a primitive root (compare הָמַם); to make an uproar, or agitate greatly; destroy, move, make a noise, put, ring again.
Transliteration:hûwm
Pronunciation:hoom
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb `{{H1949}}` (hûwm) is a primitive root, conveying a core sense of intense agitation, commotion, or disquiet. Its semantic range extends from internal emotional turmoil to external, audible uproar and even forceful, destructive movement. The base definition "to make an uproar, or agitate greatly" encapsulates this dual nature of inner disturbance and outer clamor. The comparison to `{{H2000}}` (hâmam), "to put in commotion, discomfit, destroy," highlights a shared semantic field relating to disarray, confusion, and overwhelming action, often with a destructive outcome. `{{H1949}}` can describe the restless groaning of a distressed soul, the boisterousness of a rebellious person, the tumultuous noise of a multitude, or even the powerful, unsettling action of God. The various English translations — "destroy," "move," "make a noise," "put," "ring again" — reflect its broad application, all stemming from the root idea of a profound stirring or disturbance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of `{{H1949}}` in the Hebrew Bible reveal its nuanced application across different contexts:
* **Internal Distress and Agitation:** In several instances, `{{H1949}}` describes the deep, unsettling turmoil within an individual. In [[Psalm 55:2]], the psalmist laments, "I am restless in my complaint and moan," depicting an overwhelming internal disquiet that manifests in audible groaning. Similarly, [[Psalm 142:3]] states, "When my spirit was overwhelmed within me," illustrating a profound sense of inner despondency and a spirit that is agitated to the point of being faint. [[Jeremiah 4:19]] powerfully conveys prophetic anguish: "My anguish, my anguish! I writhe in pain!" Here, the verb depicts a physical manifestation of extreme internal distress, a writhing or churning within. These uses underscore the human experience of profound anxiety and suffering.
* **External Commotion and Uproar:** `{{H1949}}` also frequently denotes external noise, tumult, or boisterous behavior. [[Proverbs 7:11]] describes the adulteress as "boisterous and rebellious," highlighting her loud, disruptive, and unrestrained conduct. In [[Isaiah 17:12]], the prophet speaks of "Ah, the uproar of many peoples," vividly portraying the chaotic and noisy clamor of nations. This usage often carries negative connotations, suggesting disorder or opposition.
* **Divine Action and Discomfiture:** Significantly, `{{H1949}}` can also describe God's powerful, often unsettling, intervention. In [[Isaiah 28:21]], it is used in reference to the Lord's action: "For the Lord will rise up as on Mount Perazim, as in the Valley of Gibeon he will rouse himself to do his work, his strange work, and perform his task, his alien task." Here, "rouse himself" implies a forceful, decisive, and perhaps unexpected divine movement that brings about His purposes, even if it causes discomfiture to others. This connects directly to the shared semantic field with `{{H2000}}`.
* **Consequences of Rebellion:** In [[Jeremiah 50:36]], "A sword against the boasters, that they may become fools!" the term "boasters" (from `{{H1949}}`) refers to those who are noisy or clamorous in their arrogance, implying that their tumultuous self-assurance will lead to their downfall. This reinforces the idea that `{{H1949}}` can describe the disruptive nature of human pride that invites divine judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of `{{H1949}}` is enriched by its relationship to several other Hebrew terms:
* `{{H2000}}` (hâmam): As noted in the base definition, this verb is a direct comparative, meaning "to put in commotion, discomfit, destroy." It is frequently used for God's action in throwing enemies into confusion and rout, as seen in the plagues or battles (e.g., [[Exodus 14:24]], [[Joshua 10:10]]). Both `{{H1949}}` and `{{H2000}}` share the idea of causing profound disturbance or disarray.
* `{{H1993}}` (hāmôn): This noun, often derived from a related root, signifies a "multitude," "noise," or "tumult." It describes the *result* or *source* of the agitation denoted by `{{H1949}}`, such as the "roar of the sea" ([[Isaiah 17:12]]) or a noisy "multitude."
* `{{H7493}}` (ra'ash): To quake, shake, tremble. This verb often describes physical trembling, whether of the earth (an earthquake) or of people in fear. It shares the concept of violent, unsettling movement.
* `{{H7588}}` (sha'on): A noun meaning "tumult," "uproar," or "din." It specifically emphasizes the noisy aspect of commotion, similar to the "uproar" sense of `{{H1949}}`.
* `{{H7264}}` (rāgash): To be in a tumult, conspire. This word is famously used in [[Psalm 2:1]] for nations "raging" or "conspiring" against the Lord, highlighting a rebellious, tumultuous gathering.
Thematically, `{{H1949}}` stands in contrast to concepts of *shalom* (peace, wholeness, well-being) and *menuchah* (rest, tranquility), underscoring conditions of unrest, chaos, and distress.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H1949}}` is multifaceted:
* **The Human Condition of Brokenness:** The internal uses of `{{H1949}}` ([[Psalm 55:2]], [[Psalm 142:3]], [[Jeremiah 4:19]]) poignantly illustrate the reality of human suffering and the soul's capacity for deep distress. It speaks to the anxiety, fear, and turmoil that are part of the fallen human experience, pointing to the universal need for divine solace and peace. This internal agitation is often a consequence of sin or external pressures, revealing the fragility of human well-being apart from God's sustaining grace.
* **Divine Sovereignty Over Chaos:** When `{{H1949}}` describes God's action ([[Isaiah 28:21]]), it highlights His absolute power to disrupt existing orders, to "rouse Himself" to fulfill His purposes. This demonstrates that even in what appears to be chaos or discomfiture, God is sovereignly at work, bringing about His righteous will. His "strange work" may involve unsettling the wicked or even His own people for their ultimate good, showcasing a divine authority that transcends human understanding of order.
* **The Nature of Rebellion and Judgment:** The external uses of `{{H1949}}` ([[Proverbs 7:11]], [[Isaiah 17:12]], [[Jeremiah 50:36]]) often depict the noisy, arrogant, or rebellious nature of humanity and nations apart from God. This "uproar" or "boisterousness" is frequently associated with sin and defiance, which inevitably invite divine judgment. The word thus serves as a powerful reminder that human attempts at self-assertion or chaotic rebellion will ultimately be met with God's decisive, discomfiting response.
* **The Hope for True Peace:** By vividly portraying states of agitation and tumult, `{{H1949}}` implicitly underscores the profound value and longing for *shalom*. The biblical narrative consistently moves towards a future where God will bring an end to all forms of internal and external agitation, establishing His perfect peace and order.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb `{{H1949}}` (hûwm) is a dynamic primitive root signifying intense agitation, commotion, and disquiet. Its semantic range encompasses the restless groaning of a distressed soul, the boisterous clamor of a rebellious individual or multitude, and the powerful, unsettling action of God. Contextual analysis reveals its application to internal human suffering ([[Psalm 55:2]]), external societal tumult ([[Isaiah 17:12]]), and divine intervention ([[Isaiah 28:21]]). Related terms like `{{H2000}}` and `{{H1993}}` further illuminate its connection to concepts of confusion, discomfiture, and noisy multitudes. Theologically, `{{H1949}}` serves as a potent descriptor of the broken human condition, the sovereign power of God over chaos, and the disruptive nature of sin that invites divine judgment. Ultimately, this word highlights the pervasive presence of unrest in a fallen world, implicitly pointing to the ultimate biblical hope for God's perfect and enduring peace.
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