מֶסֶךְ
𐤌𐤎𐤊
meçek
H4538 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A mixed drink, specifically wine blended with spices, aromatics, or other substances, prepared for ceremonial, festive, or ritual purposes. The term generally highlights the act of mixing, often implying an enriched or enhanced beverage rather than plain wine. In some contexts, it can refer to a cup of such a mixture presented or consumed in ritual occasions, especially in the context of temple or cultic offerings.
Semantic Range
mixture (esp. wine with aromatics), mixed drink, drink offering, blended beverage for ritual or banquet
Root / Etymology
From the Hebrew root מסך (m-s-k), meaning 'to mix, to pour out, to blend.' Derived nominally to indicate something that is mixed, particularly a blended beverage.
Historical & Contextual Notes
During the monarchic and exilic periods, מֶסֶךְ signified not only a luxurious or festive drink but one often associated with cultic or ritual practice, particularly in Isaiah 65:11 where it references pouring a mixed drink for deities—contrasted with libations in Israelite worship. The nuance distinguishes it from סֶבֶל (sēḇel) or יַיִן (yayin, 'wine'), which refer simply to the beverage itself rather than its preparation. English translations often render the term as 'drink offering' or 'mixed wine,' but these can obscure its ritual associations and the process of mixing (potentially referring to diluting with water or spicing with aromatics). In post-exilic and later Jewish tradition, terms for mixed drinks shift in usage but the root persists in Hebrew for blending or compounding.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from מָסַךְ; a mixture, i.e. of wine with spices; mixture.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
מסך (m-s-k) — to mix, blend, pour out
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4538-01 |
מֶסֶךְ֮ | mesekhe | HNcmsa |
of mixture | blended wine | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4538-01 |
Psalms 75:9 | מֶסֶךְ֮ | mesekhe | HNcmsa |
of mixture | blended wine |