### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **cherpâh**, represented by `{{H2781}}`, denotes concepts of disgrace, rebuke, and shame. Appearing **73 times** across **72 unique verses**, its core meaning involves contumely and reproach, often signifying a state of dishonor or a cause of public shame.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H2781}}` describes both national and personal states of disgrace. It is the condition of Jerusalem with its walls broken down, a **reproach** that Nehemiah sought to end [[Nehemiah 2:17]]. The prophets frequently warn that disobedience will result in Israel becoming a **reproach** among the nations as a consequence of their sin [[Jeremiah 24:9]]. On a personal level, it is the cry of the afflicted who feels like "a worm, and no man; a **reproach** of men" [[Psalms 22:6]]. It can also signify a personal stigma, such as barrenness, which God removes from Rachel upon the birth of her son [[Genesis 30:23]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words further illustrate the concept of shame and disgrace:
* `{{H1322}}` **bôsheth** (shame): This word refers to the feeling and condition of shame. It appears alongside **cherpâh** in God's promise of restoration: "for thou shalt forget the **shame** of thy youth, and shalt not remember the **reproach** of thy widowhood any more" [[Isaiah 54:4]].
* `{{H3639}}` **kᵉlimmâh** (disgrace): Defined as disgrace, dishonor, or shame, this term often describes the outward result of reproach. The people cry out, "We are confounded, because we have heard **reproach**; **shame** hath covered our faces" [[Jeremiah 51:51]].
* `{{H1421}}` **giddûwph** (vilification; reproach, reviling): This term for reviling is used to describe the verbal attacks that accompany reproach. God’s people are encouraged to "fear ye not the **reproach** of men, neither be ye afraid of their **revilings**" [[Isaiah 51:7]].
* `{{H1860}}` **dᵉrâʼôwn** (an object of aversion; abhorring, contempt): This describes a state of ultimate aversion and is linked to the everlasting consequences of shame. In the resurrection, some will awake to everlasting life, and others to **shame** and everlasting **contempt** [[Daniel 12:2]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2781}}` is significant, highlighting key aspects of the relationship between God, His people, and their enemies.
* **A Consequence of Disobedience:** Reproach is consistently presented as a result of turning from God. The Lord warns through Jeremiah that he will bring "an everlasting **reproach** upon you, and a perpetual shame" for disobedience [[Jeremiah 23:40]].
* **A Test of the Righteous:** Believers often endure reproach for their faithfulness. The psalmist declares, "Because for thy sake I have borne **reproach**; shame hath covered my face" [[Psalms 69:7]], and Jeremiah suffers rebuke for the Lord's sake [[Jeremiah 15:15]].
* **Divine Removal and Vindication:** A central theme is God's power to remove reproach. He promises to roll away the "**reproach** of Egypt" from Israel [[Joshua 5:9]] and will one day "swallow up death in victory... and the **rebuke** of his people shall he take away from off all the earth" [[Isaiah 25:8]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2781}}` is far more than a simple insult. It is a profound state of disgrace, dishonor, and shame that can be both a divine judgment for sin and an unjust affliction borne by the righteous. Throughout scripture, the concept of **cherpâh** serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of sin while also pointing to the ultimate hope of God's power to vindicate His people and remove their shame forever.
TRV