### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun châçûwth (`{{H2622}}`) is derived from the verbal root châçâh (`{{H2620}}`), which fundamentally means "to seek refuge," "to trust," or "to take shelter." Consequently, châçûwth denotes the state or outcome of having placed one's trust or sought refuge. It encompasses the concepts of "confidence," "trust," and "security" that arise from such an act of reliance. It implies a sense of assurance and protection, not merely as an intellectual belief, but as a settled posture of the soul resting in a reliable object or entity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word châçûwth (`{{H2622}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Isaiah.
* [[Isaiah 30:3]]: "Therefore the **refuge** of Pharaoh shall be your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt your confusion."
In this singular occurrence, châçûwth is used in a condemnatory context. The prophet Isaiah is denouncing the people of Judah for seeking security and confidence in an alliance with Egypt (represented by Pharaoh) rather than relying on Yahweh. The "refuge" or "confidence" they place in Egypt is explicitly stated to lead to "shame" and "confusion." This verse powerfully contrasts the false security offered by human power with the true, divine source of refuge. It underscores the danger of misplaced trust and the inevitable negative consequences that follow. The context is a theological indictment, highlighting the exclusive nature of God as the only trustworthy source of protection and stability.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **châçâh (`{{H2620}}`):** This is the verbal root from which châçûwth is derived. It is far more common in the Old Testament, frequently used to describe the act of seeking refuge in God (e.g., [[Psalm 2:12]], [[Psalm 5:11]], [[Psalm 7:1]]). The noun châçûwth represents the state of confidence or security that results from this act of châçâh.
* **bâṭaḥ (`{{H982}}`):** Another prominent Hebrew word for "trust" or "confidence." While châçâh often emphasizes seeking shelter from danger, bâṭaḥ can denote a broader sense of reliance or security. Both are frequently used in parallel to describe trust in God versus trust in human strength or idols.
* **yâḥal (`{{H3176}}`):** Meaning "to hope" or "to wait," this word often complements the concept of trust, particularly in the context of patient expectation of God's deliverance.
* **'ĕmûnâ (`{{H530}}`):** Signifying "faithfulness," "firmness," or "steadfastness," this term describes both God's reliable character and the quality of human trust.
### Theological Significance
Despite its solitary appearance, châçûwth (`{{H2622}}`) holds profound theological significance, primarily through its connection to the pervasive biblical theme of seeking refuge in God. The specific context of [[Isaiah 30:3]] serves as a stark prophetic warning against misplaced trust. It articulates the theological truth that any confidence or security placed in human institutions, political alliances, or worldly strength apart from God is ultimately futile and will result in disgrace. This aligns with the broader prophetic message that true salvation and security are found solely in Yahweh. The implicit theological message, made explicit by the root châçâh, is that only God is the reliable object of châçûwth. He is the ultimate refuge and the one in whom unwavering trust can be placed, leading not to shame but to lasting peace and deliverance. The word thus underscores the imperative for exclusive reliance on God for all aspects of life, from physical protection to spiritual well-being.
### Summary
The Hebrew noun châçûwth (`{{H2622}}`), derived from châçâh (`{{H2620}}`), denotes "confidence" or "trust," specifically the security found in seeking refuge. Its single occurrence in [[Isaiah 30:3]] serves as a potent warning against misplaced trust, illustrating that reliance on human power (Pharaoh/Egypt) leads to shame. This solitary usage, when understood against the backdrop of its root's frequent application to trusting God, underscores a core biblical principle: genuine and lasting châçûwth is found exclusively in Yahweh. The word thus highlights the theological necessity of placing one's ultimate confidence in God alone, as any alternative source of security proves to be an illusion and a path to disappointment.
TRV