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

interpretation, taunting

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

see HEBREW luwts

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

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).

Word Origin: Derived from the root verb לִיץ (lits), which means "to scorn" or "to mock."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • G3056 (λόγος, logos): While not a direct equivalent, λόγος is a broad term for "word," "speech," or "reason," often used in the New Testament to denote a message or teaching, sometimes with a deeper or philosophical meaning.
• G4652 (σκοπός, skopos): This term means "watcher" or "mark," and while not directly related to מְלִיצָה, it can imply a focus or target, similar to how a satire or aphorism might aim to address a particular issue or behavior.

In summary, מְלִיצָה (melitsah) is a Hebrew term that encapsulates the art of indirect communication through aphorisms and satire, often used to critique or provoke thought. Its usage in the Bible underscores the importance of discernment in understanding deeper truths conveyed through figurative language.

Usage: The word מְלִיצָה appears in the Hebrew Bible in contexts where speech is characterized by its figurative, enigmatic, or satirical nature. It is used to convey messages that are not straightforward, often requiring interpretation or insight to understand the underlying meaning.

Context: • מְלִיצָה is found in the Old Testament, notably in the book of Habakkuk. In Habakkuk 2:6, the term is used to describe a "taunting proverb" or "satirical saying" against the oppressor. The verse reads: "Will not all of these take up a taunt against him, with mocking riddles and scorn?" (BSB). This usage highlights the word's association with speech that is both critical and veiled in its meaning.
• The term is also linked to the broader literary tradition of wisdom literature, where aphorisms and parables are common. These forms of speech are designed to provoke thought and reflection, often using irony or satire to challenge the listener or reader.
• מְלִיצָה is part of a linguistic tradition that values the power of words to convey complex truths through indirect means. It reflects a cultural appreciation for the art of language, where meaning is layered and requires discernment.

וּמְלִיצָ֑ה וּמְלִיצָ֖ה ומליצה ū·mə·lî·ṣāh ūməlîṣāh umeliTzahInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts