### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **dâham**, represented by `{{H1724}}`, means to be **dumbfounded** or **astonished**. As a primitive root, its meaning is figurative, describing a state of being struck dumb with amazement. This term is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible, which concentrates its entire significance into a single, potent context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its sole biblical appearance, `{{H1724}}` is used by the prophet Jeremiah in a desperate plea to God during a time of crisis. He asks, "Why shouldest thou be as a man **astonied**{H1724}, as a mighty man{H1368} that cannot{H3201} save{H3467}?" [[Jeremiah 14:9]]. The word is used to create a shocking image: God, the savior of Israel, appearing as stunned and helpless as a human warrior who has been completely dumbfounded in the face of an enemy, unable to act.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of `{{H1724}}` is sharpened by the words used alongside it in [[Jeremiah 14:9]]:
* `{{H376}}` **ʼîysh** (a man as an individual or a male person): This establishes the human comparison, framing God's perceived inaction in relatable but jarring terms.
* `{{H1368}}` **gibbôwr** (powerful; by implication, warrior): This description of a "mighty man" stands in stark contrast to being **astonished**. A warrior is expected to act, making the state of being dumbfounded even more troubling [[Jeremiah 14:9]].
* `{{H3201}}` **yâkôl** (to be able, literally (can, could)): This word directly connects the state of being **astonished** to an inability to perform an expected action, as in a warrior that "cannot" save.
* `{{H3467}}` **yâshaʻ** (to free or succor; ... save): This highlights the core of Jeremiah's distress. The very purpose of a mighty savior is to **save**, an action that seems impossible for one who is **astonished** [[Jeremiah 14:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1724}}` is derived entirely from its unique and challenging use in Jeremiah's lament.
* **A Picture of Divine Inscrutability:** The word is used to express human anguish when God's actions, or lack thereof, seem contrary to His character. Jeremiah sees a God who appears **astonished**, a stark contrast to the biblical declarations of God as a **mighty** one who will **save** [[Zephaniah 3:17]].
* **Rhetorical Desperation:** By describing God as **dumbfounded**, Jeremiah uses a powerful rhetorical device to convey the depth of his despair. It is not a literal statement about God's nature but a cry questioning why the all-powerful God seems as helpless as a man in shock.
* **The Contrast of Power and Helplessness:** The word creates an intense contrast between God's known power as a **mighty man** `{{H1368}}` and the appearance of being unable `{{H3201}}` to act. This tension is central to the lament and the plea for God not to **leave** them [[Jeremiah 14:9]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1724}}` is a rare word whose biblical significance is contained within a single, poignant verse. It conveys a state of being **astonished** or **dumbfounded** and is used to articulate a moment of profound spiritual crisis. It powerfully illustrates how human language struggles to comprehend divine mysteries, capturing the painful tension between God's perceived inaction and His covenant identity as a mighty and present savior.
TRV