### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **hûwn**, represented by `{{H1951}}`, is a primitive root with a primary definition of being naught or, figuratively, to act light or **be ready**. This word is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 times** in **1 unique verses** in the entire biblical text, making its single usage particularly instructive.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H1951}}` is in [[Deuteronomy 1:41]]. In this passage, the Israelites, after sinning against the Lord by refusing to enter the promised land, have a change of heart. They declare, "We have sinned{H2398} against the LORD{H3068}, we will go up{H5927} and fight{H3898}". The verse then states that after every man girded on his weapons of war, "ye were **ready** to go up into the hill." Here, `{{H1951}}` captures a moment of human resolve and physical preparation for a battle that God had not sanctioned at that time.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context in [[Deuteronomy 1:41]] help to frame the meaning of being "ready":
* `{{H2296}}` **châgar** (to gird on): This action word describes the physical preparation for action or mourning, such as girding on armor, weapons, or sackcloth [[Jeremiah 49:3]]. It is the preparatory step the Israelites took before they were **ready** `{{H1951}}`.
* `{{H3898}}` **lâcham** (to battle): This verb signifies the act of fighting or making war. It is often used in the context of the Lord fighting for His people [[Exodus 14:14]], an element absent in the Israelites' presumptuous plan in Deuteronomy.
* `{{H3627}}` **kᵉlîy** (weapons): This term refers to any prepared apparatus, implement, or weapon. While having the right weapons `{{H3627}}` is necessary for war, scripture shows that no weapon formed against God's people will prosper when they are in His will [[Isaiah 54:17]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1951}}` is derived entirely from its singular, negative context.
* **Presumptuous Readiness:** The Israelites were **ready** based on their own initiative, not a divine command. Their readiness was a reaction to their past sin, but it was an unsanctioned, human-driven effort that God had forbidden.
* **Emptiness of Human Preparation:** The use of `{{H1951}}`, with its root meaning "to be naught," implies that their state of readiness was light, foolish, and ultimately worthless. They had girded `{{H2296}}` their weapons `{{H3627}}` for war `{{H4421}}`, but without God's approval, their preparation was in vain.
* **Action versus Obedience:** This instance serves as a stark reminder that being prepared for action is meaningless if it runs contrary to God's instruction. The Lord had commanded `{{H6680}}` them before, but their current "readiness" was an act of disobedience.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1951}}` **hûwn** provides a focused and powerful lesson through its single use. It is more than a simple descriptor of preparedness; it is a commentary on the nature of that readiness. In its biblical context, it illustrates that being physically ready for battle is hollow and amounts to naught when it is outside the timing and direct command of God.
TRV