Lexical Summary manammim: Delights, pleasant things Original Word: מַנְעַם Strong's Exhaustive Concordance dainty From na'em; a delicacy -- dainty. see HEBREW na'em NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom naem Definition delicacies, dainties NASB Translation delicacies (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [מַנְעַמִּים] noun [masculine] plural delicacies, dainities; — only suffix וּבַלאֶֿלְחַם בְּמַנְעַמֵּיהֶם Psalm 141:4. II. נעם (perhaps to be assumed as √ of following, NeMarg. 10; Arabic Topical Lexicon Overview Manʿam depicts a “delicacy” or “dainty”—food that is pleasant, luxurious, and therefore alluring. Scripture employs the term once, yet its single appearance serves as a potent emblem of the temptations that accompany evil companionship and the subtle, appetizing nature of sin. Old Testament Occurrence: Psalm 141:4 “Do not let my heart incline to any evil thing; to practice wicked deeds with men who do iniquity; and let me not eat of their delicacies.” David’s prayer places the delicacies of the wicked in deliberate contrast with a heart bent toward righteousness. The verse forms a triplet: 1. An inner safeguard—“Do not let my heart incline.” Manʿam thus becomes a symbol for the seductive enticements offered by those who oppose God, whether literal banquets of the powerful or figurative rewards of compromise. The Psalmist seeks deliverance not only from overt persecution but also from the subtle hospitality of evil. Historical and Cultural Setting In the ancient Near Eastern world, shared meals implied fellowship, loyalty, and covenantal bonds. Accepting food from a host often signified agreement or subordination (Genesis 31:54; 2 Kings 25:29). David, possibly still a fugitive fleeing Saul or later Absalom, recognized how a table spread by godless men could purchase silence, allegiance, or participation. By refusing their delicacies he evidences the principle later echoed by prophets who declined corrupt gifts (Micah 3:11) and by Daniel who refused royal fare that would defile him (Daniel 1:8). Theological Themes 1. Separation unto holiness – The plea marks a boundary between covenant faithfulness and the seemingly harmless indulgence that erodes it (Leviticus 20:26; 2 Corinthians 6:17). Intertextual Connections • Proverbs 23:1-3 warns the ambitious diner to “put a knife to your throat” lest he crave the ruler’s delicacies—an echo of the same moral caution. Practical Ministry Application • Personal Integrity: Believers must identify modern “delicacies”—status, entertainment, unethical gain—that entice participation in ungodly practices. Conclusion Although manʿam surfaces only once, its placement in David’s urgent petition magnifies the word’s significance. It reminds God’s people that the most dangerous snares are often coated in sweetness, and that a guarded heart, anchored in Scripture and fortified by prayer, is the sure defense against the alluring banquet of wickedness. Forms and Transliterations בְּמַנְעַמֵּיהֶֽם׃ במנעמיהם׃ bə·man·‘am·mê·hem bəman‘ammêhem bemanammeiHemLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 141:4 HEB: וּבַל־ אֶ֝לְחַ֗ם בְּמַנְעַמֵּיהֶֽם׃ NAS: And do not let me eat of their delicacies. KJV: and let me not eat of their dainties. INT: lest eat of their delicacies 1 Occurrence |
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speak in a low, Gentle voice, 
note, melody; Syriac 
rugivit, 
gentle sound, note; Late Hebrew נְלִימָה melody; Ecclus 45:9 לתת נעימה to make music; compare Hiph`il Ecclesiasticus 47:9b margin).