Lexical Summary metheq: sweet, sweetness Original Word: מֶתֶק Strong's Exhaustive Concordance sweetness From mathaq; figuratively, pleasantness (of discourse) -- sweetness. see HEBREW mathaq NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom mathoq Definition sweetness NASB Translation sweet (1), sweetness (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מֶ֫תֶק noun masculineProverbs 16:21 sweetness; construct שְׂפָתַיִם ׳מ Proverbs 16:21 i.e. agreeable, attractive speech, so probably רֵעֵהוּ ׳מ Proverbs 27:9 the sweetness of one's friend, i.e. of his speech. Topical Lexicon Semantic ScopeDerived from a root that conveys pleasurable sweetness, מֶתֶק describes a quality that is sensed, savored, and shared. It is not restricted to taste; the term extends to speech and relationships, capturing the pleasurable attractiveness that draws the listener or friend toward wisdom and joy. Occurrences in Scripture 1. Proverbs 16:21 – “The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant speech increases learning.” Both appearances are in Wisdom literature, signaling that true sweetness is inseparable from godly instruction and covenantal friendship. Sweetness as a Moral Quality In Proverbs, sweetness is never mere sentimentality. It is anchored in wisdom, discernment, and covenant loyalty. Like honey (Psalm 19:10; Proverbs 16:24), מֶתֶק functions as a metaphor for moral goodness that both delights and nourishes. Thus, its presence signals integrity, while its absence warns of folly or flattery (Proverbs 26:24–26). Sweetness in Speech and Instruction Proverbs 16:21 links sweetness of lips with effective teaching. Pleasant words open the heart to receive correction and deepen understanding. Far from manipulative eloquence, this is speech formed by wisdom and aimed at the hearer’s good (see Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 4:6). The motif anticipates the Messiah whose gracious words amazed listeners (Luke 4:22). Sweetness in Friendship and Counsel Proverbs 27:9 pairs aromatic oil with the sweetness of a friend’s counsel. The analogy underscores two truths: Biblical friendship is covenantal, marked by loyalty (Proverbs 17:17) and truthful rebuke (Proverbs 27:6). מֶתֶק reveals that such honesty, even when corrective, remains pleasant because it springs from love. Intertextual Connections • Honey as a symbol of revelatory delight – Psalm 119:103; Ezekiel 3:3. These parallels reinforce that sweetness, fragrance, and wisdom converge in the life of faith. Theological Insights 1. God communicates with attractive sweetness. His statutes are “sweeter than honey” (Psalm 19:10), revealing His character as both holy and inviting. Practical Ministry Applications • Teaching: Craft sermons and lessons that are both truthful and winsome, trusting that pleasant speech “increases learning.” Homiletical Themes “Sweet Words, Wise Hearts”; “The Aroma of Godly Counsel”; “Honey from the Lips of Wisdom.” Devotional Reflection Ask the Spirit to flavor your words with grace, that those who hear may taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8). Let every conversation become a conduit of מֶתֶק—sweetness rooted in truth, pointing hearts to the surpassing sweetness of Christ. Forms and Transliterations וּמֶ֥תֶק ומתק ū·me·ṯeq uMetek ūmeṯeqLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Proverbs 16:21 HEB: יִקָּרֵ֣א נָב֑וֹן וּמֶ֥תֶק שְׂ֝פָתַ֗יִם יֹסִ֥יף NAS: understanding, And sweetness of speech KJV: prudent: and the sweetness of the lips INT: will be called understanding and sweetness of speech increases Proverbs 27:9 2 Occurrences |
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