### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **hărîyçûwth**, represented by `{{H2035}}`, signifies **demolition** or **destruction**. It is an exceedingly rare term, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. Its sole appearance occurs within a prophecy of restoration, where a land defined by its past destruction is promised a future of abundance and repopulation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{H2035}}` is found in [[Isaiah 49:19]], where it describes "the land of thy **destruction**." In this passage, the word is part of a list of terms describing a state of ruin, including "thy waste and thy desolate places." The context immediately pivots from this state of devastation to a divine promise: this same land of destruction will become "too narrow by reason of the inhabitants." This highlights a complete reversal of fortune, where desolation is replaced by an overflowing population, and the enemies who "swallowed thee up" are driven "far away."
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words found in its immediate context help to frame the meaning of `{{H2035}}`:
* `{{H2723}}` **chorbâh** (desolation; decayed place): Appearing alongside `{{H2035}}`, this term describes the "waste" and "decayed places" of the land [[Isaiah 49:19]]. It is used elsewhere to refer to the "desolations of Jerusalem" [[Daniel 9:2]] and in God's promise to "raise up the decayed places thereof" [[Isaiah 44:26]].
* `{{H8074}}` **shâmêm** (desolate; to devastate): This word further characterizes the land as one of "desolate places" [[Isaiah 49:19]]. It is used to describe the "desolate heritages" that God will restore [[Isaiah 49:8]] and the desolation brought upon sanctuaries as a result of disobedience [[Leviticus 26:31]].
* `{{H1104}}` **bâlaʻ** (to swallow up; destroy): The "destruction" of `{{H2035}}` is linked to an active agent, "they that swallowed thee up" [[Isaiah 49:19]]. This verb for active destruction is used when the Lord "hath swallowed up all the habitations of Jacob" in his wrath [[Lamentations 2:2]].
* `{{H3427}}` **yâshab** (to dwell; inhabitant): The ultimate reversal of the "destruction" is conveyed through the promise of new "inhabitants" [[Isaiah 49:19]]. This word points to restoration and security, as when God promises that the people "shall dwell safely" [[Ezekiel 38:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2035}}` is derived entirely from its singular, powerful context.
* **Restoration from Complete Ruin:** The use of "destruction" is not a final verdict but a starting point for God's promise. It establishes the totality of the ruin from which God will bring about a miraculous renewal, turning a land of demolition into a place too narrow for its people [[Isaiah 49:19]].
* **Divine Sovereignty over Affliction:** The passage demonstrates that the powers responsible for the "destruction," described as those who "swallowed thee up" `{{H1104}}`, will themselves be removed and cast "far away" `{{H7368}}`. This shows God's power not only to restore but also to judge the agents of devastation.
* **The Promise of Repopulation:** The central theme is the transition from desolation to habitation. The state of "destruction" `{{H2035}}` and "waste places" `{{H2723}}` is explicitly overturned by the promise that Jerusalem "shalt be inhabited" [[Isaiah 44:26]], fulfilling God's plan for His people and land.
### Summary
In summary, though appearing only once, `{{H2035}}` provides a stark definition of **destruction** and **demolition**. Its purpose in Scripture is not to linger on hopelessness but to serve as a dramatic backdrop for one of God's most profound promises of restoration. Set within [[Isaiah 49:19]], the term powerfully illustrates the biblical theme that no state of ruin is beyond God's power to reverse, transforming a land of utter destruction into a home teeming with life.
TRV