Original Word: מֶזֶג
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: mezeg
Pronunciation: MEH-zeg
Phonetic Spelling: (meh'-zeg)
KJV: liquor
NASB: mixed wine
Word Origin: [from an unused root meaning to mingle (water with wine)]

1. wine that is significatlly mixed with water diluting it to perhaps 2%-4% alcohol content (or less)
2. tempered wine, very light wine
3. a diluted table wine used in the midday meal

liquor

From an unused root meaning to mingle (water with wine); tempered wine -- liquor.

Word Origin
from an unused word
Definition
a mixture
NASB Translation
mixed wine (1).

[מֶ֫זֶג] noun masculine mixture, i.e. mixed wine (Late Hebrew id., Aramaic, and thence מִזְנָא, מְזִיגָא; ; Arabic water mixed with wine, mixture (Frä^l.c.), compare , ); — אַליֶֿחְסַר הַמָּ֑זֶג Cant 7:3 (Tosafoth here spiced wine: compare Levy^{NHWB iii. 61}).

מזה (√ of following; probably compare Arabic suck out, compare Dr^{Deuteronomy 32:24}).

Overview

מֶזֶג (mezeq) denotes a “mixed” or “diluted” drink, normally wine that has been blended with water, spices, or sweeteners to enhance flavor, aroma, and potency. Its single biblical appearance in Song of Songs transforms a technical term from banqueting culture into a rich poetic image of abundance, delight, and covenant intimacy.

Biblical Context

Song of Songs 7:2 presents the bridegroom’s praise: “Your navel is a rounded bowl; it never lacks mixed wine”. The rare noun invites the reader into the festive atmosphere of a royal banquet. In the Song, sensory language heightens the portrayal of marital love, which also mirrors the covenantal love of God for His people (Isaiah 54:5; Ephesians 5:25-32). The “bowl” brimming with mezeq signals inexhaustible pleasure, signaling both physical satisfaction within marriage and spiritual satisfaction found in communion with the Lord.

Cultural and Historical Background

Ancient Near Eastern vintners commonly mixed wine with water, honey, herbs, or resin:
• To temper its strength (Proverbs 23:29-35 hints at the perils of undiluted wine).
• To improve shelf life and taste.
• To symbolize refinement at feasts.

Greco-Roman authors mention ratios from three parts water to one part wine, to the reverse for celebratory occasions. The Song evokes the latter—luxuriant, carefully prepared, and served in an ornate bowl—consistent with the royal setting implied by references to ivory, cedar, and costly spices elsewhere in the book (Song of Songs 3:9-10; 4:14).

Symbolic and Theological Significance

1. Abundance and Satisfaction. A vessel that “never lacks” echoes divine promises of overflowing provision (Psalm 23:5; John 10:10).
2. Intimacy and Exclusivity. Just as mezeq is crafted, guarded, and reserved for honored guests, covenant love is exclusive and intentional (Song of Songs 8:6-7).
3. Celebration and Covenant Joy. Mixed wine features in celebratory rituals (Nehemiah 8:10; Isaiah 25:6). The Song situates marital joy within God’s good design, anticipating eschatological feasting imagery (Isaiah 62:4-5; Revelation 19:7-9).

Ministry Application

• Marriage Counseling: Mezeq encourages couples to cultivate intentional “mixing” of time, affection, and spiritual devotion, producing a relationship that “never lacks” vitality.
• Worship & Discipleship: Leaders may draw parallels between the bride’s inexhaustible bowl and the believer’s daily filling with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18—significantly, in a context contrasting drunkenness with spiritual fullness).
• Preaching the Gospel: The imagery of prepared, abundant wine prefigures Christ’s first miracle (John 2:1-11) and the cup of the New Covenant (Matthew 26:27-29). In Him, the heart’s deepest thirst is satisfied (John 4:14).

Related Biblical Themes and Scriptures

Mixed wine as blessing or judgment: Proverbs 9:1-6 (Wisdom’s feast) versus Proverbs 9:13-18 (Folly’s counterfeit).

Feasting motifs: Esther 1:7; Isaiah 55:1-2.

Bride-groom love as covenant paradigm: Hosea 2:19-20; 2 Corinthians 11:2.

הַמָּ֑זֶג המזג ham·mā·zeḡ hamMazeg hammāzeḡInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts