contr. from יָלַע; properly, a biter, i.e. a tooth; cheek (jaw) tooth, jaw.
Transliteration:mᵉthallᵉʻâh
Pronunciation:meth-al-leh-aw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word מְתַלְּעָה (mᵉthallᵉʻâh), Strong's `{{H4973}}`, is derived from a contracted form of the root יָלַע (yālaʿ), which carries the core meaning of "to devour" or "to swallow." This etymological connection immediately situates מְתַלְּעָה within the semantic field of aggressive oral action. Its primary definition is "jaw tooth" or "fang," specifically referring to the teeth used for biting, tearing, or crushing, often with a connotation of predatory or destructive capability. While it can denote a "tooth" in general, its usage strongly implies a powerful, formidable tooth, distinct from the more general term for tooth, `{{H8127}}` (shen). It can also refer to the entire "jaw" or "jawbone," emphasizing the structure that wields these powerful teeth.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term מְתַלְּעָה appears infrequently in the Old Testament, but its occurrences are highly significant, consistently conveying an image of destructive power, often associated with the wicked or a formidable force.
In [[Job 29:17]], Job recounts his past righteousness, stating, "I broke the fangs of the unrighteous and made him drop his prey from his teeth." Here, מְתַלְּעָה clearly refers to the predatory teeth of the wicked, symbolizing their power to oppress and exploit. Job's action of "breaking" these fangs signifies his role in disarming the oppressor and liberating their victims. The imagery is vivid, portraying the wicked as ravenous beasts.
[[Psalm 58:6]] contains a fervent plea: "O God, break the teeth in their mouths; tear out the fangs of the young lions, O LORD!" The psalmist implores divine intervention against the wicked, whose destructive capacity is likened to the formidable מְתַלְּעָה of young lions. This prayer underscores the perceived threat and the desperate need for God to neutralize the power of those who inflict harm. The breaking of these teeth is a metaphor for rendering the wicked utterly powerless.
In [[Proverbs 30:14]], the wisdom literature describes a particularly vicious type of person: "There are those whose teeth are swords, whose fangs are knives, to devour the poor from the earth, the needy from among mankind." Here, מְתַלְּעָה is used in parallel with "teeth" (`{{H8127}}`), but specifically as "fangs" or "canine teeth," emphasizing their sharpness and destructive intent. The metaphorical extension to "swords" and "knives" powerfully illustrates the predatory and exploitative nature of these individuals, who metaphorically "devour" the vulnerable members of society.
Finally, in [[Joel 1:6]], the prophet laments the devastation brought by an invading horde (possibly locusts or an army), describing them in terrifying terms: "For a nation has come up against my land, mighty and without number; its teeth are lion's teeth, and it has the fangs of a lioness." The מְתַלְּעָה here vividly portrays the overwhelming and destructive force of this invading entity, likening its power to the fearsome tearing capability of a lioness's fangs, leaving nothing but desolation in its wake.
Across these contexts, מְתַלְּעָה consistently highlights a formidable, often predatory, destructive power, whether wielded by human oppressors, natural forces, or as a tool of divine judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most immediate related word is `{{H8127}}` (shen), the general Hebrew term for "tooth." While shen can refer to any tooth, מְתַלְּעָה carries a more specific and often sinister connotation, emphasizing the biting, tearing, or crushing function, akin to a "fang" or "jaw tooth." The distinction highlights the particular destructive capacity implied by מְתַלְּעָה.
Conceptually, מְתַלְּעָה is closely linked to:
* **Predation and Oppression:** The imagery of breaking fangs or teeth is consistently applied to the wicked who prey on the vulnerable (Job, Psalms, Proverbs). This connects to the broader biblical themes of justice and social righteousness.
* **Destructive Power:** Whether human or natural, the word conveys an overwhelming capacity for devastation (Joel).
* **Divine Judgment and Intervention:** The pleas for God to "break" these teeth signify a reliance on divine power to neutralize evil and protect the righteous. This aligns with God's role as judge and deliverer.
* **Metaphorical Violence:** The word moves beyond literal teeth to represent instruments of harm, exploitation, and overwhelming force.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of מְתַלְּעָה lies primarily in its portrayal of the nature of evil and the sovereignty of God. The consistent use of מְתַלְּעָה to describe the "fangs" or "jaw teeth" of the wicked powerfully symbolizes their predatory, exploitative, and destructive nature. They are depicted as ravenous beasts, intent on devouring the poor, the righteous, and the vulnerable. This imagery underscores the profound threat that evil poses to human flourishing and divine order.
However, the word also serves as a potent symbol of God's power to intervene and bring justice. The repeated cry for God to "break" these fangs is a profound theological statement. It is an affirmation of faith that God is not passive in the face of injustice but is capable of disarming the oppressor, neutralizing their power, and protecting His people. This divine action is an expression of God's righteousness and His commitment to upholding justice in the world.
Furthermore, in contexts like Joel, מְתַלְּעָה can signify the instruments of divine judgment. Even when destructive forces are unleashed, they are ultimately under God's control, serving His purposes. Thus, מְתַלְּעָה speaks to both the terrifying reality of evil's destructive potential and the comforting truth of God's ultimate sovereignty over all such forces, His capacity to both permit and break them according to His will.
### Summary
מְתַלְּעָה (`{{H4973}}`) is a potent Hebrew term referring to the "jaw tooth" or "fang," derived from a root signifying "to devour." Its limited but impactful occurrences in the Old Testament consistently employ it to symbolize powerful, often predatory, destructive force. Whether describing the oppressive actions of the wicked (Job, Psalms, Proverbs) or the overwhelming devastation of an invading force (Joel), מְתַLְּעָה vividly conveys the capacity for tearing, crushing, and exploitation. Theologically, the repeated call for God to "break" these fangs underscores the deep trust in divine justice and God's sovereign power to disarm evil and protect the vulnerable, affirming His ultimate control over all destructive forces.
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