from דָּאַב; properly, pining; by analogy, fear; sorrow.
Transliteration:dᵉʼâbâh
Pronunciation:deh-aw-baw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun dᵉʼâbâh (`{{H1670}}`) is derived from the verbal root dâʼab (`{{H1669}}`), which conveys the sense of "to languish," "to pine away," or "to be faint." Consequently, dᵉʼâbâh describes a profound state of internal distress that leads to a weakening or wasting away. Its core meaning encompasses "pining," "fear," and "sorrow," all pointing to a debilitating emotional or psychological condition. Unlike superficial sadness, dᵉʼâbâh suggests a deep, consuming grief or anxiety that saps strength and vitality, causing one to diminish or "melt away." It speaks to an inward burden that has a tangible, debilitating effect on the individual.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term dᵉʼâbâh (`{{H1670}}`) appears infrequently in the Old Testament, but its few occurrences are highly impactful, underscoring its profound meaning:
* **[[Psalm 119:28]]**: "My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word!" Here, dᵉʼâbâh is rendered "sorrow" or "heaviness." The psalmist describes a soul so overwhelmed by this internal distress that it feels as if it is "melting away" or wasting. This vivid imagery highlights the debilitating nature of dᵉʼâbâh. Crucially, the psalmist's response is to appeal to God for strength, demonstrating a reliance on divine intervention and the power of God's word to counteract this deep spiritual and emotional weakening.
* **[[Proverbs 12:25]]**: "Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad." In this proverb, dᵉʼâbâh is translated as "anxiety" or "heaviness." It depicts an internal burden that causes one to "stoop" or be "weighed down." This verse beautifully contrasts the oppressive effect of dᵉʼâbâh with the uplifting power of an encouraging or "good word." This "good word" can be understood as wise counsel, comforting speech, or even the life-giving truth of God's revelation, which brings relief and joy.
In both contexts, dᵉʼâbâh consistently refers to an internal, oppressive emotional state that diminishes the individual's strength, vitality, or spirit. It is not merely a fleeting feeling but a condition that threatens to overwhelm and debilitate.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding dᵉʼâbâh (`{{H1670}}`) is enriched by examining its relationship to other Hebrew terms expressing distress:
* **dâʼab (`{{H1669}}`)**: This is the verbal root from which dᵉʼâbâh is derived. It means "to languish," "to pine away," or "to be faint." The noun dᵉʼâbâh therefore captures the *state* or *result* of this pining and languishing.
* **yagôn (`{{H3015}}`)**: Often translated as "grief" or "sorrow," yagôn frequently denotes a deep, prolonged sadness, often associated with mourning or loss. While similar, dᵉʼâbâh emphasizes the *debilitating effect* of the sorrow, the "pining away."
* **ʻetseb (`{{H6093}}`)**: This term refers to "pain," "sorrow," or "toil," often linked to the consequences of the fall (e.g., [[Genesis 3:16-17]]). ʻetseb can describe the painful effort or the distress itself, whereas dᵉʼâbâh focuses on the internal, wasting aspect of that distress.
* **mārar (`{{H4843}}`)**: Meaning "to be bitter," this verb and its derivatives describe an experience of intense suffering or resentment. While dᵉʼâbâh can certainly involve bitterness, its primary focus is on the *internal weakening* rather than the sharp, acrid taste of affliction.
* **nāphash (`{{H5315}}`)**: This verb means "to breathe," "to refresh oneself," or "to revive." It stands in stark contrast to dᵉʼâbâh, which describes a state of being drained of life. The need for nāphash often arises precisely when one is experiencing dᵉʼâbâh.
dᵉʼâbâh thus distinguishes itself by emphasizing the internal, soul-crushing aspect of sorrow or anxiety, leading to a profound sense of weakening or wasting away.
### Theological Significance
The concept of dᵉʼâbâh (`{{H1670}}`) holds significant theological implications:
* **The Reality of Human Suffering:** dᵉʼâbâh acknowledges the deep and debilitating nature of human emotional and psychological suffering. It points to a profound internal distress that can truly "melt away" the soul or cause one to be "weighed down." This resonates with the biblical understanding of a fallen world where humanity experiences profound sorrow, anxiety, and the effects of sin.
* **The Need for Divine Strength and Wisdom:** In both [[Psalm 119:28]] and [[Proverbs 12:25]], dᵉʼâbâh is presented as a condition from which one needs relief. The psalmist directly appeals to God for strengthening "according to your word," emphasizing that true and lasting relief from dᵉʼâbâh comes from a divine source. Proverbs highlights the power of "a good word," which, in a biblical context, often points to wise counsel rooted in divine truth, contrasting with the oppressive nature of anxiety.
* **The Compassion of God:** The very existence of such a precise term for deep, wasting sorrow implies a divine understanding of the human condition. God is not distant from our dᵉʼâbâh but offers the means of strength and comfort through His word and the wisdom it imparts.
* **The Power of God's Word:** The antidote to dᵉʼâbâh is presented as God's word, which strengthens the soul, and "a good word," which brings gladness. This underscores the transformative power of divine truth and righteous speech in counteracting the soul-crushing effects of anxiety and sorrow. It teaches that spiritual and emotional well-being are intrinsically linked to one's engagement with God's revelation.
### Summary
dᵉʼâbâh (`{{H1670}}`) is a potent Hebrew term signifying a profound, debilitating state of "pining," "fear," or "sorrow" that causes one to languish or waste away. Derived from the root dâʼab (`{{H1669}}`), it describes an internal burden so heavy that it saps strength and vitality, causing the soul to "melt away" or be "weighed down," as seen in [[Psalm 119:28]] and [[Proverbs 12:25]]. This word highlights the deep emotional and spiritual distress inherent in the human experience. The biblical texts, however, do not leave humanity without hope in the face of dᵉʼâbâh. Instead, they point to the divine remedies: the strengthening power of God's word and the uplifting effect of wise and encouraging counsel. Thus, dᵉʼâbâh serves as a poignant reminder of human vulnerability and the essential need for divine solace and wisdom to overcome overwhelming internal burdens.
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