### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mâçâh**, represented by `{{H4529}}`, is a primitive root defined as **to dissolve**. It carries the sense of making something **consume away, (make to) melt, water**. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible, where it describes the dissolving of courage, the effects of divine correction, and God's power over nature.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H4529}}` illustrates several distinct situations. It is used metaphorically to describe a loss of courage, as when the Israelite spies "made the heart of the people **melt**" with their report [[Joshua 14:8]]. The word also portrays intense personal sorrow, with the psalmist declaring that due to his groaning, "I **water** my couch with my tears" [[Psalms 6:6]]. It is used to show the consequence of divine judgment, where God's correction for iniquity makes a person's beauty **to consume away** like a moth [[Psalms 39:11]]. Finally, it depicts God's sovereign command over creation, as He "sendeth out his word, and **melteth** them," causing the waters to flow [[Psalms 147:18]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which `{{H4529}}` is found:
* `{{H1832}}` **dimʻâh** (tears): This word identifies the source of the "watering" described in [[Psalms 6:6]]. Tears are the physical evidence of the emotional dissolving, and God is depicted as seeing them [[2 Kings 20:5]].
* `{{H3256}}` **yâçar** (to chastise, correct, instruct): This term appears with `mâçâh` to explain the cause of man's beauty consuming away. It is God's **correction** for iniquity that leads to this outcome [[Psalms 39:11]].
* `{{H5140}}` **nâzal** (to drip, or shed by trickling; flow): This word describes the direct result of God's melting action in nature. When God's word `melteth` the ice, the waters are then able to **flow** [[Psalms 147:18]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4529}}` is seen in its application to both humanity and God.
* **Human Frailty and Emotion:** The word highlights human weakness in the face of fear and grief. A heart can **melt** from a discouraging report [[Joshua 14:8]], and overwhelming sorrow can feel like one is dissolving into tears [[Psalms 6:6]].
* **The Consequence of Divine Correction:** `{{H4529}}` demonstrates the tangible effect of God's discipline. When the Lord rebukes a person for sin, their physical beauty is made **to consume away**, revealing the fleeting nature of human life compared to God's holiness [[Psalms 39:11]].
* **God's Sovereignty Over Creation:** The act of melting illustrates God's effortless power. He does not strive, but simply "sendeth out his word, and **melteth** them," showing his absolute command over the natural world [[Psalms 147:18]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4529}}` is a dynamic word that portrays a process of dissolving in both the emotional and physical realms. It effectively captures the internal experience of courage **melting** into fear, the profound expression of grief, and the transience of human life under divine correction. At the same time, it serves as a powerful descriptor of God's authority, illustrating how His word alone is sufficient to **melt** the elements of creation.
TRV