מְלִיצָה (me.li.tsah)
me.li.tsah
mockery
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun melitsah refers to a satirical or mocking composition, often taking the form of a taunting song or poetic riddle. It is not merely casual ridicule but a structured artistic expression designed to shame or expose folly through wit and irony.
This word appears in only two biblical passages, both carrying heavy theological weight. In Habakkuk 2:6, it describes the taunt against Babylon, where nations will hurl mocking verses at the oppressor’s downfall. Similarly, Proverbs 1:3–6 lists melitsah alongside parables and riddles as tools for gaining wisdom, suggesting that satire can serve an educational purpose by revealing truth through sharp contrast.
The term likely derives from a root meaning "to answer" or "respond," implying a verbal retort crafted with precision. Translators often render it as "taunt" or "satire," capturing its dual nature as both entertainment and judgment. Unlike simple insults, melitsah relies on cleverness and cultural context to deliver its sting.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word melitsah reveals that truth can be delivered with sharp wit and artistic precision. It is not just casual ridicule but a structured response designed to expose folly. When we encounter mockery in Scripture, it often serves as a mirror reflecting the consequences of pride or injustice.
In Habakkuk 2:6, this taunting proverb highlights how oppression eventually turns against itself. The nations use these sharp words to declare justice when earthly powers fail to do so. This reminds us that God’s moral order remains intact even when it seems hidden.
Proverbs 1:6 places melitsah alongside wisdom literature, suggesting that satire can teach us to discern right from wrong. By engaging with these texts, we learn to recognize the dangers of greed and the value of integrity. May this insight strengthen your faith in God’s ultimate justice.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ an enigma1×
- and/ a mocking song1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/מְלִיצָ֖ה1×
- וּ/מְלִיצָ֑ה1×
Key Verses
-
Habakkuk 2:6
Won’t all these take up a parable against him, and a taunting proverb against him, and say, ‘Woe to him who increases that which is not his, and who enriches himself by extortion! How long?’
This verse uses melitsah as a divine instrument to pronounce judgment on Babylon, showing how mockery can serve as a vehicle for exposing the consequences of extortion.
-
Proverbs 1:6
to understand a proverb and parables, the words and riddles of the wise.
Here melitsah is listed as a tool for gaining wisdom, indicating that sharp, satirical responses can help the wise understand deeper truths about human behavior.