### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **meçek**, represented by `{{H4538}}`, describes a **mixture**, specifically of wine with spices. This term is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** across **1 unique verse** in the biblical text, making its single context highly significant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H4538}}` is in [[Psalms 75:8]], which presents a vivid metaphor for divine judgment. The passage describes a cup `{{H3563}}` in the hand `{{H3027}}` of the LORD `{{H3068}}`. This cup contains wine `{{H3196}}` that is red `{{H2560}}` and full `{{H4392}}` of **mixture**. God himself poureth out `{{H5064}}` from this cup, and it is decreed that all the wicked `{{H7563}}` of the earth `{{H776}}` must wring out `{{H4680}}` and drink `{{H8354}}` its dregs `{{H8105}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its only context help clarify the meaning of this potent **mixture**:
* `{{H3563}}` **kôwç** (cup): As the container for the mixture, this word is often used figuratively to represent a person's lot. It can symbolize blessing, as in the statement "my **cup** runneth over" [[Psalms 23:5]], or divine wrath, such as the "cup of his fury" [[Isaiah 51:17]].
* `{{H2560}}` **châmar** (to boil up; be red): This word describes the wine as **red**, but its primitive root meaning is "to boil up" or "ferment." This suggests the mixture is agitated and potent, a theme echoed when it is used to describe being inwardly "troubled" [[Lamentations 1:20]].
* `{{H3196}}` **yayin** (wine): The base ingredient of the mixture, **wine** is described as something that can effervesce and lead to intoxication. Scripture portrays it as a potential "mocker" [[Proverbs 20:1]] but also as part of a joyful command to "drink thy **wine** with a merry heart" [[Ecclesiastes 9:7]].
* `{{H8105}}` **shemer** (dregs): These are the settlings of wine. While they can be part of a refined feast of "wines on the **lees**" [[Isaiah 25:6]], in the context of judgment they represent the bitterest final portion that the wicked are forced to consume [[Psalms 75:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4538}}` is centered on the execution of divine judgment.
* **Sovereign Judgment:** The cup of **mixture** is in the LORD's hand `{{H3027}}`, a word indicating power, means, and direction. This establishes that the judgment is not random but is administered with divine authority and purpose [[Psalms 75:8]].
* **A Potion of Wrath:** This is not a pleasant drink. The wine is red `{{H2560}}`, full `{{H4392}}` of mixture, and poured out `{{H5064}}` by God. The imagery suggests a carefully prepared, potent concoction intended to bring about a specific outcome for the wicked `{{H7563}}`.
* **Inescapable Consequences:** The wicked of the earth `{{H776}}` are compelled to drink this cup to its very dregs `{{H8105}}`. The act of having to wring them out `{{H4680}}` and drink `{{H8354}}` them signifies the complete and unavoidable nature of the consequences of their actions [[Psalms 75:8]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4538}}` **meçek**, while appearing only once, offers a powerful and unforgettable image. It is not merely a mixture but a specific, divinely prepared concoction symbolizing God's righteous anger toward evil. Contained in the cup of judgment, this word illustrates the potent, severe, and inescapable consequences that God pours out upon the wicked.
TRV