### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **hâdak**, represented by `{{H1915}}`, means **to crush with the foot** or **tread down**. As a primitive root, its meaning is direct and forceful. It is an exceptionally rare term, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, which gives its single usage significant weight.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole biblical appearance of `{{H1915}}` is in [[Job 40:12]], where God challenges Job: "Look on every one that is proud, and bring him low; and **tread down** the wicked in their place." In this context, the word describes a powerful act of judgment. The action of treading down is directed specifically at the **wicked** `{{H7563}}` and is presented as a demonstration of divine power, paralleled with the act of bringing low the **proud** `{{H1343}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its only context in [[Job 40:12]] help define its meaning:
* `{{H7200}}` **râʼâh** (to see): The command begins with 'Look' `{{H7200}}`, a word that means **to see, literally or figuratively...behold...look (on...)**. This act of seeing or perceiving initiates the judgment.
* `{{H1343}}` **gêʼeh** (proud): The target of this judgment is the **proud** `{{H1343}}`, a word defined as **lofty; figuratively, arrogant; proud**.
* `{{H3665}}` **kânaʻ** (bring him low): This word functions in parallel with `{{H1915}}` and means **to bend the knee; hence, to humiliate, vanquish; bring down (low)...humble (self), subdue**.
* `{{H7563}}` **râshâʻ** (wicked): The specific group to be tread down are the **wicked** `{{H7563}}`, described as **morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person; wicked (man)**.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1915}}` is derived entirely from its singular, powerful context.
* **Divine Judgment:** The action of treading down the wicked is presented in [[Job 40:12]] as a divine prerogative, a challenge from God to man to execute a level of justice that belongs to Him.
* **Humbling the Proud:** The word is explicitly used against the **proud** `{{H1343}}` and the **wicked** `{{H7563}}`, underscoring the theological principle that divine power is often manifested in the subjugation of human arrogance and evil.
* **Active Subjugation:** The definition "to crush with the foot" implies a direct, forceful, and final action. It portrays divine justice not merely as a passive state but as an active and complete overthrow of wickedness.
### Summary
In summary, while extremely rare, `{{H1915}}` **hâdak** carries a precise and forceful meaning. Its sole use in the Bible at [[Job 40:12]] defines it as an act of divine power to **tread down** the wicked. It is not a gentle humbling, but a complete crushing underfoot, reserved for the arrogant and morally wrong. This single verse establishes the word as a vivid depiction of God's ultimate authority to vanquish evil.
TRV