The Hebrew word môtheq, represented by H4987, denotes sweetness. It is a rare term, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible. Its singular use provides a focused illustration of its meaning as a valuable and desirable quality.
The sole appearance of H4987 is within a parable in the book of Judges. When the trees of the forest seek a king, they ask the fig tree to rule. The fig tree declines, asking rhetorically, "Should I forsake my sweetness H4987, and my good fruit, and go to be promoted over the trees?" Judges 9:11. In this context, sweetness is presented as an intrinsic, positive attribute—the very essence of the fig tree's contribution—that should not be abandoned for a position of power.
Several words used in this passage help to define the context of H4987:
- H2308 châdal (forsake): This primitive root means to desist, cease, or leave off. In the parable, it is the action the fig tree refuses to take regarding its sweetness. Elsewhere, it is used to command the cessation of negative things, such as "cease to do evil" Isaiah 1:16.
- H2896 ṭôwb (good): A word used widely for something good, pleasant, or beautiful. It directly describes the fruit that accompanies the sweetness Judges 9:11, reinforcing the positive nature of the fig tree's produce. The Lord requires what is "good," such as doing justly Micah 6:8.
- H8570 tᵉnûwbâh (fruit): Meaning produce or increase, this word refers to the tangible result of the fig tree's nature. It is this "good fruit" H8570, along with its sweetness, that the tree values. This word is also used for the "increase of the fields" that God provides Deuteronomy 32:13.
The theological weight of H4987, though based on a single verse, is found in its metaphorical application.
- Intrinsic Value: The parable in Judges 9:11 uses sweetness to symbolize the inherent worth and purpose of an individual or entity. The fig tree's identity is tied to this quality, not to a potential rank or position over others.
- Fruitfulness over Position: The choice presented is between maintaining its God-given sweetness and good fruit H8570 or abandoning it to "be promoted" H5128. This suggests a spiritual principle where one's primary calling and fruitful nature are more valuable than worldly status.
- A Positive Quality to Preserve: By contrasting sweetness with the idea of "forsaking" it H2308, the text implies it is a beneficial characteristic to be guarded and maintained, much like one is to hold fast to what is good.
In summary, H4987 is a concise but potent term for sweetness. Its single scriptural use in a parable powerfully frames it as a symbol of inherent value, God-given purpose, and beneficial fruitfulness. The story of the fig tree uses môtheq to teach that abandoning one's essential, positive nature for the sake of promotion is a profound loss.
TRV