### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼăbôwy**, represented by `{{H17}}`, primarily defines **want** and **sorrow**. It appears only 1 time across 1 unique verse in the Bible, indicating a focused and specific usage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, the singular occurrence of `{{H17}}` is found in [[Proverbs 23:29]]. Here, **sorrow** is presented as one of a series of negative consequences, alongside "woe" `{{H188}}`, "contentions" `{{H4079}}``{{H4066}}`, "babbling" `{{H7879}}`, "wounds without cause" `{{H6482}}`, and "redness of eyes" `{{H2448}}``{{H5869}}`. This verse explicitly links `{{H17}}` to a state of distress that arises from specific behaviors, depicting sorrow as a component of a deeply troubled experience.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words appear in the same context, expanding upon the experience of distress and its manifestations:
* `{{H188}}` **'ôwy** (woe): This term is explicitly paired with `{{H17}}` in [[Proverbs 23:29]], highlighting a sense of lamentation and deep distress that often accompanies sorrow.
* `{{H4079}}` **midyân** (contention) and `{{H4066}}` **mâdôwn** (strife): These words are used together in [[Proverbs 23:29]] alongside `{{H17}}`, indicating that sorrow is frequently found in conjunction with quarrels and conflict.
* `{{H6482}}` **petsaʻ** (wound): Mentioned in [[Proverbs 23:29]] as "wounds without cause" and appearing with `{{H17}}`, this term signifies that physical or metaphorical wounds can be a tangible outcome linked with a state of sorrow.
### Theological Significance
The unique appearance of `{{H17}}` underscores its role in describing a specific aspect of human suffering.
* **Consequence of Misconduct:** The word's position in [[Proverbs 23:29]] directly places 'sorrow' as a result of behaviors that lead to other negative outcomes like 'woe' `{{H188}}`, 'contentions' `{{H4079}}``{{H4066}}`, and 'wounds' `{{H6482}}`. It suggests a direct link between actions and their painful repercussions.
* **A State of Internal Want:** As defined by 'want' and 'sorrow', `{{H17}}` points to an internal state of emotional or psychological distress. Its co-occurrence with external symptoms such as 'redness of eyes' `{{H2448}}``{{H5869}}` implies a comprehensive negative impact on an individual.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H17}}` encapsulates the concept of **want** and **sorrow**, appearing uniquely in [[Proverbs 23:29]]. Its singular usage, yet strong association with other negative experiences, highlights its role in portraying a multifaceted state of human distress that is often a consequence of specific actions.
TRV