from מָתַק; something sweet (literally or figuratively); (most) sweet.
Transliteration:mamtaq
Pronunciation:mam-tak'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun mamtaq (מַמְתַּק, `{{H4477}}`) derives from the verbal root matak (מָתַק), which means "to be sweet" or "to make sweet." As a noun, mamtaq denotes "sweetness" or "something sweet." Its semantic range encompasses both literal and figurative applications. Literally, it refers to a pleasant taste, akin to honey or other sweet foods. Figuratively, it extends to anything that is pleasing, delightful, agreeable, or beneficial, often in a moral, emotional, or spiritual sense. The base definition "most sweet" suggests a superlative degree of pleasantness or desirability.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word mamtaq (מַמְתַּק, `{{H4477}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Canticles.
* **[[Song of Solomon 5:16]]**: "His mouth is most sweet (מַמְתַקִּים), and he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem."
In this sole occurrence, mamtaq is used in the plural form, mamtaqqim, which can intensify the meaning to "most sweet" or "utterly sweet." It is part of the Shulammite woman's effusive description of her beloved. The phrase "His mouth is most sweet" is clearly a figurative expression. It does not refer to the literal taste of his mouth, but rather to the profound pleasantness and delight experienced from his words, his kisses, his communication, or even the general impression of his presence. In the highly poetic and intimate language of the Song of Solomon, this descriptor conveys intense admiration, deep affection, and the immense joy and satisfaction the beloved brings to the speaker. It speaks to the captivating and utterly desirable nature of the beloved's speech and being.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of "sweetness" is rich in biblical metaphor, often extending beyond mere taste to profound spiritual and moral qualities.
* **matak (מָתַק):** The verbal root from which mamtaq is derived. It appears in contexts like [[Judges 14:18]] ("What is sweeter than honey?") and [[Psalm 119:103]] ("How sweet are your words to my taste"). This root firmly establishes the core meaning of pleasantness and desirability.
* **devash (דְּבַשׁ, `{{H1706}}`):** Honey, the quintessential biblical symbol for sweetness. Honey is frequently used to describe things that are desirable, nourishing, or delightful, such as the promised land ([[Exodus 3:8]]), God's law ([[Psalm 19:10]]), or wisdom ([[Proverbs 24:13]]). The comparison "sweeter than honey" is a common superlative.
* **na'im (נָעִים, `{{H5273}}`):** Meaning "pleasant" or "delightful." This word often describes things that are good, agreeable, or beautiful, aligning with the figurative sense of mamtaq (e.g., [[Psalm 133:1]] - "How good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!").
* **tov (טוֹב, `{{H2896}}`):** Meaning "good" or "pleasing." While broader, it often encompasses the idea of something being agreeable and beneficial, which sweetness frequently implies in a metaphorical sense.
* **Figurative Sweetness:** Beyond mamtaq itself, the concept of sweetness is applied metaphorically to various spiritual realities:
* God's words and law ([[Psalm 19:10]], [[Psalm 119:103]]).
* Wisdom ([[Proverbs 24:13-14]]).
* Gracious words ([[Proverbs 16:24]]).
* The experience of God's presence ([[Psalm 34:8]] - "Taste and see that the Lord is good").
### Theological Significance
Though mamtaq (`{{H4477}}`) is used only once, its underlying concept of "sweetness" carries profound theological significance, especially when considered alongside its root and related terms.
1. **The Desirability of Divine Revelation:** The most prominent theological application of "sweetness" in the Bible is in relation to God's word, law, and wisdom. Passages like [[Psalm 19:10]] and [[Psalm 119:103]] declare God's judgments and words to be "sweeter than honey." This metaphor conveys that divine truth is not merely intellectually apprehendable but deeply satisfying, nourishing, and supremely desirable to the soul. It suggests that encountering God's revelation is a source of profound joy and delight, far surpassing any earthly pleasure.
2. **The Excellence of the Divine Person (Christological Implications):** In the Song of Solomon, if interpreted allegorically as a depiction of the relationship between God/Christ and His people, the description of the beloved's mouth as "most sweet" (מַמְתַקִּים) points to the supreme pleasantness, grace, and truth found in the person and words of the divine Bridegroom. His communication and presence are utterly delightful and captivating to the spiritual seeker, representing the ultimate object of spiritual affection and longing.
3. **Figurative Language for Spiritual Experience:** The use of mamtaq and related terms demonstrates how physical sensations, particularly taste, are employed in Scripture to describe profound spiritual experiences. It highlights the deeply satisfying, nourishing, and joyful nature of communion with God, obedience to His commands, and reception of His truth. This language validates the emotional and experiential dimension of faith, where divine realities are not just abstract concepts but are "tasted" and found to be supremely good.
### Summary
The Hebrew word mamtaq (מַמְתַּק, `{{H4477}}`) signifies "sweetness" or "something sweet," applicable both literally and, more significantly, figuratively. Its singular biblical occurrence in [[Song of Solomon 5:16]] describes the beloved's mouth as "most sweet," emphasizing the profound delight and charm of his words and presence. Derived from the root matak (מָתַק), the concept of sweetness is consistently linked in Scripture to the supreme desirability of God's word, wisdom, and presence. Though rare, mamtaq contributes to a rich biblical tapestry where physical taste metaphors convey the spiritual nourishment, joy, and profound satisfaction found in divine truth and relationship, underscoring the delightful and supremely desirable nature of the divine.
TRV