מֶ֫תֶק (me.teq)
me.teq
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 meṭeq denotes the quality of being sweet, a concept that extends beyond mere taste to encompass pleasure, agreeableness, and delight. In the biblical text, it describes sensory experiences that bring joy, such as the pleasant flavor of honey or the soothing nature of kind words. This word captures the positive affective response evoked by something good or welcome.
Although it appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, its usage is significant. Proverbs 16:24 uses it to describe "pleasant words" that are like a honeycomb, suggesting that gentle speech has a nourishing and delightful effect on the soul. The comparison highlights how verbal kindness can be as refreshing and satisfying as a natural treat.
The term often stands in contrast to bitterness or harshness, illustrating the value of gentleness in human relationships. By linking sweetness to wisdom and speech, the text emphasizes that moral integrity has a tangible, pleasing quality. This lexical choice underscores the biblical view that ethical living is not just duty but also a source of genuine delight.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word for sweetness appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, yet it carries a weight far beyond simple taste. In Proverbs 16:24, the text compares pleasant words to a honeycomb, suggesting that gentle speech offers nourishment and delight to the soul. This imagery reminds us that our conversations can be a source of genuine refreshment for those around us.
When we choose kindness in our interactions, we reflect a wisdom that soothes and strengthens relationships. The biblical view presents ethical living not merely as a duty but as something inherently pleasing. By speaking with care, we create an atmosphere where trust and understanding can grow naturally.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ sweetness of1×
- and/ [the] sweetness of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/מֶ֥תֶק2×