### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **châshak**, represented by `{{H2821}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to be dark**. It appears **19 times** across **18 unique verses** in the Bible. Its definition encompasses the act of withholding light, and it is used transitively to mean darken, be black, be dim, or hide.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2821}}` is frequently used to describe God's power over creation and His execution of judgment. It describes the dimming of celestial bodies, such as the sun being **darkened** at its going forth [[Isaiah 13:10]] or God causing the sun to go down at noon and **darkening** the earth [[Amos 8:9]]. The term also depicts physical and emotional states, such as when eyes **are dim** with sorrow [[Lamentations 5:17]] or a visage is **blacker** than coal due to famine [[Lamentations 4:8]]. Metaphorically, it is used to describe the obscuring of wisdom, as when one **darkeneth** counsel with words without knowledge [[Job 38:2]]. In the plague of locusts, the land **was darkened** [[Exodus 10:15]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand on the concept of darkness and its implications:
* `{{H2822}}` **chôshek** (the dark; darkness): As the noun form, this word refers not only to literal darkness but also figuratively to misery, destruction, death, ignorance, and wickedness. God sent **darkness** `{{H2822}}` and made it dark `{{H2821}}` over Egypt [[Psalms 105:28]].
* `{{H2825}}` **chăshêkâh** (darkness): This feminine variant also means darkness and, figuratively, misery. It is used in parallel with `{{H2822}}` to show that nothing is hidden from God: "the **darkness** `{{H2825}}` and the light are both alike to thee" [[Psalms 139:12]].
* `{{H6205}}` **ʻărâphel** (gloom; thick dark cloud): This word denotes an intense, profound darkness. God can turn light into the shadow of death and make it **gross darkness** [[Jeremiah 13:16]].
* `{{H2820}}` **châsak** (to restrain, withhold): This root is noted as interchangeable with `{{H2821}}`. This connection highlights the idea of darkness as a deliberate withholding of light, seen when the day **shall be darkened** [[Ezekiel 30:18]], where both Strong's numbers are used.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2821}}` is significant, often illustrating divine power and judgment.
* **Sovereign Judgment:** The act of darkening the sun, moon, and stars is a recurring sign of God's judgment and the Day of the Lord ([[Isaiah 13:10]], [[Amos 8:9]]). This demonstrates His ultimate authority over all creation.
* **Consequence of Sin:** Darkness is often a direct consequence of rebellion or sin. The psalmist prays for his enemies' eyes to **be darkened** that they may not see [[Psalms 69:23]]. In [[Micah 3:6]], false prophets are promised night and darkness, so they will no longer have visions.
* **Metaphor for Calamity:** The word is used to paint a picture of deep suffering and sorrow. The darkening of the land [[Isaiah 5:30]] or the dimming of vision [[Lamentations 5:17]] reflects a state of national or personal despair.
* **Divine Omniscience:** In a unique turn, `{{H2821}}` is used to show that darkness cannot conceal from God. In [[Psalms 139:12]], the psalmist declares that darkness **hideth** not from God, affirming His omnipresence and omniscience.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2821}}` **châshak** conveys much more than the simple absence of light. It is an active verb describing the power to remove light, whether by God as an act of judgment over the cosmos and nations, or as a description of the physical and spiritual decay caused by sin and sorrow. From the dimming of the stars in heaven to the darkening of human understanding, **châshak** serves as a potent biblical symbol of judgment, calamity, and the consequence of being separated from the divine source of light.
TRV