Lexical Summary melitsah: Enigma, riddle, satire, interpretation Original Word: מְלִיצָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance interpretation, taunting From luwts; an aphorism; also a satire -- interpretation, taunting. see HEBREW luwts NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom lits Definition satire, a mocking poem NASB Translation figure (1), mockery (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מְלִיצָה noun [feminine] satire, mocking-poem Habakkuk 2:6, also Proverbs 1:6 (al. here figure, enigma). לישׁ (√ of following, Thes לושׁ; perhaps = be strong (Thes) compare Arabic Topical Lexicon Overview The word מְלִיצָה appears only twice in the Old Testament. Its range of meaning moves along a spectrum that includes riddle, enigmatic saying, mockery, and taunt. Both occurrences display the term as a vehicle for indirect, yet pointed, communication—whether as the subtle questions of wisdom literature or the sharp satire of prophetic judgment. Hebrew Literary Context Ancient Near Eastern cultures prized the art of layered speech. Riddles, dark sayings, and taunt-songs allowed speakers to convey truth with intellectual depth and moral edge. By employing imagery, ambiguity, and wit, מְלִיצָה functioned as both entertainment and ethical probe, drawing listeners in before confronting them with unmistakable claims about God, justice, and human conduct. Canonical Usage Proverbs 1:6 places מְלִיצָה within Solomon’s educational framework: “to understand a proverb and a parable, the words of the wise and their riddles”. Here it represents the most challenging level of wisdom discourse. The student begins with straightforward proverbs but is expected to mature toward unraveling riddles. Mastery of מְלִיצָה thus marks progress from surface knowledge to penetrating insight. Habakkuk 2:6 moves the term from the classroom to the courtroom: “Will not all of them take up a taunt against him, with ridicule and scorn, declaring: ‘Woe to him who piles up stolen goods…’ ”. The prophet depicts oppressed nations crafting a collective satire that exposes Babylon’s greed. Mְלִיצָה stands as a prophetic weapon—holy mockery directed at unrepentant pride. Theological Themes 1. Revelation through Concealment. Scripture often discloses truth indirectly, requiring humble inquiry (Proverbs 25:2). מְלִיצָה invites the hearer to seek wisdom that God has embedded beneath the surface. Ministry Applications • Teaching: Instructing believers to wrestle with difficult sayings cultivates discernment and guards against superficial readings of Scripture (Hebrews 5:14). Homiletical Insights A sermon on Proverbs 1 could highlight the progression from hearing to understanding, challenging listeners to move beyond bumper-sticker theology. A series on Habakkuk might show how God turns the scoffing of the wicked back upon them, assuring believers that tyrants never have the last word. Incorporating historical examples—such as early church martyrs who answered persecution with hymns—illustrates the enduring power of sanctified satire. Christological Perspective Jesus often employed riddling parables (Matthew 13:10-13). His cross, “foolishness to those who are perishing” (1 Corinthians 1:18), reverses worldly wisdom and becomes the ultimate מְלִיצָה: a seeming defeat that unmasks and triumphs over rulers and authorities (Colossians 2:15). Conclusion מְלִיצָה embodies the Bible’s conviction that truth, whether whispered in a riddle or shouted in a taunt, is God’s instrument to enlighten the humble and humble the proud. Wise readers will therefore listen carefully, interpret faithfully, and, when called upon, speak daringly in the same spirit. Forms and Transliterations וּמְלִיצָ֑ה וּמְלִיצָ֖ה ומליצה ū·mə·lî·ṣāh ūməlîṣāh umeliTzahLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Proverbs 1:6 HEB: לְהָבִ֣ין מָ֭שָׁל וּמְלִיצָ֑ה דִּבְרֵ֥י חֲ֝כָמִ֗ים NAS: a proverb and a figure, The words KJV: a proverb, and the interpretation; the words INT: to understand A proverb figure the words of the wise Habakkuk 2:6 2 Occurrences |
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, 
, strength; 
(medial י) III. see be strong, etc., apparently denominative = be lion-like).