The Hebrew word dᵉvay, represented by H1741, describes a state of sickness, figurative loathing, or being sorrowful. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. The term encompasses both the physical experience of languishing from illness and the deep emotional response of sorrow that can feel like a sickness of the soul.
The two uses of H1741 in scripture illustrate its dual meaning. In Psalms 41:3, it describes a physical condition, "the bed of languishing," where the sufferer is promised strength from the LORD H3068. This context points to a severe, bed-ridden state of sickness. In contrast, Job 6:7 uses the term figuratively to express deep emotional distress. Job declares that the things his soul H5315 refuses to touch have become like his "sorrowful meat H3899," portraying an affliction so profound that it turns sustenance into a source of loathing.
Several related words help clarify the context surrounding H1741:
- H2483 chŏlîy (malady, anxiety, calamity): This word for sickness or grief appears in the same verse as H1741, where the Lord promises to attend to the sick person in their sickness Psalms 41:3. It is also used to describe the suffering of the man of sorrows Isaiah 53:3.
- H5315 nephesh (soul): In Job 6:7, it is the soul that experiences the revulsion associated with H1741. This connects the idea of sorrowful loathing directly to the core of a person's being, their desires, and their very life.
- H2015 hâphak (to turn about or over): This word is used in Psalms 41:3 to describe God's restorative action. He will "make" or "turn" the sick person's bed, suggesting a complete transformation or overturning of the state of languishing H1741.
- H5582 çâʻad (to suport, comfort, establish, strengthen): This is the direct divine response to the person on the bed of languishing H1741. The LORD H3068 promises to strengthen the afflicted, providing support in their sickness Psalms 41:3.
The theological significance of H1741 is concentrated in its portrayal of suffering and divine response.
- Sickness as a State of Confinement: The phrase "bed of languishing" Psalms 41:3 presents sickness not just as a feeling, but as a defining state that confines a person. It is a condition that requires external intervention.
- Divine Intervention in Suffering: The context of Psalms 41:3 explicitly frames the experience of languishing H1741 with the promise of God's direct action. The LORD H3068 will strengthen H5582 and transform H2015 the situation, showing that suffering is an arena for God's support.
- The Soul's Loathing: Job's use of the term reveals the profound internal dimension of affliction. The suffering is so great that it corrupts a basic life necessity, turning food H3899 into something sorrowful H1741 that the soul H5315 refuses to touch.
In summary, H1741 dᵉvay is a potent and specific term for suffering. Though used only twice, it effectively captures both the physical reality of languishing from sickness and the figurative, soul-deep loathing that can accompany profound distress. It shows a state of affliction that is met with God's promise of strength and transformation, highlighting both the depth of human suffering and the hope of divine support.
TRV