4260. machamaah
Lexicon
machamaah: Butter, curd

Original Word: מַחֲמָאָה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: machama'ah
Pronunciation: makh-ah-mah-AH
Phonetic Spelling: (makh-am-aw-aw')
Definition: Butter, curd
Meaning: something buttery, as, flattery

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
than butter

A denominative from chem'ah; something buttery (i.e. Unctuous and pleasant), as (figuratively) flattery -- X than butter.

see HEBREW chem'ah

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
smoother than butter
NASB Translation
butter (1).

Brown-Driver-Briggs
מַחֲמָאֹת noun feminine plural curd-like things = smooth, hypocritical, words, only construct מִּיו ׳חָֽלְקוּ מ Psalm 55:22 smooth are the butter-words of his mouth (EW De Hup), but read probably (חלק(ו) מֵחֲמָאֹת פיו (פניוׅ) his mouth (face) is smoother than curds (Vrss Ki Thes Ol Che Bae We Du [מֵחֶמְאָה]).

מַחֲמָאֹת noun feminine plural only (apparently construct) מִּיו חָֽלְקוּ ׳מ Psalm 55:22, according to Ew De Hup = curd-like (i.e. smooth, hypocritical) words, smooth are the butter-words of his mouth; but read probably (פניו) מִּיו (or מֵחֶמְאָה) חלק(ו) מֵחֲמָאֹת his face is smoother thm curds (Vrss Ki Thes Ol Che Bae We).

Topical Lexicon
Word Origin: Derived from the root חָמָא (chama'), which means "to be soft" or "to be smooth."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There is no direct Greek equivalent for מַחֲמָאָה in the Strong's Greek lexicon. However, concepts related to flattery or smooth speech can be found in Greek words such as κολακεία (kolakeia • Strong's Greek 2850), which means flattery, and ἀπατάω (apatao • Strong's Greek 538), which means to deceive. These Greek terms capture similar themes of insincere or manipulative speech.

Usage: The word מַחֲמָאָה is used in the context of speech that is smooth or flattering, often with an implication of deceit or insincerity.

Context: מַחֲמָאָה appears in the Hebrew Bible as a metaphorical expression. It is used to describe speech that is smooth and flattering, akin to the texture of butter. This type of speech is often associated with deceit or manipulation, as it can be used to persuade or mislead others through insincere praise or compliments. The imagery of butter conveys the idea of something that is pleasant and easy to accept, yet potentially lacking in substance or truth. In the biblical context, such speech is cautioned against, as it can lead to false impressions and misguided actions.

The use of מַחֲמָאָה highlights the importance of sincerity and truthfulness in communication. It serves as a warning against the dangers of being swayed by words that are pleasing to the ear but may not reflect genuine intentions. The biblical narrative often contrasts such speech with the value of honest and straightforward communication, which aligns with the principles of integrity and righteousness.

Forms and Transliterations
מַחְמָאֹ֣ת מחמאת machmaOt maḥ·mā·’ōṯ maḥmā’ōṯ
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Psalm 55:21
HEB: חָלְק֤וּ ׀ מַחְמָאֹ֣ת פִּיו֮ וּֽקֲרָב־
NAS: than butter, But his heart
KJV: were smoother than butter, but war
INT: was smoother butter his speech was war

1 Occurrence

Strong's Hebrew 4260
1 Occurrence


maḥ·mā·’ōṯ — 1 Occ.















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