### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun hărîyçâh (`{{H2034}}`) is derived from the verb hâras (`{{H2040}}`), which carries the meaning "to tear down," "to break down," "to demolish," or "to overthrow." Consequently, hărîyçâh (`{{H2034}}`) denotes the *result* or *state* of such an action. Its core meaning is "ruin," "demolition," or "that which has been broken down." It signifies a state of utter destruction, desolation, or collapse, inherently implying a previous state of integrity, construction, or habitation that has been undone.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word hărîyçâh (`{{H2034}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, making its singular occurrence particularly impactful. This sole appearance is found in [[Ezekiel 26:4]]. The context is a vivid prophetic oracle pronounced against the powerful maritime city of Tyre. The passage reads: "They shall destroy the walls of Tyre and break down her towers; I will scrape her soil from her and make her a bare rock. ... They shall lay your stones, your timber, and your soil in the midst of the waters. ... And your walls and your pleasant houses I will break down; and your stones and your timber and your soil they shall cast into the midst of the waters. ... You shall become a hărîyçâh (ruin) forever, and you shall not be rebuilt." In this potent prophecy, hărîyçâh (`{{H2034}}`) climactically describes the ultimate and permanent desolation of Tyre. It is not merely a temporary setback or a partial destruction, but a complete, irreversible, and everlasting state of ruin, emphasizing the totality and finality of divine judgment against the city.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **hâras (`{{H2040}}`):** The foundational verb from which hărîyçâh (`{{H2034}}`) is derived, meaning "to tear down," "to demolish." This root verb highlights the active process of destruction that leads to the state of ruin.
* **ḥorba (`{{H2723}}`):** Meaning "desolation" or "waste," often used to describe desolate places or ruins. While similar in outcome, hărîyçâh (`{{H2034}}`) specifically points to something that was constructed and is now actively torn down.
* **šəmamah (`{{H8077}}`):** Denotes "desolation," "waste," or "appalling ruin," often implying a state of emptiness and dread.
* **nəpîlâ (`{{H5307}}`):** Meaning "a fall" or "ruin," from the verb naphal (`{{H5307}}`) "to fall." While hărîyçâh (`{{H2034}}`) implies deliberate demolition, nəpîlâ (`{{H5307}}`) can refer to a collapse or accidental fall.
* **Divine Judgment:** The overarching theological concept under which hărîyçâh (`{{H2034}}`) is employed in [[Ezekiel 26:4]]. It represents the physical manifestation of God's punitive action against sin and rebellion.
* **Rebuilding/Restoration (Antithesis):** The concept of building or restoring (bana `{{H1129}}`) serves as the direct antithesis to hărîyçâh (`{{H2034}}`). The explicit statement in [[Ezekiel 26:4]] that Tyre "shall not be rebuilt" underscores the absolute and permanent nature of its ruin.
### Theological Significance
The singular yet profound use of hărîyçâh (`{{H2034}}`) in [[Ezekiel 26:4]] serves as a powerful theological statement regarding the unyielding nature of God's judgment. It signifies a state of irreversible destruction, a divine decree that human effort cannot overturn. This word underscores the theme of divine sovereignty: God possesses the ultimate power not only to establish and build nations but also to tear down and bring to ruin. This power is exercised with perfect justice against those who embody pride, idolatry, and opposition to His divine will, as exemplified by Tyre. The permanence implied by hărîyçâh (`{{H2034}}`) – "you shall become a ruin forever, and you shall not be rebuilt" – highlights the finality of certain divine judgments within the scope of redemptive history. It stands as a solemn warning against human hubris and the transient nature of worldly power and achievements when set against the eternal purposes of the Almighty.
### Summary
The Hebrew noun hărîyçâh (`{{H2034}}`), derived from hâras (`{{H2040}}`) meaning "to tear down," encapsulates the emphatic meaning of "ruin" or "something utterly demolished." Its unique biblical occurrence in [[Ezekiel 26:4]] is profoundly significant, depicting the complete and irreversible desolation prophesied against the city of Tyre. This singular usage underscores the finality and totality of divine judgment, showcasing God's sovereign power to dismantle even the most formidable human strongholds. hărîyçâh (`{{H2034}}`) thus serves as a potent reminder of the severe consequences of rebellion against God and the ultimate transience of worldly power in the face of His eternal and unchangeable decrees, emphasizing that some ruins are divinely ordained to remain so forever.
TRV