Lexical Summary machamaah: Butter, curd Original Word: מַחֲמָאָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance than butter A denominative from chem'ah; something buttery (i.e. Unctuous and pleasant), as (figuratively) flattery -- X than butter. see HEBREW chem'ah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition smoother than butter NASB Translation butter (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מַחֲמָאֹת noun feminine plural curd-like things = smooth, hypocritical, words, only construct מִּיו ׳חָֽלְקוּ מ Psalm 55:22 smooth are the butter-words of his mouth (EW De Hup), but read probably (חלק(ו) מֵחֲמָאֹת פיו (פניוׅ) his mouth (face) is smoother than curds (Vrss Ki Thes Ol Che Bae We Du [מֵחֶמְאָה]). מַחֲמָאֹת noun feminine plural only (apparently construct) מִּיו חָֽלְקוּ ׳מ Psalm 55:22, according to Ew De Hup = curd-like (i.e. smooth, hypocritical) words, smooth are the butter-words of his mouth; but read probably (פניו) מִּיו (or מֵחֶמְאָה) חלק(ו) מֵחֲמָאֹת his face is smoother thm curds (Vrss Ki Thes Ol Che Bae We). Topical Lexicon Meaning and Context מַחֲמָאָה appears once in the Old Testament, at Psalm 55:21, where David laments betrayal by a trusted companion: “His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart; his words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords” (Psalm 55:21). The term pictures a deceptive softness, describing words that glide over the ear like melted butter yet conceal hostile intent. Though the lexical sense points to “butter, curd, soft food,” the psalmist uses it figuratively to portray flattery that masks aggression. Usage in Scripture Because the noun is hapax legomenon, its nuance must be gleaned entirely from the surrounding verse. David sets up a striking antithesis: external gentleness (“smooth as butter … more soothing than oil”) versus internal violence (“war is in his heart … drawn swords”). The contrast heightens the treachery of the speaker, turning something as benign as butter into an emblem of manipulative speech. Parallel ideas appear elsewhere through different Hebrew terms: “flattering lips” (Psalm 12:2–3), “smooth words and deceptive speech” (Daniel 11:32), and “the smooth tongue of a strange woman” (Proverbs 2:16). These passages reinforce the biblical suspicion of rhetoric divorced from righteous intent. Historical Background Butter (or curds) was a staple in ancient Israelite diet, produced by churning soured milk in animal skins. Its creamy texture made it a symbol of richness and delight (Genesis 18:8; Job 20:17; Isaiah 7:15). Psalm 55, however, harnesses that culinary pleasantness to expose sinister duplicity. In David’s historical setting, the immediate referent may be Ahithophel, whose counsel seemed sweet but became the instrument of attempted coup (2 Samuel 15–17). The imagery would have resonated with an audience accustomed to viewing butter as a cherished delicacy suddenly turned metaphorical poison. Theological Insights 1. The heart–mouth connection: Scripture consistently teaches that speech reveals character (Luke 6:45; James 3:11–12). Psalm 55:21 exposes the possibility of disjunction between lips and heart, warning that pious-sounding language is not always evidence of a converted soul. Practical Ministry Application • Discernment in leadership: Churches and ministries must weigh not only doctrinal precision but also the integrity behind words. Appeals that sound gracious may still conceal divisive agendas (Acts 20:29–30). Connections to New Testament Teaching Romans 16:18 warns, “Such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.” Likewise, Jude 1:16 identifies false teachers who use “flattering words to gain an advantage.” These texts extend the Psalm 55 principle: deceptive eloquence is a mark of anti-gospel activity. The church combats it by clinging to apostolic doctrine and walking in transparent love (1 Timothy 1:5). Illustrations and Preaching Points • Visual contrast: Demonstrate smooth butter spread on bread alongside a concealed knife, embodying the verse’s imagery. Related Terms and Concepts Flattery, smooth speech, hypocrisy, betrayal, treachery, false teachers, heart-mouth consistency, integrity, spiritual discernment. Summary מַחֲמָאָה, through its lone appearance, becomes a potent symbol for the peril of words untethered from righteousness. Psalm 55:21 transforms ordinary butter into a moral warning: sweetness on the tongue can hide swords in the heart. The verse equips believers to discern, lament, and ultimately trust the Lord who unmasks deceit and sustains His people. Forms and Transliterations מַחְמָאֹ֣ת מחמאת machmaOt maḥ·mā·’ōṯ maḥmā’ōṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 55:21 HEB: חָלְק֤וּ ׀ מַחְמָאֹ֣ת פִּיו֮ וּֽקֲרָב־ NAS: than butter, But his heart KJV: were smoother than butter, but war INT: was smoother butter his speech was war 1 Occurrence |
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