The Hebrew word dᵉʼâbôwn, represented by H1671, denotes pining or sorrow. It is derived from the root דָּאַב and describes a deep sense of anguish. This specific term is exceptionally rare, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse within the biblical text, highlighting its specific and severe meaning.
The single use of H1671 is found in Deuteronomy 28:65, as part of the curses declared for disobedience. In this passage, it describes a state of profound suffering for those scattered "among these nations" H1471. This sorrow is not a circumstantial sadness but a divinely given affliction from the LORD H3068, alongside a trembling H7268 heart H3820 and failing H3631 of eyes H5869. The verse explicitly states that this sorrow of mind H5315 will accompany a lack of ease H7280 and rest H4494.
Several related words from its context illuminate the meaning of H1671:
- H3631 killâyôwn (pining, destruction; consumption, failing): Used in the same phrase, "failing of eyes," it emphasizes a sense of wasting away and depletion that accompanies the sorrow Deuteronomy 28:65.
- H7268 raggâz (timid; trembling): This describes the state of the heart that goes with the sorrow of mind, pointing to a condition of constant fear and instability Deuteronomy 28:65.
- H4494 mânôwach (quiet, i.e. (concretely) a settled spot, or (figuratively) a home; (place of) rest): The promise of sorrow is directly contrasted with the absence of rest, underscoring that this affliction is a form of spiritual homelessness and turmoil Deuteronomy 28:65.
- H5315 nephesh (a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality; ... soul): This word, translated as "mind" in the passage, identifies the very soul or life-force as the target of the sorrow, indicating an anguish that affects the core of one's being Deuteronomy 28:65.
The theological weight of H1671 is tied directly to its singular, powerful context.
- Divine Judgment: The word does not describe ordinary grief but rather a specific affliction given by the LORD H3068 as a consequence of covenantal disobedience Deuteronomy 28:65.
- Internal Exile: Paired with physical scattering among the nations H1471, the sorrow of mind signifies an internal state of exile—a soul that can find no rest H4494 or peace.
- Comprehensive Affliction: Its placement alongside a trembling H7268 heart H3820 and failing H3631 of eyes H5869 illustrates a total state of distress that affects a person's emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being.
In summary, H1671 dᵉʼâbôwn is a highly specific term for a sorrow that is a direct result of divine judgment. Its lone appearance in Deuteronomy 28:65 frames it as a profound internal pining and anguish of the mind H5315, a key component of the curses for unfaithfulness. The word serves as a stark illustration of the spiritual and psychological torment that accompanies separation from God's blessing and rest.
TRV