a primitive root; to suck, by implication, to relish, or (intransitively) be sweet; be (made, [idiom] take) sweet.
Transliteration:mâthaq
Pronunciation:maw-thak'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb מָתַק (mâthaq, `{{H4985}}`) is a primitive root carrying a fundamental sensory meaning related to taste and experience. Its primary sense is "to suck," which then extends by implication to "to relish" or "to find sweet." Intransitively, it signifies "to be sweet" or "to become sweet." This range suggests a transition from a physical act of drawing in (sucking) to the subjective experience of pleasantness (relishing) and the objective quality of a substance (being sweet). As a primitive root, it forms the basis for related nouns and adjectives that describe sweetness itself, highlighting its foundational nature in the Hebrew lexicon for conveying agreeable sensations. The concept can apply literally to taste or metaphorically to experiences, relationships, and even states of being.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb mâthaq appears in the Hebrew Bible in three distinct contexts, each illuminating a facet of its semantic range:
1. **Literal Transformation (Exodus 15:25):** "And he cried unto the LORD; and the LORD showed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet (וַיִּמְתְּקוּ)." This passage recounts the miraculous transformation of the bitter waters of Marah into potable water. Here, mâthaq is used in the Hiphil stem (though the form is Niphil, it carries a causative sense in context, or simply describes the resulting state), denoting an active process by which something previously unpleasant becomes sweet. It is a divine intervention, turning a source of complaint into a demonstration of God's provision and power.
2. **Metaphorical Rest in Death (Job 21:33):** "The clods of the valley are sweet (מָתְקוּ) unto him, and every man shall draw after him, as there are innumerable before him." In this challenging poetic discourse, Job describes the apparent tranquility and undisturbed rest of the wicked in death. The phrase "the clods of the valley are sweet unto him" is a profound and somewhat ironic metaphor. It suggests a final, undisturbed peace in the grave, a rest that is seemingly agreeable, perhaps even desired, in contrast to the turmoil of life. The sweetness here is not a literal taste but a state of undisturbed quietude or the cessation of suffering, even for those whose lives were unrighteous.
3. **Metaphorical Pleasant Fellowship (Psalm 55:14):** "We took sweet (מָתוֹק) counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company." While the form here is the adjective `{{H4986}}` (mathoq), derived directly from mâthaq, it perfectly illustrates the verb's metaphorical application. The psalmist laments the betrayal by a trusted friend, recalling a time of intimate and agreeable fellowship. "Sweet counsel" refers to pleasant, harmonious, and deeply satisfying shared deliberation and companionship. The sweetness lies in the mutual understanding, trust, and shared spiritual journey, highlighting the profound pain of its subsequent violation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The root mâthaq is closely associated with a family of words that convey notions of sweetness and pleasantness.
* **`{{H4986}}` (mathoq):** The adjective "sweet," as seen in Psalm 55:14, and elsewhere describing honey (e.g., Judges 14:18) or pleasant words (Proverbs 16:24).
* **`{{H4987}}` (metheq):** The noun "sweetness," referring to the quality itself (e.g., Proverbs 24:13).
These terms collectively paint a picture of desirable qualities, whether literal taste or metaphorical experience.
Antonymously, mâthaq stands in contrast to concepts of bitterness (מַר - `{{H4751}}`), which denotes sorrow, affliction, or unpleasantness (e.g., Exodus 15:23). The transformation from bitter to sweet in Exodus 15:25 powerfully demonstrates this lexical opposition. Related concepts also include pleasantness (נֹעַם - `{{H5278}}`) and goodness (טוֹב - `{{H2896}}`), which often accompany or are implied by the experience of something "sweet."
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of mâthaq is multifaceted, touching upon divine power, human experience, and the nature of relationships.
In [[Exodus 15:25]], mâthaq serves as a powerful symbol of God's redemptive and transformative power. The Lord is not merely capable of providing, but of fundamentally altering circumstances, turning the unpalatable into the life-sustaining. This act at Marah foreshadows God's ongoing work of bringing healing and wholeness out of bitterness and suffering for His people. It speaks to divine grace that intervenes to make life livable and even enjoyable in challenging wilderness conditions.
[[Job 21:33]] presents a more somber, yet equally profound, theological point. The "sweetness" of the clods of the valley, when applied to the wicked, challenges simplistic notions of immediate divine retribution. It suggests a universal aspect of death as a final rest, irrespective of one's life. Theologically, it invites reflection on the mystery of death and the ultimate sovereignty of God's plan, which may not always align with human expectations of justice in this life.
[[Psalm 55:14]], through the related adjective, underscores the sacredness of covenantal relationships and the profound pain of their violation. The "sweet counsel" shared in the house of God speaks to the spiritual intimacy that can exist between believers. The betrayal of such a bond is not merely a social slight but a deep wound to the soul, highlighting the value God places on faithfulness and true fellowship. The loss of "sweetness" in a relationship signifies a departure from divine order and blessing.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb מָתַק (mâthaq, `{{H4985}}`) is a rich, primitive root conveying the core meaning of "to suck," which extends to "to relish," "to be sweet," or "to make sweet." Its biblical occurrences reveal both literal and metaphorical applications. In [[Exodus 15:25]], it signifies God's miraculous power to transform bitter reality into sweet provision. In [[Job 21:33]], it metaphorically describes the final, undisturbed rest of the grave, even for the wicked, prompting reflection on life's ultimate cessation. Through its related adjective in [[Psalm 55:14]], it powerfully portrays the profound pleasantness and intimacy of true fellowship, thereby emphasizing the pain of its betrayal. Theologically, mâthaq speaks to God's transformative grace, the complex nature of life and death, and the sacred value of harmonious relationships. It consistently points to experiences of desirability, pleasantness, or divine intervention that brings about such states.
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