even enhanced, concoction of justice. It signifies that God's retribution is meticulously prepared and comprehensive, ensuring that the wicked will fully experience the consequences of their actions. This imagery underscores God's sovereignty over history and His unwavering commitment to righteousness, where every element of judgment is perfectly proportioned and administered.
In [[Isaiah 65:11]], *mamçâk* highlights the gravity of Israel's unfaithfulness. The "drink offering" prepared for pagan gods demonstrates a deliberate and conscious act of rebellion against Yahweh. This is not a casual oversight but a prepared, ritualistic act of idolatry, emphasizing the depth of their apostasy. The term underscores the intentionality of their sin, where they actively chose to honor false deities with offerings that required preparation and devotion, thereby breaking their covenant with the one true God. This usage serves as a stark warning against the allure of syncretism and the consequences of spiritual betrayal.
Together, these two instances of *mamçâk* underscore the themes of divine justice and human accountability. The term points to a deliberate preparation, whether of God's judgment or humanity's sin, highlighting the intentionality behind both divine action and human choices.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מַמְסָךְ (mamçâk, `{{H4469}}`) signifies a "mixture," specifically referring to wine that has been intentionally blended, often for heightened potency or ritualistic use. Though appearing only twice in the biblical text, its occurrences are profoundly significant. In [[Psalm 75:8]], *mamçâk* describes the potent "mixed wine" in God's cup of wrath, symbolizing the full, undiluted, and severe nature of divine judgment against the wicked. In [[Isaiah 65:11]], it refers to a "drink offering" made to pagan deities, highlighting the deliberate and ritualistic nature of Israel's apostasy and idolatry. Thus, *mamçâk* consistently points to a carefully prepared concoction, whether it be the just retribution of God or the intentional rebellion of humanity, underscoring the gravity of both divine action and human sin.