a primitive root; to make (intrans. be) unsteady, i.e. weak; feeble.
Transliteration:châshal
Pronunciation:khaw-shal'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H2826, *châshal* (חָשַׁל), is a primitive root carrying the core meaning of "to make unsteady" or, in its intransitive sense, "to be unsteady." This fundamental instability extends semantically to concepts of weakness and feebleness. The notion of "unsteadiness" implies a lack of firmness, a wavering or tottering state, suggesting an absence of support or inherent stability. When applied to strength, it signifies a diminished capacity, a state of debility or powerlessness. The active form suggests an action that renders something weak or unstable, while the passive or intransitive describes the resulting state of being weak or unstable. Unlike a simple lack of strength, *châshal* often implies an inflicted or severe form of incapacitation, moving beyond mere weakness to a state of being utterly "crushed" or "broken."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word *châshal* appears sparingly in the Hebrew Bible, but its few occurrences are highly significant, primarily found within contexts of divine judgment and severe consequence.
* **[[Deuteronomy 28:31]]**: "Your ox shall be slaughtered before your eyes, but you shall not eat of it; your donkey shall be violently taken away from before your face, and shall not be restored to you; your sheep shall be given to your enemies, and you shall have no one to rescue them. Your sons and your daughters shall be given to another people, while your eyes look on and fail with longing for them all day long, but you shall be châshal (crushed/powerless) to do anything."
In this passage, part of the covenant curses for disobedience, *châshal* describes the utter powerlessness and inability of the Israelites to resist or recover from the devastating losses inflicted upon them. The KJV translates it as "no might in your hand," while other versions like the ESV and NASB render it "crushed." This highlights a state of complete incapacitation, where the individual or nation is rendered utterly helpless and unable to act effectively. It is a profound state of debility, not merely weakness but a total loss of agency in the face of overwhelming adversity.
* **[[Jeremiah 50:15]]**: "Shout against her all around; she has given her hand; her foundations have châshal (fallen/are thrown down); her walls are thrown down, for it is the vengeance of the LORD. Take vengeance on her; as she has done, do to her."
Here, *châshal* is used to describe the fate of Babylon, specifically that her "foundations are fallen" or "thrown down." This signifies a complete and irreversible collapse, a thorough destruction of the very basis of her existence and power. The "unsteadiness" of the foundation leads to its utter ruin. This usage underscores the concept of being shattered or completely broken, moving beyond mere feebleness to total demolition. The context is divine vengeance, emphasizing that this state of collapse is a direct result of God's judgment against a proud and oppressive nation.
These two occurrences reveal a consistent semantic range for *châshal* in biblical usage: a state of profound weakness leading to complete incapacitation, ruin, or destruction, often as a consequence of divine judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of weakness and collapse is conveyed by several other Hebrew terms, though *châshal* carries its unique nuance of being "crushed" or "utterly broken."
* **Weakness/Fainting**: Words like `{{H2479}}` (*ḥālâsh*), meaning "to be weak, faint, disabled," or `{{H7503}}` (*rāphâ*), meaning "to slacken, grow weak, let go," share semantic overlap with *châshal* in denoting a lack of strength. However, *châshal* often implies a more severe, inflicted, or terminal state of weakness.
* **Destruction/Ruin**: Terms such as `{{H2040}}` (*haras*), "to break down, demolish," or `{{H6555}}` (*pārar*), "to break, annul," relate to the outcome of *châshal* when applied to structures or systems, as seen in the fall of Babylon's foundations.
* **Judgment/Consequence**: The contexts in which *châshal* appears are deeply intertwined with divine judgment and the severe consequences of disobedience or sin. This connects it to concepts such as divine wrath, curses, and the inevitable downfall of those who oppose God.
* **Antonyms**: In contrast, words signifying strength, stability, and firmness, such as `{{H2388}}` (*ḥāzaq*), "to be strong, firm, courageous," or `{{H3559}}` (*kûn*), "to establish, be firm, prepare," stand in direct opposition to the meaning of *châshal*.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *châshal* lies primarily in its portrayal of humanity's utter vulnerability and powerlessness when facing divine judgment or when separated from God's sustaining hand. It serves as a stark reminder of the severe and comprehensive consequences of disobedience to God's covenant (as in [[Deuteronomy 28:31]]). The "unsteadiness" or "feebleness" described by *châshal* is not merely a natural state but an inflicted condition, a direct result of divine action or allowance, underscoring God's absolute sovereignty and His ability to bring low the proud and disobedient.
In the context of Babylon's downfall ([[Jeremiah 50:15]]), *châshal* vividly illustrates the collapse of human systems, pride, and structures that stand in rebellion against God. Even the strongest foundations, built on human might and arrogance, are rendered unstable and ultimately shattered by divine vengeance. This emphasizes that true stability and strength are found only in God, and any human endeavor or nation built apart from Him is inherently "unsteady" and destined to be "crushed." The word thus highlights the futility of relying on one's own strength or earthly foundations when confronted by the power and justice of the Almighty.
### Summary
The Hebrew word *châshal* (H2826) signifies a profound state of unsteadiness, weakness, and feebleness. Its rare but potent occurrences in the biblical text reveal a deeper meaning of being "crushed," "utterly powerless," or "collapsed." Primarily found in contexts of divine judgment, *châshal* powerfully illustrates the devastating consequences of disobedience and rebellion against God, leading to a complete loss of agency and the utter ruin of even the most formidable human constructs. It serves as a solemn theological reminder of God's sovereignty, His capacity to bring low, and the ultimate futility of human strength or foundations built apart from Him.
TRV