מְלִיצָה

From the study of Proverbs 1:6

Range of meaning

Rare: it occurs only here and in Habakkuk 2:6, where it is paired with mashal and 'riddles' in a taunt against Babylon. It is usually connected with the root l-y-ts, which produces two families of words: (1) melits, 'interpreter, go-between' (Joseph's interpreter, Gen 42:23; a mediating angel, Job 33:23; envoys, 2 Chr 32:31); (2) lets, 'scoffer, mocker' (common in Proverbs). Proposed meanings for melitsah include 'figure, allusive saying, enigma' (something that needs an interpreter), 'interpretation,' and 'satire, mocking saying.'

Against the English

English versions scatter: 'interpretation' (KJV), 'parables' (BSB, WEB, NIV), 'a saying' (ESV), 'a figure' (NASB), 'sweetness' (YLT). The Strong's gloss 'mockery' comes from the Habakkuk passage and the 'scoffer' word family, and fits Proverbs 1:6 poorly.

How it drifted

The KJV's 'interpretation' follows the Latin Vulgate (interpretationem), which tied the word to melits, 'interpreter.' YLT's 'sweetness' seems to come from linking it with a different root, m-l-ts, 'to be smooth/sweet' (Ps 119:103). Both are understandable guesses for a rare word.

Used elsewhere in the period

The LXX translates it skoteinos logos, 'an obscure/dark word.' So the Greek translators also read it as speech that is hard to see into. Habakkuk 2:6 uses it for a veiled, mocking poem.

From the study of Habakkuk 2:6

Range of meaning

Mĕlîṣāh: an allusive or figurative saying, satire. It is related to mēlîṣ, 'interpreter, go-between' (Gen 42:23), and possibly to lîṣ, 'to scoff'. Ḥîdāh: a riddle, an enigmatic or puzzling saying that needs decoding (Samson's riddle, Judg 14; the Queen of Sheba's 'hard questions', 1 Kgs 10:1).

Against the English

BSB 'mockery and derision' and KJV 'taunting proverb' bring out the hostility but drop the cleverness. YLT 'acute sayings' keeps the sharp wit.

Used elsewhere in the period

Proverbs 1:6 has the same three words together: 'to understand a mashal and a mĕlîṣāh, the words of the wise and their ḥîdôt'. Psalms 49:4 and 78:2 pair mashal with ḥîdāh. The vocabulary is technical wisdom-school language.