xlit hâthathʼ corrected to hâthath; a primitive root; properly, to break in upon, i.e. to assail; imagine mischief. w
Transliteration:hâthath
Pronunciation:haw-thath'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H2050}}` (hâthath), a primitive root, carries a core semantic range encompassing both a physical and an intellectual dimension of malevolent action. Its primary meaning is "to break in upon" or "to assail," suggesting a forceful, often violent, intrusion or attack. This conveys an aggressive, hostile engagement aimed at disruption or harm. The extended meaning, "to imagine mischief," indicates that the physical act of assailing is often rooted in premeditated thought, malicious intent, or the devising of evil schemes. Thus, hâthath describes not merely an impulsive attack, but an assault that is often born from, or accompanied by, deliberate plotting and malevolent design. It speaks to a hostile action that is both outward in its manifestation and inward in its malicious conception.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root `{{H2050}}` (hâthath) appears only once in the Masoretic Text, found in Psalm 62:3 (MT 62:4). The verse reads: "How long will you assail (תְּהָתְתוּ) a man, all of you, that you may murder him, like a leaning wall, a tottering fence?" [[Psalm 62:3]]
In this sole occurrence, the verb appears in the Hithpael imperfect plural form, תְּהָתְתוּ (təhātetū). The Hithpael stem often denotes a reflexive, reciprocal, or intensive/iterative action. Here, it strongly suggests a persistent, repeated, or concerted effort by the psalmist's enemies to "assail" him. The context is a lament by David, who is surrounded by adversaries seeking his downfall and death. The imagery of a "leaning wall" and "tottering fence" vividly portrays David's perceived vulnerability and the relentless pressure exerted by his foes, who are actively trying to push him over and bring about his ruin.
The "assailing" described by hâthath in this context is not a casual or minor attack; it is an action directly linked to the intent to "murder" (רָצַח, `{{H7523}}`). This connection underscores the severity and maliciousness inherent in the word. While the base definition includes "imagine mischief," the Hithpael form here emphasizes the *active, continuous* nature of the assault, which implicitly stems from a deep-seated evil design. The enemies are not merely thinking evil; they are actively and repeatedly executing their malicious intentions through their attacks.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of `{{H2050}}` (hâthath) intersects with several other Hebrew terms related to hostile action, plotting, and destruction:
* **Words for Attacking/Assailing:**
* `{{H5062}}` (nāgaph): To strike, smite, often implying a physical blow or defeat.
* `{{H6147}}` (ʿālal): To deal severely with, to act violently against, often in the context of oppression.
* `{{H2388}}` (ḥāzaq): To be strong, to seize, to grasp, which can extend to forceful or violent seizure.
* **Words for Plotting/Devising Evil:**
* `{{H2803}}` (ḥāshab): To think, devise, plan, often used for devising evil or mischief (e.g., [[Psalm 35:20]]).
* `{{H2161}}` (zāmam): To devise, plot, or purpose evil, indicating a malicious intent (e.g., [[Proverbs 24:8]]).
* **Words for Destruction/Downfall:**
* `{{H5307}}` (nāphal): To fall, to be cast down, often describing the downfall of enemies or the righteous.
* `{{H7722}}` (shûṭ): To totter, to wander, used in Psalm 62:3 alongside hâthath to describe the precarious state of the one being assailed.
What distinguishes hâthath is its unique blend of the *active, aggressive assault* with the underlying implication of *malicious intent or premeditation*. It is not just an attack, but an attack driven by a desire to bring about complete ruin, as seen in its direct association with "murder" in [[Psalm 62:3]].
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of `{{H2050}}` (hâthath) in [[Psalm 62:3]] carries profound theological weight, illuminating aspects of human depravity, divine justice, and the nature of suffering experienced by the righteous.
1. **Human Malice and Depravity:** Hâthath vividly portrays the extreme malice inherent in human sin. It describes enemies who are not merely opposed but actively, persistently, and with murderous intent, seeking to destroy another. This speaks to the depth of human wickedness when driven by envy, hatred, or a desire for power. It underscores the biblical understanding of the human heart's capacity for evil, as described in [[Jeremiah 17:9]].
2. **The Vulnerability of the Righteous:** The psalmist's cry, likening himself to a "leaning wall, a tottering fence," highlights the precarious position of the righteous in a fallen world. They are often targets of relentless, malevolent assaults from those who hâthath. This vulnerability drives the psalmist to seek refuge and deliverance in God, emphasizing that ultimate security is found not in human strength but in divine protection.
3. **God as Refuge and Judge:** The very act of lamenting these assaults to God implies a profound trust in God's justice and ability to deliver. Despite being assailed, the psalmist's hope is in God alone (e.g., [[Psalm 62:1]], [[Psalm 62:5-7]]). God sees the malicious plotting and the active assailing of the wicked. The existence of a word like hâthath in the biblical lexicon serves as a testament to the reality of evil actions that demand divine intervention and judgment. It reinforces the theological truth that God is the ultimate refuge for those under attack and the righteous judge who will ultimately bring justice to those who hâthath against His people.
### Summary
The Hebrew root `{{H2050}}` (hâthath) is a potent and rare term, signifying a forceful, persistent "assault" that is deeply rooted in "imagined mischief" or malevolent intent. Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Psalm 62:3]] powerfully depicts the enemies of the righteous actively and relentlessly seeking their utter downfall, even to the point of murder. This word encapsulates the dangerous confluence of malicious thought and aggressive action. Theologically, hâthath reveals the profound depravity of human sin, the vulnerability of God's people in the face of such evil, and ultimately, the necessity of God's role as the ultimate refuge and righteous judge against those who plot and execute such destructive assaults.
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