מֶזֶג
tempered wine
Definition
מֶזֶג (mezeg) refers to wine that has been mixed or tempered, likely diluted with water or spices to create a specific flavor or potency. In its sole biblical occurrence in Song of Solomon 7:2, it describes a drink of pleasure and delight, part of a poetic celebration of love and beauty. The term emphasizes a prepared, refined beverage, not raw wine, suggesting intentional crafting for enjoyment. No other distinct senses appear in the biblical text, as it is used only this once.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in Song of Solomon 7:2 (7:3 in some English versions), within a highly poetic context. It appears in a descriptive praise of the beloved, comparing her navel to a 'round goblet that never lacks mixed wine.' The usage is metaphorical, associating human beauty and delight with the richness of a prepared, festive drink. No other patterns exist, as it is a hapax legomenon (a word occurring only once).
Etymology
מֶזֶג derives from an unused Hebrew root meaning 'to mix' or 'mingle,' specifically referring to the blending of wine with water or spices. Cognates appear in other Semitic languages with similar meanings of mixing or tempering. The noun form directly indicates the product of that mixing—a tempered or diluted drink. Its development reflects ancient Near Eastern customs of preparing wine for consumption.
Semantic Range
While not a central theological term, מֶזֶג enriches the imagery of God's blessings and human joy in Scripture. In Song of Solomon, it contributes to the book's celebration of love as a divine gift, using sensory language to depict beauty and delight. Understanding this Hebrew word highlights how everyday elements like prepared wine could symbolize spiritual joy and covenant relationship in poetic texts, adding depth to readings of biblical poetry.
In ancient Israel, wine was often mixed with water for practical reasons (to reduce potency) and for taste (adding spices). Pure, undiluted wine was considered strong and sometimes harsh. מֶזֶג reflects this common practice, indicating a refined, socially appropriate drink for feasts and celebrations. This differs from some modern perceptions of wine, underscoring the cultural norm of tempering wine for daily use and special occasions.
יַיִן (yayin, H3196) — the general term for wine, whereas מֶזֶג specifies it as mixed or tempered. שֵׁכָר (shekar, H7941) — refers to strong drink or fermented beverage, often beer, but can imply intoxicating drink, unlike the prepared, diluted מֶזֶג.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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