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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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