The Hebrew word ʼăzay, represented by H233, is an adverb meaning at that time or then. A very specific term, it appears only 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. Its usage is confined to a single passage, where it serves a distinct rhetorical purpose.
All three occurrences of H233 are found in Psalm 124, where the word is used consecutively to introduce a series of hypothetical calamities. The psalmist uses "then" to describe what would have happened if not for divine intervention. First, the enemies' kindled wrath H639 would have swallowed us up H1104 quick H2416 Psalms 124:3. This is followed by the imagery of being overcome by nature, stating that then the waters H4325 would have overwhelmed H7857 them and the stream H5158 gone over their soul H5315 Psalms 124:4. The passage culminates by repeating the idea, specifying that then the proud H2121 waters H4325 would have gone over H5674 their soul H5315 Psalms 124:5.
The context of H233 is enriched by the powerful words associated with it:
- H1104 bâlaʻ (to make away with... by swallowing): This verb depicts a complete and total destruction, the fate described in the first "then" statement Psalms 124:3. It is used elsewhere to describe enemies who have swallowed me up Jeremiah 51:34.
- H7857 shâṭaph (to gush; to inundate, overwhelm): This term describes the action of the floodwaters that would have inundated them Psalms 124:4. It is also used to convey God's promise of protection, that when passing through rivers, "they shall not overflow thee" Isaiah 43:2.
- H5315 nephesh (a breathing creature... soul): This word signifies the very life or being that was at risk of being extinguished by the overwhelming stream (Psalms 124:4, Psalms 124:5). It is the same word used in the command to love God with all your soul Deuteronomy 6:5.
The theological significance of H233 is tied directly to its role in illustrating the magnitude of a threat and the corresponding greatness of deliverance.
- Highlighting Imminent Peril: The word serves as a gateway to scenarios of absolute doom. It emphasizes that if circumstances were different, the outcome would have been total destruction, as when the enemy's wrath H639 was kindled H2734 against them Psalms 124:3.
- Illustrating Overwhelming Forces: By introducing the image of the proud H2121 waters H4325 and the stream H5158 going over their soul H5315, the use of "then" underscores the powerlessness of individuals against hostile forces Psalms 124:4-5.
- Creating Rhetorical Contrast: ʼăzay establishes a powerful hypothetical reality. By repeatedly stating what would have happened "then," the psalmist creates a dramatic contrast with the actual, unstated outcome of salvation, thereby magnifying the reason for praise.
In summary, H233 is a rare adverb whose importance lies not in its frequency but in its powerful rhetorical function within Psalm 124. As ʼăzay, meaning "then," it methodically builds a picture of inescapable catastrophe—being swallowed by enemies and overwhelmed by raging waters. This repeated emphasis on what would have been serves to profoundly amplify the sense of peril and, by extension, the significance of the deliverance that prevented it.
TRV