### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **hăphêkâh**, represented by `{{H2018}}`, means **destruction** or **overthrow**. It is a rare term, appearing only **1 time** in the entire Bible. As the feminine form of הֶפֶךְ, it signifies a complete and catastrophic ruination, specifically one brought about by divine action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{H2018}}` is found in the narrative of God’s judgment on the cities of the plain. The verse states that God **remembered** `{{H2142}}` Abraham and **sent** `{{H7971}}` Lot out from the middle of the **overthrow** `{{H2018}}`. This occurred precisely at the moment God **overthrew** `{{H2015}}` the cities where Lot **dwelt** `{{H3427}}`, highlighting that Lot’s deliverance happened amidst a total and complete destruction [[Genesis 19:29]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context help to define its meaning:
* `{{H2015}}` **hâphak** (to turn about or over): This is the primitive root verb that describes the action causing the **hăphêkâh**. God's act of "overthrowing" the cities results in the state of "overthrow," linking the divine action directly to the resulting destruction [[Genesis 19:29]].
* `{{H7843}}` **shâchath** (to decay... ruin... destroy): This word appears in the same verse, where God "destroyed" the cities of the plain. It works in parallel with **hăphêkâh** to emphasize the utter ruin and corruption that characterized the event [[Genesis 19:29]].
* `{{H2142}}` **zâkar** (to mark... to remember): This term provides a crucial contrast to the judgment. The overthrow was not indiscriminate, as it was God's act of remembering His covenant with Abraham that triggered Lot's rescue from the destruction [[Genesis 19:29]].
* `{{H3876}}` **Lôwṭ** (Lot, Abraham's nephew): As the person rescued from the midst of the **hăphêkâh**, Lot's presence in the narrative demonstrates that God's covenant faithfulness provides deliverance even from total ruin [[Genesis 19:29]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H2018}}` is concentrated in its sole appearance:
* **Divine Judgment:** The word signifies a definitive and final act of judgment from God (**Elohim**) against the wickedness of the cities of the plain [[Genesis 19:29]].
* **Covenant Faithfulness:** The **overthrow** is the backdrop against which God's faithfulness shines. He "remembered" `{{H2142}}` Abraham `{{H85}}` and, because of that covenant relationship, extended mercy to his nephew Lot.
* **Deliverance from Ruin:** The term starkly illustrates the concept of salvation. Lot was not merely spared; he was actively sent out "of the midst of the overthrow," showing God's power to deliver individuals from the epicenter of absolute destruction [[Genesis 19:29]].
### Summary
In summary, while **hăphêkâh** `{{H2018}}` is used only once, its meaning is powerful and precise. It defines the "overthrow" of the cities of the plain as an event of complete destruction. Its appearance in [[Genesis 19:29]] captures a pivotal moment of biblical history, simultaneously memorializing God's unwavering judgment on sin and His profound faithfulness to His covenant promises.
TRV