מַמְתַֿקִּים (mam.taq)
mam.taq
sweetness
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun mamtaqqim refers to sweetness or sweet things. It appears in only two verses of the Old Testament, giving it a rare and focused presence in Scripture. In Nehemiah 8:10, the word describes the joy that comes from understanding God’s words, suggesting that spiritual truth has a pleasant, sustaining quality.
In Song of Solomon 7:9, mamtaqqim is used metaphorically to describe the beloved’s speech as delightful and intoxicating. The term captures more than just taste; it conveys an experience that is pleasing and satisfying to the soul. Translators often render it as "sweetness" or "delight," depending on whether the context emphasizes physical flavor or emotional resonance.
This word highlights how Scripture uses sensory language to describe spiritual realities. The sweetness of God’s commandments or the joy of His presence is not abstract but felt, like a refreshing drink or a cherished meal. By using mamtaqqim, the biblical authors invite readers to perceive divine truth as something inherently good and life-giving.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word mamtaqqim points to a genuine sweetness that satisfies the soul. It appears in only two verses, yet each usage carries significant weight for how we experience God and His truth. In Nehemiah, this concept is tied to the joy of the Lord, suggesting that spiritual understanding brings a deep, sustaining delight even when circumstances are difficult.
We often think of faith as duty or discipline, but Scripture invites us to see it as something inherently good and life-giving. When we engage with God’s words, there is a quality of pleasure and refreshment available to us. This sweetness is not merely a feeling; it is a strength that supports us through the day.
In the Song of Solomon, the same root describes speech that is delightful and wholly lovely. This reminds us that divine truth and godly relationships can bring a profound sense of satisfaction. We are invited to rest in the reality that God’s presence offers a peace and joy that nourishes us deeply.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- sweet things1×
- [is] sweetness<es>1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַֽמְתַקִּ֗ים1×
- מַֽמְתַקִּ֔ים1×
Key Verses
-
Nehemiah 8:10
Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared, for today is holy to our Lord. Don’t be grieved, for the joy of Yahweh is your strength.”
This verse links the concept of sweetness directly to the joy of the Lord, showing how spiritual truth provides strength during difficult times.
-
Song of Solomon 5:16
His mouth is sweetness; yes, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, daughters of Jerusalem.
Here the term describes the beloved’s speech as entirely lovely, highlighting how divine love and truth are experienced as deeply satisfying.