4426. melitsah
Strong's Lexicon
melitsah: Enigma, riddle, satire, interpretation

Original Word: מְלִיצָה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: melitsah
Pronunciation: meh-lee-tsah
Phonetic Spelling: (mel-ee-tsaw')
Definition: Enigma, riddle, satire, interpretation
Meaning: an aphorism, a satire

Word Origin: Derived from the root לִיץ (lits), which means "to scoff" or "to interpret."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Greek equivalent in Strong's Concordance, the concept of parables and riddles can be related to Greek terms such as παραβολή (parabolē - G3850), which means "parable" or "comparison."

Usage: The term "melitsah" is used in the Hebrew Bible to denote a form of speech that is enigmatic or allegorical. It can refer to a riddle or a parable that requires interpretation. The word suggests a deeper meaning beneath the surface, often used to convey wisdom or moral lessons through indirect language.

Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Hebrew culture, riddles and parables were common methods of teaching and communication. They were used to engage listeners, provoke thought, and convey complex truths in a memorable way. The use of enigmatic language allowed speakers to address sensitive topics indirectly, providing a layer of protection and encouraging deeper reflection.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from lits
Definition
satire, a mocking poem
NASB Translation
figure (1), mockery (1).

Brown-Driver-Briggs
מְלִיצָה noun [feminine] satire, mocking-poem Habakkuk 2:6, also Proverbs 1:6 (al. here figure, enigma).

לישׁ (√ of following, Thes לושׁ; perhaps = be strong (Thes) compare Arabic , , strength; (medial י) III. see be strong, etc., apparently denominative = be lion-like).

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
interpretation, taunting

From luwts; an aphorism; also a satire -- interpretation, taunting.

see HEBREW luwts

Forms and Transliterations
וּמְלִיצָ֑ה וּמְלִיצָ֖ה ומליצה ū·mə·lî·ṣāh ūməlîṣāh umeliTzah
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Proverbs 1:6
HEB: לְהָבִ֣ין מָ֭שָׁל וּמְלִיצָ֑ה דִּבְרֵ֥י חֲ֝כָמִ֗ים
NAS: a proverb and a figure, The words
KJV: a proverb, and the interpretation; the words
INT: to understand A proverb figure the words of the wise

Habakkuk 2:6
HEB: מָשָׁ֣ל יִשָּׂ֔אוּ וּמְלִיצָ֖ה חִיד֣וֹת ל֑וֹ
NAS: against him, Even mockery [and] insinuations
KJV: a parable against him, and a taunting proverb
INT: A taunt-song take mockery insinuations and say

2 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 4426
2 Occurrences


ū·mə·lî·ṣāh — 2 Occ.
















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