a primitive root; to mope, i.e. (figuratively) pine; sorrow.
Transliteration:dûwb
Pronunciation:doob
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma H1727 (דּוּב, *dûwb*) is a primitive root, conveying the core meaning of "to mope," "to pine," or to be in a state of deep "sorrow." As a primitive root, its meaning is fundamental and visceral, suggesting an inherent state rather than a derived action. The nuances of "mope" and "pine" indicate a profound, internal languishing, a gradual loss of strength or vitality brought on by severe grief or distress. It describes a state where one is consumed by sorrow to the point of incapacitation, not merely expressing sadness but embodying it in a debilitating manner. Its rarity in the biblical text, appearing only once, suggests a highly specific and potent application of this intense emotional and physical state.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H1727 appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Lamentations:
* [[Lamentations 1:13]]: "From on high He sent fire into my bones; He made it [[H1727]] to pine away; He spread a net for my feet; He turned me back; He made me desolate, faint all the day long."
In this poignant verse, the personified city of Jerusalem, "the daughter of Zion," laments her utter devastation and the source of her suffering. The phrase "He made it [[H1727]] to pine away" (הוֹרִידֶנָּה) directly attributes this debilitating sorrow to God's action. The imagery preceding it—fire in the bones—further emphasizes the internal, consuming nature of the affliction. The pining is not merely emotional but deeply physical, affecting one's very being and strength. It speaks to a complete collapse of vitality and hope, a state of profound internal decay brought about by divine judgment. The context is one of overwhelming desolation, where all strength and joy have been stripped away, leaving only a lingering, debilitating sorrow.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given the singular occurrence of H1727, direct linguistic cognates within the biblical Hebrew corpus are not readily apparent. However, its conceptual domain intersects with several terms describing states of grief, affliction, and physical or emotional debilitation:
* `{{H591}}` (אָבַל, *'aval*): "to mourn," often used for public or ritual mourning, but also for deep personal grief.
* `{{H3014}}` (יָלַל, *yalal*): "to wail," emphasizing the outward expression of lamentation.
* `{{H577}}` (אָנַח, *'anach*): "to sigh" or "to groan," indicating internal distress expressed audibly.
* `{{H2478}}` (חָלָה, *chalah*): "to be sick," "to be weak," or "to be grieved," often implying a physical ailment or a state of spiritual sickness. This term comes closest to the physical debilitation implied by "pining away."
* `{{H1934}}` (הָוָה, *havah*): "to fall," "to be ruined," which can describe the state of desolation that leads to pining.
* `{{H6031}}` (אָנָה, *'anah*): "to be afflicted," "to suffer," often under oppression or judgment.
While these words describe various facets of sorrow and suffering, H1727 uniquely captures the specific nuance of a deep, internal, and debilitating sorrow that causes one to "pine away" or "mope," suggesting a loss of vital force and an inability to recover.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of H1727 in Lamentations 1:13 carries significant theological weight. It serves as a stark descriptor of the profound consequences of divine judgment. The "pining away" is not an accidental byproduct of suffering but is directly attributed to God's active hand ("He made it to pine away"). This highlights:
1. **Divine Sovereignty in Judgment:** God is not merely permitting suffering but is actively involved in bringing about the internal, debilitating effects of judgment upon His people when they transgress the covenant.
2. **Depth of Despair:** The word underscores the utter despair and loss of vitality experienced by those under God's severe discipline. It moves beyond external destruction to describe a soul-sickness, a complete internal collapse.
3. **Consequence of Sin:** The pining away is a direct result of Jerusalem's sin and rebellion. It illustrates that the consequences of sin are not just physical destruction but also deep, soul-crushing sorrow that drains one of all strength and hope.
4. **Empathy and Lament:** While depicting the severity of judgment, the word also invites empathy for the suffering city. It articulates the deep, internal anguish that is part of the lament tradition, acknowledging the pain even as the justice of God is recognized.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H1727 (דּוּב, *dûwb*) is a primitive root meaning "to mope," "to pine," or "sorrow." Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Lamentations 1:13]] powerfully describes the debilitating, internal anguish experienced by the personified city of Jerusalem under divine judgment. The word vividly portrays a state of profound sorrow that drains one's strength and vitality, a "pining away" that is directly caused by God's hand. Though rare, H1727 offers a unique and intense insight into the internal consequences of severe affliction and divine discipline, emphasizing the deep, soul-crushing despair that can accompany national sin and its repercussions. It stands as a potent reminder of the gravity of God's judgment and the profound sorrow it can evoke.
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