מָצַץ

# מָצַץ (matsats): A Rare Hebrew Verb for Deep Drinking The Hebrew verb *matsats* carries the specific meaning of drinking deeply or drinking with intensity. Based on the lexical data, this word describes not merely the act of consuming liquid, but a more forceful or thorough form of drinking—the kind that suggests complete or vigorous consumption rather than casual sipping. The extreme rarity of this term in biblical Hebrew is striking: it appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible. This single occurrence limits our ability to observe the word in varied contexts or to determine whether it held additional nuances or metaphorical applications that might have enriched its usage. A word appearing only once typically leaves scholars with minimal evidence for establishing its full semantic range or cultural significance within ancient Hebrew communication. Given its specialized meaning and singular appearance, *matsats* likely represented a vivid or emphatic way to describe the physical act of drinking—perhaps chosen by a biblical author for rhetorical effect or to paint a specific image. Its presence in the lexicon demonstrates the Hebrew language's capacity for precise vocabulary to describe human actions, even when such terms were employed infrequently in the preserved biblical texts.