from an unused root (meaning to shout); acclamation; shout(-ing).
Transliteration:hêydâd
Pronunciation:hay-dawd'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma הֵידָד (hêydâd, `{{H1959}}`) stems from an unused root, yet its meaning is clearly established as "shout" or "acclamation." This term denotes a loud, vocal expression, often collective in nature, and is typically associated with specific activities or emotional states. Unlike a general cry of distress or a simple vocalization, hêydâd carries connotations of triumph, joy, or the concerted effort involved in certain communal labors. Its semantic range thus encompasses both celebratory and assertive vocalizations, reflecting a state of vigor and activity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term hêydâd (`{{H1959}}`) appears in the prophetic books, specifically in Jeremiah and Isaiah, providing crucial insights into its contextual usage:
* **[[Jeremiah 48:33]]**: "Joy and gladness are taken from the fruitful field, and from the land of Moab; and I have caused wine to fail from the presses; none shall tread with shouting; the shouting shall be no shouting." Here, hêydâd refers to the joyful shouts associated with the grape harvest and the treading of wine. Its cessation signifies desolation, the removal of prosperity, and divine judgment upon Moab. The repetition "the shouting shall be no shouting" emphasizes the complete absence of this once-present joy.
* **[[Isaiah 16:10]]**: "And gladness is taken away, and joy out of the fruitful field; and in the vineyards there shall be no singing, neither shall there be shouting: the treader shall tread out no wine in their presses; I have made their shouting to cease." This passage, parallel to Jeremiah 48:33, reiterates the association of hêydâd with the joyful sounds of harvest. The removal of this "shouting" is a powerful symbol of judgment and the end of abundance for Moab/Edom.
* **[[Jeremiah 51:14]]**: "Surely I will fill you with men, as with locusts; and they shall lift up a shout against you." In this context, hêydâd takes on a different nuance. It describes the "shout" or battle cry of the invading forces (likened to locusts) against Babylon. Here, it signifies a shout of triumph or a war cry, indicative of conquest and the execution of divine judgment.
Across these occurrences, hêydâd consistently denotes a loud, purposeful vocal expression. Its presence signifies either communal joy and prosperity (harvest) or the assertive power of an attacking force (battle). Conversely, its absence or cessation is a poignant indicator of divine judgment, desolation, and the removal of blessing and joy.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several other Hebrew terms convey the idea of a "shout" or "cry," yet each carries distinct nuances that differentiate them from hêydâd (`{{H1959}}`):
* **`{{H7321}}` (rûaʿ)**: This verb often describes a loud noise, such as a war cry, a shout of joy, or the blast of a trumpet (e.g., [[Joshua 6:5]]). Its nominal form, **`{{H8643}}` (tᵉrûʿâ)**, similarly refers to a shout or alarm, often associated with cultic activities or battle. While rûaʿ can encompass a shout of joy, hêydâd seems more specifically tied to the communal, rhythmic shouts of labor or a distinct battle acclamation.
* **`{{H6684}}` (tsaʿaq)**: This verb generally means "to cry out," often in distress, for help, or in lament (e.g., [[Exodus 14:15]]). It focuses more on the act of crying out in need or protest, distinct from the celebratory or assertive nature of hêydâd.
* **`{{H7442}}` (rinnâ)**: This noun refers to a "shout of joy," "singing," or "cry of rejoicing" (e.g., [[Psalm 30:5]]). It overlaps with the joyful aspect of hêydâd but is broader, encompassing singing and general exultation.
The distinctiveness of hêydâd lies in its specific connection to the boisterous, often rhythmic, shouts associated with the treading of grapes or the decisive acclamation of battle. It represents a particular kind of communal vocalization that signals a state of either vibrant blessing or overwhelming conquest.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of hêydâd (`{{H1959}}`) is profound, particularly in its capacity to symbolize divine blessing and judgment. The joyful "shouting" of the grape harvest (as seen in Jeremiah and Isaiah) is not merely an expression of human delight but a tangible manifestation of God's provision and the fruitfulness of the land. It represents a state of prosperity and communal well-being, indicative of God's favor.
Conversely, the prophetic declaration that this "shouting" will cease serves as a powerful metaphor for divine judgment. The silencing of the joyful sounds of labor and celebration signifies the withdrawal of God's blessing, leading to desolation, famine, and the end of national prosperity. This highlights the biblical principle that joy and abundance are often contingent upon faithfulness and that disobedience can lead to the removal of these blessings.
In the context of the "shout" of invading armies, hêydâd functions as an instrument of God's judgment against wicked nations. The triumphant shout of the conquerors underscores the irresistibility of divine decree and the certainty of its fulfillment. Thus, hêydâd serves as a sonic indicator of the spiritual state of a people or nation, reflecting either a vibrant relationship with God or the devastating consequences of His wrath.
### Summary
The Hebrew word הֵידָד (hêydâd, `{{H1959}}`) signifies a loud "shout" or "acclamation," deriving from an unused root meaning "to shout." Its usage in biblical texts reveals two primary contexts: the joyful, communal shouts associated with the grape harvest and wine-treading, symbolizing prosperity and blessing; and the assertive, triumphant shout of a conquering army, signifying conquest and divine judgment. The cessation of this "shouting" is a recurring prophetic motif, powerfully conveying the desolation, loss of joy, and divine judgment inflicted upon nations. Hêydâd thus serves as a potent theological marker, indicating states of either vibrant blessing and abundance or the devastating consequences of divine wrath and the removal of favor.
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