Lexical Summary mahal: Journey, path, course Original Word: מָהַל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance mixed A primitive root; properly, to cut down or reduce, i.e. By implication, to adulterate -- mixed. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition to circumcise, weaken NASB Translation diluted (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [מָהַל] verb circumcise, weaken (si vera lectio; compare Late Hebrew מָהַל circumcise, Aramaic מְהַל id.); — only figurative Qal Passive participle סָבְאֵךְ מָהוּל בַּמָּ֑יִם Isaiah 1:22 thy choice wine weakened with water, so Thes De CheComm Di Du; compare vinum castrare, Plinxix. 53: BaErkl. d. Jes. CheHpt (compare NöZMG xl.1886, 741) compare Late Hebrew מוהל, juice (of fruit, especially olives); Arabic [מַהֲלָךְ] see הלך. [מַהֲלָל], מַהֲלַלְאֵל see II. הלל. מַהֲלֻמוֺת see הלם. [מַהֲמֹרָה], מַהֲמֹרוֺת see המר. [מַהְמֵּכָה], מַהְמֶּ֫כֶת see הפך. Topical Lexicon Scriptural Setting The term appears once in the Hebrew Bible, in the opening oracle of Isaiah. The prophet charges Zion, “Your silver has become dross, your fine wine diluted with water” (Isaiah 1:22). The indictment climaxes a series of metaphors that expose how Judah’s covenant life, once precious and robust, has been corrupted and weakened. Imagery of Dilution Wine was ordinarily strengthened by controlled mixing, but the prophet’s picture is one of debasement: an inferior substance has been introduced until what was rich is now thin and flavorless. By pairing diluted wine with debased silver, Isaiah stresses two related conditions: moral impurity and loss of potency. The single occurrence of מָהַל therefore points to more than a culinary shortcut; it becomes a vivid emblem of spiritual compromise. Historical Background Isaiah prophesied during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, when Judah faced external threats and internal decay. Religious syncretism, social injustice, and empty ritual had seeped into the national life much as water seeped into the winepress. Archaeological evidence shows prosperity in eighth-century Jerusalem, yet prophets decried exploitation of the poor (Isaiah 5:8), corrupted courts (Isaiah 1:23), and idolatrous high places (2 Kings 15–17). The dilution metaphor fit a people outwardly prosperous but inwardly weakened. Moral and Theological Implications 1. Loss of Distinctiveness. Israel was called to be “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:6). Dilution signals forfeiture of that distinctiveness, blurring the line between the holy and the common (Ezekiel 22:26). Related Biblical Themes • Mixture and Purity: Leviticus 19:19 forbids mixing unlike things, prefiguring Israel’s call to undiluted allegiance. Practical Ministry Applications 1. Guarding Doctrinal Purity. Pastors and teachers must ensure the gospel is not watered down to suit cultural tastes (Galatians 1:6-9). Christological and Eschatological Dimensions Jesus’ first sign turned water into wine of superior quality (John 2:1-11), a reversal of Isaiah’s symbol. The miracle previews the Messianic age in which diluted religion is replaced by joyful fullness. At the Last Supper He offered the cup as the “new covenant in My blood” (Luke 22:20), undiluted sacrifice for diluted sinners. Revelation closes with the promise of “the water of life, clear as crystal” (Revelation 22:1), bringing to completion the purification foreshadowed in Isaiah. Key Passages for Further Study Isaiah 1:21-28; Leviticus 19:19; Proverbs 25:4; Ezekiel 22:17-22; Amos 2:6-8; 1 Corinthians 5:6-8; Galatians 1:6-9; Revelation 3:14-19. Summary The lone biblical occurrence of מָהַל crystallizes a profound lesson: when God’s people allow foreign elements into faith and practice, spiritual vitality thins and moral strength dissipates. Yet the same passage that exposes dilution offers the hope of refining. The Lord of the covenant neither tolerates contamination nor abandons His people; He purges and restores, transforming watered wine into a vintage fit for the marriage supper of the Lamb. Forms and Transliterations מָה֥וּל מהול mā·hūl maHul māhūlLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Isaiah 1:22 HEB: לְסִיגִ֑ים סָבְאֵ֖ךְ מָה֥וּל בַּמָּֽיִם׃ NAS: dross, Your drink diluted with water. KJV: thy wine mixed with water: INT: dross your drink diluted water |
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oil, liquid pitch, suppurating matter; see against this Di.