### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **hôwlêlûwth**, represented by `{{H1948}}`, denotes a severe state of **folly** or **madness**. It appears only **1 time** across **1 unique verse** in the Bible, making its single usage particularly significant. Derived from the active participle of הָלַל, this term points to an active, dangerous expression of insanity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its sole biblical appearance, `{{H1948}}` is used to describe the climax of a fool's discourse. [[Ecclesiastes 10:13]] presents a progression where words that begin as mere foolishness ultimately culminate in **mischievous madness**. The term thus characterizes the final, destructive state of speech that is untethered from wisdom, defining the "end of his talk."
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context in [[Ecclesiastes 10:13]] illuminate its meaning:
* `{{H5531}}` **çiklûwth** (silliness; folly, foolishness): This word establishes the starting point of the destructive speech. **Madness** `{{H1948}}` is presented as the final state that grows out of this initial **foolishness** [[Ecclesiastes 10:13]].
* `{{H8462}}` **tᵉchillâh** (a commencement; begin(-ning)): This term marks the **beginning** of the fool's words. It is set in direct opposition to the end, highlighting the downward trajectory of the speech [[Ecclesiastes 10:13]].
* `{{H319}}` **ʼachărîyth** (the last or end): This word describes the final outcome, or **end**, of the fool's talk, which is identified as **madness** `{{H1948}}`. It emphasizes the finality and consequence of unchecked folly [[Ecclesiastes 10:13]].
* `{{H7451}}` **raʻ** (bad or (as noun) evil): This term qualifies the **madness**, defining it as "mischievous" or **evil**. It clarifies that this is not a harmless insanity but one that results in adversity and harm [[Ecclesiastes 10:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1948}}` is concentrated in its role as a solemn warning.
* **The Escalation of Folly:** The appearance of `{{H1948}}` illustrates a critical principle: unchecked foolishness does not remain static but escalates. Speech that starts with **foolishness** `{{H5531}}` can devolve into a state of active, **mischievous madness** [[Ecclesiastes 10:13]].
* **The Finality of Unwise Speech:** The word is linked to the **end** `{{H319}}` of a fool's talk. This highlights the destructive destination of a path devoid of wisdom, which elsewhere is contrasted with the positive **end** promised to the righteous [[Jeremiah 29:11]].
* **A Warning on the Power of Words:** The context for `{{H1948}}` is specifically the "words of his mouth" (`{{H1697}}`, `{{H6310}}`). This places the concept of **madness** squarely in the realm of communication, serving as a stark warning about the potential for speech to lead to evil and ruin [[Ecclesiastes 10:13]].
### Summary
In summary, while **hôwlêlûwth** `{{H1948}}` is used only once, its meaning is potent. It is not merely a synonym for foolishness but represents its ultimate and most dangerous form: an active, mischievous **madness**. Its placement in scripture serves as a grave warning about the progression of foolish speech, showing how words that begin in simple folly can conclude in destructive and evil consequences.
TRV