### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term הֵד (hêd), Strong's number `{{H1906}}`, is derived from or closely related to הֵידָד (heydad), Strong's number `{{H1959}}`. Its core meaning encompasses "a shout" and "sounding again," which implies an echo or reverberation. This dual definition suggests a sound that is not only loud and impactful but also one that carries, fills a space, and resonates. While "shout" points to the immediate vocalization, "sounding again" indicates the powerful, lingering effect of that sound, perhaps signifying its overwhelming or pervasive nature. The connection to `{{H1959}}` further specifies this as a shout typically associated with exultation, triumph, or alarm.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word הֵד (hêd) appears only once in the Masoretic Text, found in [[Jeremiah 51:14]]: "The LORD of hosts hath sworn by himself, saying, Surely I will fill thee with men, as with caterpillers; and they shall lift up a shout against thee." (KJV).
In this singular occurrence, the prophet Jeremiah delivers a powerful oracle of divine judgment against Babylon. The imagery of "locusts" (or "caterpillars" in KJV) portrays an innumerable, overwhelming invading force. The "shout" (הֵד) they raise is not one of joy for Babylon, but a resounding cry *against* it. This is a shout of conquest, a battle cry, or a shout of triumph from the instruments of God's judgment. The "sounding again" aspect of the word's definition perfectly complements this context, suggesting an echoing, pervasive sound that fills the condemned city, signifying its inevitable and complete downfall. It is a sound of terror and despair for the inhabitants of Babylon, contrasting sharply with the triumphant cries of their destroyers.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is `{{H1959}}` הֵידָד (heydad), which means "a shout of joy, triumph, or alarm." The base definition of `{{H1906}}` explicitly links it to this term, suggesting that הֵד is either a variant form or a more general term that can encompass the specific nature of הֵידָד. For instance, `{{H1959}}` is used in contexts of joyful shouts during harvest ([[Isaiah 16:9]], [[Jeremiah 48:33]]), but also as a shout of warning or alarm ([[Jeremiah 25:30]]). The use of הֵד in [[Jeremiah 51:14]] aligns with the aspect of a shout of triumph or alarm, depending on the perspective (triumph for the invaders, alarm for Babylon).
Other related Hebrew terms for "shout" or "sound" include:
* `{{H7321}}` רוּעַ (rua'): A verb meaning "to shout," often used for battle cries ([[Joshua 6:5]]), shouts of joy ([[Psalm 47:1]]), or alarm.
* `{{H8643}}` תְּרוּעָה (teruah): A noun derived from `{{H7321}}`, referring to a shout, alarm, battle cry, or the blast of a trumpet ([[Numbers 10:5]], [[Joshua 6:20]]).
* `{{H6963}}` קוֹל (qol): A more general term for "voice," "sound," or "noise," which can encompass loud shouts.
The concept conveyed by הֵד is one of overwhelming sound, often associated with collective action, military conquest, or significant events that evoke strong emotional responses such as triumph or terror.
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular occurrence, the word הֵד carries profound theological weight within its context. In [[Jeremiah 51:14]], the "shout" is not merely a human sound but an integral part of YHWH's divine judgment against Babylon. It is God Himself who swears to fill Babylon with an overwhelming force that will "lift up a shout" against her. This signifies:
1. **Divine Sovereignty in Judgment:** The shout is an audible manifestation of God's decisive and irreversible decree against a proud and oppressive empire. It underscores God's absolute control over nations and their destinies.
2. **Overwhelming Force:** The imagery of locusts combined with an echoing shout emphasizes the totality and inevitability of Babylon's downfall. The sound itself becomes an instrument of psychological warfare and a symbol of complete conquest.
3. **Contrast of Fates:** The triumphant shout of the invaders, orchestrated by God, stands in stark contrast to the previous shouts of revelry and pride that characterized Babylon. It marks a dramatic shift in power, demonstrating that the Lord of Hosts will not be mocked.
4. **Prophetic Fulfillment:** The utterance of this "shout" is a sign of the precise fulfillment of God's prophetic word, a tangible and audible confirmation of His faithfulness to His promises of both judgment and restoration.
### Summary
The Hebrew word הֵד (hêd), Strong's number `{{H1906}}`, denotes a powerful, echoing "shout" or "sounding again," closely related to the shout of triumph or alarm (`{{H1959}}`). Its sole biblical appearance in [[Jeremiah 51:14]] is highly significant, portraying an overwhelming, reverberating cry raised by the instruments of God's judgment against Babylon. Theologically, this singular occurrence underscores God's absolute sovereignty in executing judgment, using even the sounds of conquest to signify the complete and irreversible downfall of a defiant nation. It is a powerful auditory symbol of divine wrath and the certainty of prophetic fulfillment.
TRV