Lexical Summary methalleoth: Praises, Boastings Original Word: מְתַלְּעָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance cheek jaw tooth, jaw Contr. From yala'; properly, a biter, i.e. A tooth -- cheek (jaw) tooth, jaw. see HEBREW yala' NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as tola Definition teeth NASB Translation fangs (2), jaw teeth (1), jaws (1). Topical Lexicon Overview מְתַלְּעָה (metallaʿah) designates the jaw, tusk, or fang of a predatory creature. Each occurrence employs the term figuratively to portray ruthless oppression or overwhelming destructive force. Through this vivid image Scripture exposes the character of wickedness, contrasts it with righteous protection, and summons God’s people to active defense of the vulnerable. Old Testament Occurrences 1. Job 29:17 – “I shattered the fangs of the unjust and snatched the prey from his teeth.” Imagery of Predatory Power The jawbone is the instrument by which a beast crushes, rends, and consumes. By transferring this anatomical term to wicked people or invading hordes, Scripture paints oppression as deliberate, violent, and voracious. This imagery dovetails with other passages in which “teeth” or “jaws” represent hostility (Psalm 3:7; Psalm 58:6; Micah 3:1-3). Job 29:17—Judicial Authority on Behalf of the Weak Job recalls the days when his righteous leadership “shattered the fangs of the unjust.” The verse portrays just governance as the breaking of predatory power. Righteous leadership does not merely lament oppression; it intervenes, removing the capacity of the wicked to exploit (“snatched the prey from his teeth”). The verse models godly authority for elders, magistrates, and any who shepherd a flock (compare Psalm 72:4; Acts 20:28-29). Proverbs 30:14—Moral Degeneration and Social Injustice Agur laments a generation whose “teeth are swords and whose jaws are knives.” The poetic piling of cutting instruments underscores callous disregard for human dignity. The victims are “the oppressed” and “the needy,” a pairing common in prophetic indictments (Isaiah 10:1-2; Amos 2:6-7). The proverb warns that societal decay is measured not first by economic metrics but by how power treats the powerless. Joel 1:6—Invasion Portrayed as a Beast Joel likens the locust host to a lion with “fangs like those of a lioness.” The term intensifies the threat: what seems a mere swarm is in reality a ravening beast under divine judgment. The prophet calls Judah to lamentation and repentance, implying that only the Lord can remove such fangs (Joel 2:12-14). The passage foreshadows ultimate deliverance when God “will restore to you the years the locusts have eaten” (Joel 2:25). Broader Biblical Parallels • Predatory jaws broken by God: Psalm 58:6; Ezekiel 29:4. These parallels reveal a consistent biblical theme: God opposes those who wield “fangs,” and He raises up servants to break them. Theological Themes 1. Justice and Protection – God commands His people to act decisively against oppression. Pastoral and Ministry Applications • Shepherds of God’s flock must emulate Job’s courage, intervening when deceit, exploitation, or abuse threaten. Summary מְתַלְּעָה serves as a striking metaphor for destructive human and spiritual forces. Across wisdom literature, prophetic oracle, and poetic reflection, these “fangs” highlight the reality of oppression and the necessity of divine and righteous intervention. The term calls every generation to break the jaws of injustice, defend the prey, and trust the Lord who alone can disarm the devourer. Forms and Transliterations וּֽמְתַלְּע֥וֹת ומתלעות מְֽתַלְּעֹ֫תָ֥יו מְתַלְּע֣וֹת מתלעות מתלעתיו mə·ṯal·lə·‘ō·ṯāw mə·ṯal·lə·‘ō·wṯ məṯallə‘ōṯāw məṯallə‘ōwṯ metalleot metalleOTav ū·mə·ṯal·lə·‘ō·wṯ ūməṯallə‘ōwṯ umetalleotLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Job 29:17 HEB: וָֽ֭אֲשַׁבְּרָה מְתַלְּע֣וֹת עַוָּ֑ל וּ֝מִשִּׁנָּ֗יו NAS: I broke the jaws of the wicked KJV: And I brake the jaws of the wicked, INT: broke the jaws of the wicked his teeth Proverbs 30:14 Joel 1:6 3 Occurrences |
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