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.
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" H4079H4066, "babbling" H7879, "wounds without cause" H6482, and "redness of eyes" H2448H5869. 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.
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.
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' H4079H4066, 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' H2448H5869 implies a comprehensive negative impact on an individual.
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