### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **hallêzûw**, represented by `{{H1977}}`, is a demonstrative pronoun meaning **this** or **that**. It is a rare term, appearing only **1 time** in the entire Bible, making its single usage particularly significant. As an alternate form of הַלָּזֶה, its function is to point emphatically to a specific subject.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H1977}}` is in [[Ezekiel 36:35]], where it plays a crucial role in a prophecy of restoration. The verse states, "And they shall say, **This** land that was desolate is become like the garden of Eden." Here, **hallêzûw** directly identifies the formerly `desolate` `{{H8074}}` and `ruined` `{{H2040}}` `land` `{{H776}}` as the very same land that will be miraculously transformed. It serves to create a powerful contrast between the land's past state of ruin and its future state of Eden-like abundance.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several words from its context in [[Ezekiel 36:35]] highlight the theme of transformation from desolation to security:
* `{{H8074}}` **shâmêm** (desolate): This root word means to devastate, astonish, or make waste. It describes the "before" state of the land and is used elsewhere to speak of `desolate` heritages that God promises to restore [[Isaiah 49:8]].
* `{{H2720}}` **chârêb** (waste): Meaning parched or ruined, this term emphasizes the barrenness of the land. It is used in Haggai to describe the Lord's house lying `waste` while the people dwell in their own houses [[Haggai 1:9]].
* `{{H1219}}` **bâtsar** (fenced): This word means to fortify or make inaccessible. It describes the "after" state of the restored cities, which are no longer ruined but are now secure. It is used to describe the "fenced" cities of Judah that inspired false confidence [[Hosea 8:14]].
* `{{H3427}}` **yâshab** (inhabited): Meaning to dwell, remain, or settle, this signifies the return of life and community to the restored cities. The promise is not just for the land to be rebuilt, but for people to `dwell` there once again [[Joshua 24:15]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1977}}` is derived entirely from its singular, powerful context of divine restoration.
* **Promise of Redemption:** By using the word "**This**," the prophecy emphasizes that God will not abandon the broken land but will redeem it. The land that was `waste` `{{H2720}}` and `desolate` `{{H8074}}` will become like the `garden` `{{H1588}}` of `Eden` `{{H5731}}`.
* **Tangible Transformation:** The pronoun points to a specific, physical location, grounding the prophecy in reality. The change is not abstract; the ruined `cities` `{{H5892}}` themselves will become `fenced` `{{H1219}}` and `inhabited` `{{H3427}}`.
* **Witness to God's Power:** The verse begins with "And they shall say" `{{H559}}`, indicating that the transformation will be so profound that it becomes a testimony to others. The use of "**This**" `{{H1977}}` is part of that declaration, pointing to the undeniable evidence of God's work.
### Summary
In summary, while **hallêzûw** `{{H1977}}` is a minor word in terms of frequency, its sole appearance carries immense contextual weight. It acts as a definitive pointer in Ezekiel's prophecy, anchoring a promise of radical transformation. It demonstrates that the very land that suffered desolation will be the site of a renewal so complete it is compared to the garden of Eden, showcasing a core biblical theme of God's power to restore what was ruined.
TRV