מִמְסָךְ (mam.sakh)
mam.sakh
mixed drink
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun mimšāḵ refers to a mixture, specifically a blended beverage or drink offering. In the Hebrew Bible, it denotes wine that has been mixed with other substances, likely spices or water, to alter its taste or strength. This term appears in only two verses, both found in prophetic and wisdom literature, highlighting its specific cultural context.
In Proverbs 23:30, the word describes the allure of such drinks, warning against those who linger over "mimšāḵ" that is mixed with color or flavor. Similarly, Isaiah 65:11 uses it to describe the libations offered to foreign gods, contrasting them with offerings to Yahweh. The term underscores the social and religious significance of prepared drinks in ancient Israelite society.
Its root suggests a process of combining or blending, reflecting the deliberate preparation involved in creating such beverages. This etymology points to the care taken in crafting these drinks, whether for enjoyment or ritual purposes. The scarcity of the term in Scripture emphasizes its specialized usage in contexts involving social indulgence or idolatrous practice.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word mimšāḵ describes a blended beverage, often wine mixed with spices or water to enhance its flavor or strength. In ancient Israel, preparing such drinks required deliberate effort and care. This preparation is highlighted in Proverbs 23:30, where lingering over mixed wine serves as a warning against the allure of indulgence.
While the drink itself was not inherently evil, its use became problematic when it led to excess or idolatry. Isaiah 65:11 contrasts these prepared libations offered to foreign gods with faithful worship of Yahweh. The text reminds us that our choices reflect where we place our ultimate devotion.
For your faith life, this word invites reflection on how you spend your time and energy. Are there modern equivalents—activities or habits—that demand too much of your attention? Consider whether these pursuits draw you closer to God or lead you away from His presence. May you find joy in simple, honest living that honors Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- mixed wine2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִמְסָֽךְ\׃2×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 23:30
Those who stay long at the wine; those who go to seek out mixed wine.
This verse uses mimšāḵ to warn against the danger of lingering over mixed wine, highlighting how indulgence can lead to spiritual drift.
-
Isaiah 65:11
“But you who forsake Yahweh, who forget my holy mountain, who prepare a table for Fortune, and who fill up mixed wine to Destiny;
Here, the term describes libations offered to foreign deities like Fortune and Destiny, contrasting idolatrous practices with loyalty to Yahweh.