מַדּוּחַ (mad.du.ach)
mad.du.ach
enticement
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun madduach refers to something that draws one off course, carrying the sense of an enticement or seduction. It describes a lure that pulls a person away from their intended path or true purpose. In the biblical text, this word appears only once, in Lamentations 2:14.
Here, the prophet uses it to describe the false visions given by Jerusalem’s prophets. These were not merely lies, but attractive distractions that led the people into spiritual ruin. The imagery suggests a bait or a trap disguised as guidance, highlighting how compelling falsehoods can be when they promise hope without substance.
This single occurrence underscores the danger of misleading counsel. The word captures the subtle power of temptation, where the allure is strong enough to override discernment. It serves as a stark reminder in the context of national disaster that false assurances often accompany judgment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word madduach describes an enticement that pulls us away from our true path. It is not just a simple error, but a lure disguised as guidance. In Lamentations, this term highlights how false prophets offered attractive visions that led the people into ruin. These were compelling distractions promising hope without substance.
We encounter similar traps today through misleading counsel or comforting lies that ignore reality. The danger lies in their appeal; they override our discernment because they sound reasonable. Recognizing these subtle pulls helps us stay grounded in truth rather than being swept away by appealing falsehoods.
May we seek wisdom that stands firm against attractive but empty promises. Let your heart remain anchored in what is real and enduring, finding peace in honest guidance rather than fleeting illusions.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ enticement<s>1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/מַדּוּחִֽים\׃\ \ס1×
Key Verses
-
Lamentations 2:14
Your prophets have seen false and foolish visions for you. They have not uncovered your iniquity, to reverse your captivity, but have seen for you false revelations and causes of banishment.
This verse identifies the prophets' visions as madduach, showing how their attractive but false revelations caused banishment instead of reversing captivity.