מֵחַ (me.ach)
me.ach
fatling
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun me‘ach refers specifically to a young, fattened animal, typically a calf or lamb, raised for special occasions. It denotes not just any livestock, but one selected for its quality and size, prepared for a significant feast or sacrifice. The term appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, highlighting its rarity and specific context.
In Psalm 68:30 and Isaiah 11:7, the word illustrates abundance and peace. The psalmist calls nations to bring tribute with me‘achim, suggesting a gesture of honor or payment involving valuable livestock. Isaiah uses it in a vision of harmony where predators lie down with prey, implying that even the resources meant for slaughter become part of a shared, peaceful existence rather than a meal.
This word underscores the value placed on well-fed animals in ancient Near Eastern culture. A me‘ach represented wealth and generosity, set apart from ordinary grazing herds. Its limited usage suggests it was reserved for moments requiring exceptional provision or symbolic weight, marking occasions of celebration, tribute, or divine promise.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word me‘ach points to a young animal specially raised for its quality, set apart from the ordinary herd for significant occasions. In ancient culture, offering such a creature signaled deep respect and generous provision. When you encounter this term in Scripture, it reminds us that God values intentional generosity and the best we can give.
Psalm 66:15 uses this concept to describe bringing valuable livestock as burnt offerings. This reflects a heart willing to honor God with something precious, not just what is left over. It invites us to consider how we might offer our best resources, time, or talents in worship and service.
Isaiah 11:7 presents a different picture, where even these prized animals become part of a peaceful coexistence. This vision of harmony suggests that God’s ultimate plan transforms scarcity into abundance and conflict into peace. We can trust that He provides for our needs and desires to restore all things.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- fatlings2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מֵחִ֣ים1×
- מֵחִ֖ים1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 66:15
I will offer to you burnt offerings of fat animals, with the offering of rams, I will offer bulls with goats. Selah.
This verse uses the concept of fat animals to illustrate a generous, honorable offering brought to God.