Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the term "melt" is often used metaphorically to describe the process of transformation, dissolution, or the weakening of strength and resolve. The imagery of melting is employed in various contexts, including the physical, emotional, and spiritual realms.Physical Melting: The concept of melting is occasionally used in the Bible to describe the physical transformation of materials. For instance, in the context of refining metals, melting is a necessary process to purify and separate valuable elements from impurities. This imagery is used to illustrate God's refining work in the lives of His people. In Ezekiel 22:20-22 , God speaks of gathering Israel into the furnace of affliction to melt them as silver is melted, symbolizing purification and judgment: "As silver, copper, iron, lead, and tin are gathered into a furnace to be melted with a fiery blast, so I will gather you in My anger and wrath, put you inside, and melt you." Emotional and Spiritual Melting: The Bible also uses the concept of melting to describe the emotional and spiritual state of individuals or groups. This is often associated with fear, despair, or a loss of courage. In Joshua 2:11 , Rahab recounts the fear that gripped the inhabitants of Jericho upon hearing of the Israelites' approach: "When we heard this, our hearts melted and everyone's courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below." Similarly, in Psalm 22:14 , David uses the imagery of melting to express his profound anguish and vulnerability: "I am poured out like water, and all my bones are disjointed. My heart is like wax; it has melted within me." This vivid description captures the psalmist's intense emotional distress and sense of being overwhelmed. Divine Judgment and Cosmic Melting: The prophetic literature of the Bible sometimes employs the imagery of melting to depict divine judgment and cosmic upheaval. In Nahum 1:5-6 , the mountains quake before the LORD, and the earth melts at His presence, illustrating the overwhelming power and holiness of God: "The mountains quake before Him, and the hills melt away; the earth trembles at His presence—the world and all its dwellers. Who can withstand His indignation? Who can endure His burning anger? His wrath is poured out like fire; even rocks are shattered before Him." This imagery is also present in eschatological contexts, where the melting of the earth and heavens signifies the final judgment and the establishment of a new creation. In 2 Peter 3:10-12 , the apostle Peter describes the day of the Lord, when "the heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare." Symbolism and Application: The metaphor of melting in the Bible serves as a powerful symbol of transformation, purification, and the overwhelming presence of God. It underscores the transient nature of human strength and the ultimate sovereignty of God over creation. Believers are reminded of the refining process that God may use to purify their faith and character, as well as the assurance of His presence in times of fear and distress. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) See Milt.2. (v.) To reduce from a solid to a liquid state, as by heat; to liquefy; as, to melt wax, tallow, or lead; to melt ice or snow. 3. (v.) Hence: To soften, as by a warming or kindly influence; to relax; to render gentle or susceptible to mild influences; sometimes, in a bad sense, to take away the firmness of; to weaken. 4. (v. i.) To be changed from a solid to a liquid state under the influence of heat; as, butter and wax melt at moderate temperatures. 5. (v. i.) To dissolve; as, sugar melts in the mouth. 6. (v. i.) Hence: To be softened; to become tender, mild, or gentle; also, to be weakened or subdued, as by fear. 7. (v. i.) To lose distinct form or outline; to blend. 8. (v. i.) To disappear by being dispersed or dissipated; as, the fog melts away. Greek 5080. teko -- to melt (down), to melt away ... to melt (down), to melt away. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: teko Phonetic Spelling: (tay'-ko) Short Definition: I make liquid, melt Definition: I make ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5080.htm - 6k 3089. luo -- to loose, to release, to dissolve Strong's Hebrew 4549. masas -- to dissolve, melt... 4548, 4549. masas. 4550 . to dissolve, melt. Transliteration: masas Phonetic Spelling: (maw-sas') Short Definition: melt. Word Origin a prim. ... /hebrew/4549.htm - 6k 4127. mug -- to melt 4529. masah -- to melt, dissolve, be liquefied 6694. tsuq -- to pour out, melt 5413. nathak -- to pour forth, be poured out 5258. nacak -- to pour out 1811. dalaph -- to drip, drop 6884. tsaraph -- to smelt, refine, test 5140. nazal -- to flow, trickle, drop, distill 8557. temes -- a melting (away) Library Classification. Motives to Holy Mourning 'Let Him Alone' Temporary Hardening. Ezekiel's Discourse Salted with Fire A Fallen Sister Folly of Idolatry. Whether Favors Should be Withheld from the Ungrateful? Rejoicing Before God. Thesaurus Melt (33 Occurrences)... 2. (v.) To reduce from a solid to a liquid state, as by heat; to liquefy; as, to melt wax, tallow, or lead; to melt ice or snow. ...Melt (33 Occurrences). ... /m/melt.htm - 17k Melting (9 Occurrences) Dissolve (4 Occurrences) Melted (33 Occurrences) Languish (13 Occurrences) Fainthearted (7 Occurrences) Tin (6 Occurrences) Resolve (3 Occurrences) Slack (19 Occurrences) Smelt (3 Occurrences) Resources What is ultimate reconciliation? | GotQuestions.orgAre there such things as aliens or UFOs? | GotQuestions.org What is Hellenism, and how did it influence the early church? | GotQuestions.org Melt: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Melt (33 Occurrences)2 Peter 3:10 2 Peter 3:12 Exodus 15:15 Exodus 16:21 Deuteronomy 1:28 Deuteronomy 20:8 Joshua 2:9 Joshua 2:11 Joshua 2:24 Joshua 14:8 2 Samuel 17:10 Psalms 6:6 Psalms 58:7 Psalms 75:3 Psalms 97:5 Psalms 112:10 Isaiah 8:6 Isaiah 13:7 Isaiah 14:31 Isaiah 19:1 Isaiah 34:3 Isaiah 64:7 Jeremiah 9:7 Jeremiah 49:23 Ezekiel 7:17 Ezekiel 21:7 Ezekiel 21:15 Ezekiel 22:20 Amos 9:5 Amos 9:13 Micah 1:4 Nahum 1:5 Nahum 2:10 Subtopics Related Terms |