מָלַל (ma.lal)
ma.lal
to speak; to rub
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb malal is rare, appearing only five times in the Old Testament, primarily in wisdom literature like Job and Proverbs. Its core meaning is simply to speak or utter words. In most instances, it functions as a straightforward synonym for other common verbs of speech, describing the act of saying something without adding specific emotional weight or rhetorical flourish.
However, one source notes an older, physical root meaning "to rub" or "scrape," which may hint at the original image of words being worn out or rubbed off the tongue. This etymological background adds a tactile dimension to its use in Proverbs 6:13, where the description of a troublemaker who speaks with his feet and gestures with his hands suggests that speech is part of a whole-body performance of deceit.
Because the word is so infrequent, it does not carry the heavy theological baggage of terms like dabar or amra. Instead, it serves as a neutral descriptor for verbal expression. Translators typically render it as "speak," "say," or "utter," allowing the context to determine whether the speech is wise, foolish, or malicious.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word malal reminds us that speech is a tangible act. It does not carry heavy theological weight, but it describes the simple, physical reality of uttering words. In Proverbs 6:13, this verb appears alongside gestures like winking and signaling, painting a picture of deceit that involves the whole body. This suggests that our words are not just abstract ideas; they are part of how we present ourselves to others.
When we speak honestly, as Job does in chapter 33, our words reflect the uprightness of our hearts. The Bible invites us to see speech as a gift that should align with our inner truth. Whether in joy or sorrow, our words matter because they reveal who we are and how we relate to God and those around us.
Let this rare word encourage you to speak with integrity. Your words can build up or tear down, but when they come from a sincere heart, they honor the Creator who gave you the gift of speech. May your words always reflect the truth that lives within you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- will you say1×
- will he tell1×
- they speak1×
- has he said1×
- [he is] scraping1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תְּמַלֶּל\־1×
- מֹלֵ֣ל1×
- מִלֵּל֙1×
- מִלֵּֽלוּ\׃1×
- יְ֭מַלֵּל1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 6:13
who winks with his eyes, who signals with his feet, who motions with his fingers,
This verse links malal with deceptive gestures, showing how speech can be part of a coordinated act of deceit.
-
Job 33:3
My words will utter the uprightness of my heart. That which my lips know they will speak sincerely.
Here, the word emphasizes that sincere speech flows directly from an upright heart, connecting words to inner integrity.
-
Psalms 106:2
Who can utter the mighty acts of Yahweh, or fully declare all his praise?
The psalmist uses this verb to ask who can fully declare God's mighty acts, highlighting the limits of human speech before divine greatness.