### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **chăshêkâh**, represented by `{{H2825}}`, primarily means **darkness**. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses**. While it can denote a literal absence of light, it is more often used figuratively to convey concepts of **misery**, spiritual blindness, and a state of profound trial.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2825}}` is used to describe both supernatural and spiritual conditions. In a foundational event, a "horror of great **darkness**" falls upon Abram as God establishes a covenant with him, indicating a moment of solemn, divine awe [[Genesis 15:12]]. Figuratively, it describes a state of moral confusion, where people "walk on in **darkness**" because they lack knowledge and understanding [[Psalms 82:5]]. It is also depicted as an outcome of judgment, where looking to the earth reveals only "trouble and **darkness**, dimness of anguish" [[Isaiah 8:22]]. For the faithful, walking in **darkness** is presented as a trial of faith, a time without light that calls for trust in the Lord [[Isaiah 50:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in Hebrew help to define the scope of darkness and its opposite, light:
* `{{H2822}}` **chôshek**: This common term for **darkness** is also used figuratively for misery, destruction, and wickedness. It appears alongside `{{H2825}}` in [[Psalms 139:12]], where both words are used to describe the darkness that cannot hide anything from God.
* `{{H653}}` **ʼăphêlâh**: Meaning **gloominess** or thick darkness, this word intensifies the sense of despair. In [[Isaiah 8:22]], after describing a scene of trouble and **darkness** `{{H2825}}`, it states that people will be driven to this deeper **darkness** `{{H653}}`.
* `{{H219}}` **ʼôwrâh**: This word for **light** or luminousness stands in direct contrast. In [[Psalms 139:12]], it is placed in parallel with **darkness** `{{H2825}}` to declare that both "are both alike" to God, highlighting His omniscience.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2825}}` is significant, illustrating several key concepts:
* **A State of Misery and Judgment:** The word is directly associated with anguish and trouble that result from turning away from God. This is seen when the land is surveyed and the only finding is **darkness** and distress [[Isaiah 8:22]].
* **Spiritual Blindness and Trial:** It can represent a state of being without divine guidance or understanding, as when people "walketh in **darkness**, and hath no light" [[Isaiah 50:10]]. This condition is a test that calls for complete trust in God. It also describes those who willfully ignore truth, whose lack of understanding causes the "foundations of the earth" to be shaken [[Psalms 82:5]].
* **Supernatural Awe:** In the context of Abram's covenant, the "horror of great **darkness**" [[Genesis 15:12]] is not merely an absence of light but a tangible manifestation of a profound and terrifying divine encounter, underscoring the solemnity of God's presence.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2825}}` is a potent term that transcends its literal meaning of physical darkness. It serves as a powerful biblical metaphor for states of misery, spiritual trial, and divine judgment. From the terrifying awe of Abram's vision to the moral blindness that destabilizes the world, **chăshêkâh** illustrates a deep theological condition of separation from light and understanding, while also reminding that even this state is not beyond the sight of God.
TRV