מָלַץ (ma.lats)
ma.lats
to smooth
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb malats carries the core meaning of being smooth or slippery. In the Old Testament, it appears only once, in Psalm 119:103, where the Niphal stem describes God’s words as smooth. This usage suggests a texture that is agreeable and pleasant to the soul, rather than rough or difficult.
The word likely derives from a root sense of physical smoothness, which extends metaphorically to describe something that is easy to accept or delightful. While its literal application might imply slipperiness in a negative context elsewhere, here it highlights the comforting nature of divine instruction. The psalmist finds these words sweeter than honey, emphasizing their soothing and satisfying quality.
This single occurrence underscores how physical sensations often illustrate spiritual realities in Hebrew poetry. By choosing malats, the writer conveys that Scripture is not abrasive or hard to swallow, but rather flows with a gentle pleasantness that nourishes the believer.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word malats describes something smooth or slippery, and in Psalm 119:103 it paints a beautiful picture of God’s promises. The psalmist says they are sweet to his taste, smoother than honey on his mouth. This image suggests that Scripture is not harsh or difficult to accept. Instead, it flows gently into the soul, offering comfort and nourishment.
When life feels rough or heavy, these words remind us that God’s truth can be a source of deep peace. It does not crush us with demands but invites us in with kindness. You can trust that His guidance is meant to sustain you, providing a gentle strength that meets you exactly where you are.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they are smooth1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נִּמְלְצ֣וּ1×
Key Verses
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Psalms 119:103
How sweet are your promises to my taste, more than honey to my mouth!
This verse uses the Niphal form of malats to describe God's promises as smooth and sweet, highlighting their pleasant and comforting nature.