### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **hîy**, represented by `{{H1958}}`, signifies **woe** or **lamentation**. It is a rare term, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. Its singular use provides a focused and intense expression of sorrow and divine judgment as part of a prophetic message.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H1958}}` is in Ezekiel's prophetic calling. A scroll is spread before the prophet, and on it is "written therein lamentations, and mourning, and **woe**" [[Ezekiel 2:10]]. This context establishes **hîy** as part of a divine message of impending doom and sorrow that Ezekiel is commissioned to deliver. The woe is not an abstract feeling but a recorded certainty.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its single context illuminate the meaning of **hîy**:
* `{{H7015}}` **qîynâh** (a dirge...; lamentation): This word for **lamentation** appears directly alongside `{{H1958}}`. It is often used to command the taking up of a formal lament, such as for the princes of Israel [[Ezekiel 19:1]] or as a response to God's judgment [[Jeremiah 9:10]].
* `{{H1899}}` **hegeh** (a muttering...; mourning, sound, tale): Translated as **mourning** in Ezekiel's scroll, this term also describes the sound of God's voice [[Job 37:2]] or the fleeting nature of life, spent "as a **tale** that is told" [[Psalms 90:9]], connecting grief with solemn sounds.
* `{{H3789}}` **kâthab** (to grave...; to write): The fact that the woe was **written** on the scroll is significant. This action of writing denotes a permanent, divinely recorded decree, as seen when a book of remembrance is **written** before the Lord [[Malachi 3:16]].
* `{{H268}}` **ʼâchôwr** (the hinder part;... backward): The scroll was written within and **without**, or on the back side. This term is often used to describe turning **backward** away from God or being turned **back** in judgment ([[Isaiah 1:4]], [[Psalms 35:4]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1958}}` is derived entirely from its specific placement in Ezekiel's vision.
* **The Prophetic Burden:** The presence of **woe** on the scroll signifies the heavy nature of the prophetic message. It is a message of judgment and sorrow that the prophet must deliver.
* **Divine Decree:** Because the **woe** is **written** `{{H3789}}`, it represents an unalterable and authoritative judgment from God against sin. The scroll being written on both sides indicates the comprehensive and inescapable nature of this decreed sorrow [[Ezekiel 2:10]].
* **A Component of Judgment:** **Woe** `{{H1958}}` functions as a key element of God's response to rebellion, alongside **lamentations** `{{H7015}}` and **mourning** `{{H1899}}`. This trio paints a complete picture of the consequences of sin: the formal dirge, the deep emotional grief, and the declaration of doom.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1958}}` **hîy** is a powerful but narrowly used term for **woe**. Its sole appearance in scripture is central to understanding the nature of Ezekiel's prophetic commission. Contained within a divinely authored scroll, it represents a formal, declared judgment from God. Paired with mourning and lamentations, it illustrates that profound sorrow is an inseparable part of God's righteous response to the rebellion of His people.
TRV