### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term hărîyçûwth (`{{H2035}}`) is a feminine noun derived from the verb hāras (`{{H2040}}`), which means "to break down," "to tear down," "to demolish," or "to overthrow." As a noun, hărîyçûwth specifically denotes the *state* or *result* of this action, conveying the concepts of "demolition," "destruction," "ruin," or "desolation." It implies a complete and thorough dismantling, often with the nuance of irreparable damage or utter desolation rather than mere damage. The word emphasizes the finality of the breakdown, suggesting something that has been utterly undone or laid waste.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word hărîyçûwth (`{{H2035}}`) is remarkably rare in the Hebrew Bible, appearing only once. This solitary occurrence is found in [[Proverbs 24:31]]: "And behold, it was all overgrown with thorns; its surface was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down (וְגֶדֶר אֲבָנָיו נֶהֱרָסָה)." In this context, hărîyçûwth (rendered as "broken down" in many translations, but literally "its stone wall was in a state of demolition/ruin") describes the condition of a neglected field or vineyard. The passage is part of a larger proverb (Proverbs 24:30-34) that vividly illustrates the consequences of laziness and lack of diligence. The hărîyçûwth of the stone wall is a direct, visible outcome of the sluggard's apathy. It paints a picture of a protective barrier, once strong and functional, now reduced to rubble and disarray, allowing weeds and thorns to overtake the land it was meant to guard. This physical hărîyçûwth serves as a powerful metaphor for the broader ruin—both material and spiritual—that results from a lack of wisdom, foresight, and effort.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to hărîyçûwth (`{{H2035}}`) is its root verb, hāras (`{{H2040}}`). This verb is far more common, used to describe the tearing down of altars ([[Judges 6:25]]), city walls ([[2 Kings 25:10]]), houses ([[Amos 9:11]]), and even the overthrowing of nations or individuals ([[Jeremiah 1:10]]).
Concepts closely related to hărîyçûwth (`{{H2035}}`) in the Hebrew Bible include:
* ḥorbāh (`{{H2723}}`): "desolation," "waste," "ruin," often used for deserted cities or lands.
* šammāh (`{{H8077}}`): "desolation," "horror," "waste," conveying a similar sense of devastation.
* šāqa' (`{{H8257}}`): "to sink," "to collapse," implying a structural failure.
* nāphal (`{{H5307}}`): "to fall," which can describe a state of ruin, though hărîyçûwth implies a more active process of breaking down.
The antithesis of hărîyçûwth (`{{H2035}}`) and hāras (`{{H2040}}`) is "building" or "restoration," often expressed by verbs like bānāh (`{{H1129}}`, "to build") or qûm (`{{H6965}}`, "to raise up," "to establish"). Prophetic literature frequently contrasts God's tearing down (hāras) with His building up (bānāh), particularly in relation to judgment and subsequent restoration ([[Jeremiah 1:10]]).
### Theological Significance
Though appearing only once, the theological significance of hărîyçûwth (`{{H2035}}`) in [[Proverbs 24:31]] is profound. It serves as a potent warning within the wisdom tradition regarding the tangible and spiritual consequences of negligence. The hărîyçûwth of the wall symbolizes the decay that inevitably sets in when diligence, responsibility, and stewardship are absent. This applies not only to physical property but also to character, relationships, and spiritual vitality.
The state of hărîyçûwth stands in stark contrast to God's created order, which is characterized by structure, fruitfulness, and flourishing. While God may permit or orchestrate hāras (`{{H2040}}`) as a form of judgment or purification, the hărîyçûwth described in Proverbs highlights human culpability in introducing disorder and decay through sloth and foolishness. The proverb implies that just as a physical wall requires constant maintenance, so too do the "walls" of moral virtue, spiritual discipline, and communal well-being demand vigilant effort to prevent their collapse into hărîyçûwth.
The broader biblical narrative, while acknowledging such ruin, also offers a counterpoint of hope and restoration. God's redemptive plan often involves rebuilding after periods of hărîyçûwth, as seen in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls or the prophetic vision of God raising up the fallen tabernacle of David ([[Amos 9:11]]). Thus, hărîyçûwth represents the dire consequences of human failure, yet it also sets the stage for divine grace and the promise of renewal.
### Summary
The Hebrew word hărîyçûwth (`{{H2035}}`) signifies "demolition," "destruction," or "ruin," stemming from the verb hāras (`{{H2040}}`) meaning "to tear down." Its singular, yet impactful, appearance in [[Proverbs 24:31]] vividly portrays the physical and metaphorical consequences of neglect and idleness. In this context, the hărîyçûwth of a stone wall symbolizes the utter desolation that results from a lack of diligence and stewardship. Theologically, hărîyçûwth serves as a powerful warning within wisdom literature, illustrating how human apathy leads to decay and disorder, contrasting sharply with God's design for flourishing and order. It underscores the biblical call to active responsibility and vigilance in maintaining all aspects of life, recognizing that unchecked negligence inevitably leads to a state of profound ruin.
TRV