4987. motheq
Lexical Summary
motheq: sweetness

Original Word: מֹתֶק
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: motheq
Pronunciation: MOH-tek
Phonetic Spelling: (mo'-thek)
KJV: sweetness
NASB: sweetness
Word Origin: [from H4985 (מָתַק - sweet)]

1. sweetness

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
sweetness

From mathaq; sweetness -- sweetness.

see HEBREW mathaq

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from mathoq
Definition
sweetness
NASB Translation
sweetness (1).

Brown-Driver-Briggs
[מֹ֫תֶק] noun [masculine] sweetness; — only suffix מָתְקִי Judges 9:11 my sweetness (fig-tree loquitur), i.e. sweetness of the fruit.

Topical Lexicon
Meaning and Literary Context

The noun מֹתֶק appears once, within Jotham’s parable to the men of Shechem: “But the fig tree replied, ‘Should I stop my sweetness and my good fruit, and go to wave over the trees?’” (Judges 9:11). The scene contrasts trees called to kingship. The olive, fig, and vine—all noted for rich produce—decline the offer, preferring to continue supplying oil, sweetness, and wine. By choosing productivity over power, the fig tree’s מֹתֶק underscores the value of blessing rather than rule, exposing the folly of people who would ultimately choose the thorny bramble (Abimelech) for their king.

Agricultural and Cultural Background

In the land of Israel, the fig tree provided both nourishment and delight. Its fruit, eaten fresh or dried, was prized for flavor and energy. “Sweetness” therefore denoted tangible goodness accessible to every family. Refusing to abandon that sweetness, the fig tree embodies the farmer’s priorities: life-sustaining output over political ambition. Ancient hearers, dependent on seasonal harvests, would immediately recognize the parable’s practical wisdom.

Moral and Theological Insights

1. Vocational Faithfulness: The fig tree’s answer teaches that worth is found in fulfilling God-given roles rather than seeking status.
2. Servant Leadership: Genuine leaders deliver “good fruit” that benefits others (Matthew 7:17); those driven by self-promotion resemble the bramble, consuming rather than serving.
3. Delight in God’s Provision: מֹתֶק evokes the gracious flavor of divine gifts. Like manna that tasted “like wafers made with honey” (Exodus 16:31), God’s provisions are both sustaining and pleasant.

Related Biblical Themes of Sweetness

• God’s Word: “They are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb” (Psalm 19:10). As the fig’s sweetness refreshes the body, Scripture delights and nourishes the soul.
• Worship and Sacrifice: Incense ascending from the altar produced a “pleasing aroma” (Leviticus 1:9). Sweet fragrance symbolizes acceptable worship offered in obedience.
• Messianic Fulfillment: The servant’s gracious speech is likened to “honey and milk…under your tongue” (Song of Songs 4:11). Jesus Christ, full of grace and truth, embodies the ultimate sweetness of God toward humanity.

Practical Ministry Application

• Cultivate Sweet Character: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…” (Galatians 5:22). Believers manifest sweetness in speech and conduct, making the gospel attractive.
• Guard Against Ambition: Churches must appoint leaders who, like the fig tree, value service over prominence.
• Nourish Others: Ministries should aim to distribute the “sweetness” of God’s Word—teaching and living truths that refresh weary hearts (Proverbs 16:24).

Homiletical and Devotional Uses

Jotham’s parable can frame sermons on servant leadership, the danger of self-seeking authority, or the beauty of faithful, quiet labor. Devotionally, Judges 9:11 invites personal reflection: Am I preserving the sweetness God has entrusted to me, or reaching for power that withers fruitfulness?

Christological Perspective

The sweetness relinquished by none but fulfilled in One: Jesus did not seek earthly dominion during His first advent but poured out life-giving fruit through self-sacrifice. In doing so, He offers “the free gift of God” (Romans 6:23), a sweetness exceeding that of any fig harvest, satisfying eternally all who partake.

Forms and Transliterations
מָתְקִ֔י מתקי mā·ṯə·qî mateKi māṯəqî
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Judges 9:11
HEB: הֶחֳדַ֙לְתִּי֙ אֶת־ מָתְקִ֔י וְאֶת־ תְּנוּבָתִ֖י
NAS: to them, 'Shall I leave my sweetness and my good
KJV: unto them, Should I forsake my sweetness, and my good
INT: the fig leave my sweetness fruit and my good

1 Occurrence

Strong's Hebrew 4987
1 Occurrence


mā·ṯə·qî — 1 Occ.

4986
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