תֶּמֶס
𐤕𐤌𐤎
temeç
H8557 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A process or state of dissolution or melting; specifically, the liquefaction resulting in the disintegration or disappearance of a substance. Used metaphorically to denote intense dissolution, fading, or internal collapse.
Semantic Range
melting, liquefaction, dissolution, disappearance, collapse, disintegration, vanishing
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root מ-ס-ס (מסס), which carries the base meaning 'to melt, dissolve, become liquid, disintegrate.' The noun תֶּמֶס is formed as a derivative, denoting the state or effect resulting from melting or dissolution.
Historical & Contextual Notes
תֶּמֶס appears infrequently in the Hebrew Bible, notably in Nahum 1:10, where it describes the total dissolution or vanishing of those opposed to the deity. The term functions on both literal and figurative levels, referencing both physical melting (such as that of wax or metal) and metaphorical collapse (such as the destruction of enemies or the loss of cohesion within a group). The context drives whether the imagery is material or abstract. While some translations render it simply as 'melted' or 'liquefied,' the term often carries overtones of complete annihilation or disappearance rather than mere melting. It can be contrasted with similar root-derived nouns like נָמֵס (nāmēs) and מָסָה (māsāh), though תֶּמֶס is less common and more vivid in connotation. The usage in prophetic and poetic contexts often intensifies the sense of total erasure or being overwhelmed, distinct from ordinary melting processes.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from מָסָה; liquefaction, i.e. disappearance; melt.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
מסס (m-s-s) — to melt, dissolve, disintegrate
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H4522 | מַס | the corvée levy |
| H4523 | מָס | for corvée-levy |
| H4530 | מִסָּה | overflow of |
| H4549 | מָסַס | they caused to melt |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8557-01 |
תֶּ֣מֶס | temes | HNcmsa |
that melts | melting dissolution | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8557-01 |
Psalms 58:9 | תֶּ֣מֶס | temes | HNcmsa |
that melts | melting dissolution |