The Hebrew word dâʼab, represented by H1669, is a primitive root that means to pine; mourn, sorrow(-ful). Though it appears only 3 times across 3 unique verses, its usage points to a deep, internal state of grief and mourning that affects the soul.
In its biblical occurrences, H1669 describes a profound emotional state that is met by God's promise of restoration. In the book of Jeremiah, it is used to describe the "sorrowful soul" that the LORD promises to replenish Jeremiah 31:25. This promise is echoed in the same chapter, where God declares that his restored people "shall not sorrow any more at all" Jeremiah 31:12. In the Psalms, the word conveys personal anguish, as the psalmist cries out that his "eye mourneth by reason of affliction" Psalms 88:9, directly linking the feeling to suffering.
Several related words help define the context of this sorrow:
- H5315 nephesh (soul): Defined as a "breathing creature" or "vitality," this is the part of a person that experiences the sorrow. God promises to replenish the "sorrowful soul" Jeremiah 31:25 and restore it Psalms 23:3.
- H6040 ʻŏnîy (affliction): This word means "depression, i.e. misery; afflicted(-ion), trouble" and is presented as the direct cause of the mourning in Psalms 88:9. God sees the affliction of his people and hears their cry Exodus 3:7.
- H5889 ʻâyêph (weary): Meaning "languid; faint, thirsty, weary," this word is used in parallel with H1669 to describe a state of exhaustion that God promises to satiate Jeremiah 31:25. It often depicts a deep longing for God, like a soul in a thirsty land Psalms 143:6.
The theological weight of H1669 is seen in its portrayal of suffering and divine response.
- The State of the Soul: The word highlights a condition of the soul (H5315) that is marked by deep grief and mourning, often brought on by external affliction (H6040).
- A Precursor to Restoration: Sorrow is not depicted as a final state, but as the condition that God specifically addresses with promises of replenishment (H4390) and satisfaction (H7301), as seen in Jeremiah 31:25.
- Divine Compassion: The use of dâʼab in scripture underscores God's awareness of and compassion for human suffering. The promise to end sorrow and satiate the weary soul demonstrates his character as a restorer Jeremiah 31:12.
In summary, H1669 provides a specific and powerful term for a state of deep sorrow and mourning. While used sparingly, it effectively captures a profound human experience of grief. Its primary context in the Bible is not to dwell on the sorrow itself, but to frame it as the state from which God promises deliverance and restoration, transforming a "sorrowful soul" into one that is replenished and satisfied.
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