The Hebrew word dûwb, represented by H1727, is a primitive root used to convey the idea of moping or pining away in sorrow. It is a rare term, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse within the scriptures. Its singular use provides a focused and potent image of deep emotional distress.
The sole appearance of H1727 is in Leviticus 26:16, within a list of curses God will appoint H6485 upon Israel for disobedience. Here, it describes a profound internal suffering that accompanies physical ailments. The verse states that God will bring terror H928, consumption H7829, and burning ague H6920, which will consume H3615 the eyes H5869 and "cause sorrow H1727 of heart H5315." This places the sorrow not as a simple emotion, but as a consuming consequence of divine judgment.
Several related words from its context in Leviticus 26:16 illuminate the meaning of this sorrow:
- H5315 nephesh (a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality... soul): The sorrow described by H1727 is specifically of the heart or soul Leviticus 26:16. This term points to the seat of life, appetite, and emotion, indicating that the pining is a deeply personal and life-draining affliction.
- H3615 kâlâh (to end... be finished, perish... consume): This word is used in the same verse to describe the effect of the plagues on the eyes Leviticus 26:16. It signifies a complete ending or failing, paralleling the internal "sorrow of heart" with an external, physical consumption.
- H928 behâlâh (panic, destruction; terror, trouble): This is the first punishment listed in the verse, establishing a context of sudden panic and ruin. The sorrow H1727 is thus part of a broader experience of divinely appointed terror Leviticus 26:16.
The theological weight of H1727 is tied entirely to its single, powerful appearance.
- Sorrow as Judgment: The appearance of H1727 in Leviticus 26:16 frames this deep sorrow not as a natural occurrence, but as a specific, divinely ordained consequence of covenant disobedience.
- Holistic Punishment: The "sorrow of heart" is intentionally paired with physical diseases like consumption H7829 and burning ague H6920. This demonstrates a biblical understanding where spiritual and emotional anguish is intrinsically linked to physical suffering as part of God's judgment.
- Internal Despair: The pining described by H1727 affects the nephesh H5315, the very soul or life-force. It points to a state of hopelessness and despair that comes from the breaking of one's relationship with God, leading to a life that pines away.
In summary, while dûwb H1727 is one of the rarest words in the Old Testament, its single use offers a powerful theological lesson. It defines a specific kind of sorrow—a deep, consuming pining of the soul that is presented as a direct consequence of turning away from God. Its placement in Leviticus 26:16 serves as a stark reminder that the results of disobedience are not merely external, but can include a profound and debilitating sorrow of heart.
TRV