מֶזֶג
𐤌𐤆𐤂
mezeg
H4197 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A liquid mixture, specifically wine that has been diluted, usually with water; refers to mixed or blended wine in contrast to undiluted wine. In the Hebrew Bible, the term denotes a beverage prepared for consumption by mixing wine with water, which was a common practice in the ancient Near East to make wine less intoxicating and more palatable.
Semantic Range
mixed wine, diluted wine, liquid mixture, blended drink
Root / Etymology
Related to the root מָזַג (mazag), meaning 'to mix' or 'to blend (liquids)', though the verb is not attested in Biblical Hebrew and is inferred from denominative usage and comparative Semitic evidence (e.g., Aramaic and Arabic). The noun מֶזֶג (mezeg) directly reflects the concept of a mixture, especially concerning liquids.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the biblical context, wine was customarily mixed with water before drinking, both for reasons of health and moderation and to stretch supplies. מֶזֶג occurs sparingly (notably in Psalm 75:9), and always in the context of wine being poured out with the implication of mixing or blending. The term stands against the parallel נֶסֶךְ (nesekh), another word for mixed wine, but נֶסֶךְ emphasizes the act of pouring/offering, while מֶזֶג focuses on the mixture itself. Later Greek and Latin translations sometimes render it as 'mixed wine' or 'tempered wine,' and early English translations usually narrow it to 'liquor,' though this does not capture the specific nuance of mixed wine. In later rabbinic usage and in cognate languages, the concept of mixing wine (with water or spices) remains central, reflecting continuity in ancient Near Eastern beverage customs.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from an unused root meaning to mingle (water with wine); tempered wine; liquor.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
מזג (m-z-g) — to mix, to blend (liquids)
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4197-01 |
הַ/מָּ֑זֶג | hamazeg | HTd/Ncmsa |
the-mixed-wine | the blended wine | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4197-01 |
Song of Songs 7:3 | הַ/מָּ֑זֶג | hamazeg | HTd/Ncmsa |
the-mixed-wine | the blended wine |