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מַנְעַמִּים (man.am)

man.am

delicacy

H4516 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 1 verses

H:N-M

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
H:N-M

Word Overview

The Hebrew noun man‘ammîm refers to delicacies or dainties, pointing to food that is refined, choice, and pleasing to the palate. It describes more than simple sustenance; it evokes the idea of treats or special foods reserved for enjoyment rather than mere survival.

This word appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Psalm 141:4. There, the psalmist prays not to be enticed by such delicacies if they are associated with wicked deeds. The contrast highlights a spiritual principle: even the most appealing earthly pleasures must be weighed against their moral cost.

Its singular occurrence underscores how rare and specific this term is in Scripture. By using man‘ammîm, the text invites readers to consider what kinds of "delicacies" they might encounter and whether those choices align with righteousness or lead them away from it.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word man‘ammîm describes food that is refined and pleasing, far beyond basic sustenance. It represents treats reserved for special enjoyment rather than simple survival. In Psalm 141:4, the psalmist asks God not to let him eat these delicacies if they come from those who practice wickedness. This single occurrence highlights a profound spiritual principle.

Even the most appealing earthly pleasures must be weighed against their moral cost. The text invites us to consider what kinds of 'delicacies' we might encounter in our daily lives. It asks whether those choices align with righteousness or lead us away from it. We are reminded that not every pleasant thing is good for our souls.

This perspective helps us navigate modern temptations where enjoyment and ethics often clash. By seeking God’s guidance, we can discern which pleasures nourish our spirit and which might harm it. May you find wisdom in choosing what truly sustains your faith and character.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • in/ delicacies/ their1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • בְּ/מַנְעַמֵּי/הֶֽם\׃1×

Key Verses

  • Psalms 141:4
    Don’t incline my heart to any evil thing, to practice deeds of wickedness with men who work iniquity. Don’t let me eat of their delicacies.

    The psalmist explicitly links the consumption of delicacies with association to wicked people, warning against moral compromise through shared enjoyment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does man‘ammîm mean in the Bible?

It is a Hebrew noun meaning delicacy or dainty. It refers to food that is refined, choice, and pleasing to the palate, rather than simple sustenance.

Where does this word appear in Scripture?

It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Psalm 141:4. The psalmist uses it to describe food associated with wicked people that he wishes to avoid.

How is man‘ammîm different from regular food?

Regular food (like lechem) provides basic sustenance, while man‘ammîm describes treats or special foods reserved for enjoyment. It implies a level of refinement and pleasure beyond mere survival.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)