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.
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.
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.
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.
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