from תָּמַם; wholesomeness; also (adverb) completely; men (by reading מַת), soundness.
Transliteration:mᵉthôm
Pronunciation:meth-ohm'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מְתֹם (mᵉthôm, `{{H4974}}`) derives from the root תָּמַם (tamam, `{{H8552}}`), which signifies "to be complete," "finished," or "perfect." Consequently, מְתֹם primarily conveys the sense of "wholeness," "soundness," "integrity," or "completeness." It speaks to a state of being unimpaired, healthy, or entire. Beyond this substantive meaning, the term can also function adverbially, implying "completely" or "entirely," denoting a full and absolute state. While the base definition notes a rare reading as "men" (מַת), the dominant biblical usage aligns with the concepts of soundness and wholeness, particularly in physical and moral contexts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of מְתֹם (mᵉthôm, `{{H4974}}`) in the Hebrew Bible are limited, yet profoundly illustrative of its meaning:
* **[[Isaiah 1:6]]**: This is perhaps the most striking use, describing the desolate spiritual and physical condition of Judah. "From the sole of the foot even to the head there is no soundness in it, but bruises and sores and raw wounds; they are not pressed out or bound up or softened with oil." Here, מְתֹם unequivocally denotes a lack of physical and spiritual "wholeness" or "soundness," portraying a nation utterly diseased and broken. The absence of מְתֹם highlights the depth of their affliction and rebellion against God.
* **[[Job 21:23]]**: "One dies in his full strength, being wholly at ease and quiet." In this context, מְתֹם describes the state of a prosperous wicked person who dies in "perfect soundness" or "full strength," seemingly untouched by suffering. It emphasizes a physical state of robust health and completeness, contrasting with the suffering of the righteous.
* **[[Job 33:25]]**: This verse speaks of divine restoration: "his flesh shall be fresher than a child's; he shall return to the days of his youth." Here, מְתֹם is often implied or translated as the result of such restoration—a return to "wholesome" or "sound" physical health, like that of a child. It points to a renewed state of physical integrity and vigor.
* **[[Job 10:13]]**: "Yet these things you hid in your heart; I know that this was with you." In this difficult passage, some interpretations connect מְתֹם to the adverbial sense of "completely" or "entirely," suggesting a total or absolute knowledge on God's part concerning Job's hidden thoughts or purposes. This highlights the comprehensive nature of divine understanding.
Across these contexts, מְתֹם consistently points to a state of completeness or integrity, whether in physical health, moral standing, or the extent of an action or condition.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary lexical kin to מְתֹם (mᵉthôm, `{{H4974}}`) is its root, תָּמַם (tamam, `{{H8552}}`), which means "to be complete, finished, perfect." This root gives rise to several significant theological terms:
* תָּמִים (tamim, `{{H8549}}`): "blameless," "perfect," "complete," often used to describe individuals of integrity (e.g., Noah in [[Genesis 6:9]]) or the sacrificial animals that must be without blemish.
* תֹּם (tom, `{{H8537}}`): "integrity," "perfection," "completeness," frequently used in moral and ethical contexts, such as the "integrity" of one's heart or way (e.g., [[Psalm 25:21]]).
These related terms underscore a pervasive biblical emphasis on wholeness, moral uprightness, and spiritual integrity. The concept of *shalom* (שָׁלוֹם, `{{H7965}}`), often translated as "peace," also carries the broader meaning of well-being, completeness, and flourishing, resonating deeply with the semantic range of מְתֹם.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of מְתֹם (mᵉthôm, `{{H4974}}`) is intrinsically linked to the biblical understanding of divine creation, the consequences of sin, and the hope of redemption. God created humanity and the world in a state of מְתֹם—wholesome, complete, and good. The lament in [[Isaiah 1:6]] powerfully illustrates the devastating impact of sin, which brings about a profound lack of "soundness" and "wholeness," affecting both the physical body and the spiritual state of a people. This brokenness is not merely physical ailment but a deep spiritual disease.
Conversely, the potential for a return to מְתֹם, as seen in [[Job 33:25]], speaks to God's redemptive power. Divine intervention can restore not only physical health but also spiritual vitality, bringing individuals and communities back to a state of integrity and completeness. This restoration is a foretaste of the ultimate *shalom* that God desires for His creation. The concept of מְתֹם also subtly points to God's own character, which is inherently perfect and complete, serving as the standard against which human wholeness is measured.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מְתֹם (mᵉthôm, `{{H4974}}`), derived from the root תָּמַם (tamam, `{{H8552}}`), conveys the core meanings of "wholeness," "soundness," and "completeness." Its usage in the biblical text, particularly in Job and Isaiah, highlights both the absence of integrity due to sin and the divine capacity for restoration to a state of physical and spiritual health. It is closely related to terms like תָּמִים (tamim, `{{H8549}}`) and תֹּם (tom, `{{H8537}}`), emphasizing the biblical value of blamelessness and integrity. Theologically, מְתֹם underscores the fallenness of humanity and the redemptive power of God, who alone can bring about true and lasting wholeness.
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