a primitive root; to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage); be ashamed, clean, be confounded, (make) dry (up), (do) shame(-fully), [idiom] utterly, wither (away).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **yâbêsh**, represented by `{{H3001}}`, is a primitive root with a dual meaning. It appears **78 times** across **67 unique verses**. Its definition encompasses both the physical process of drying up or withering, as with water or plants, and the emotional or spiritual state of being ashamed, confused, or disappointed.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H3001}}` is applied in both literal and figurative contexts. Literally, it describes the natural world under duress: grass that **withereth** [[Isaiah 40:8]], a brook that **dried up** due to lack of rain [[1 Kings 17:7]], and the waters of the Jordan being **dried up** by the Lord [[Joshua 5:1]]. It is also used to describe physical affliction, such as a "broken spirit" that **drieth** the bones [[Proverbs 17:22]] or king Jeroboam's hand that **dried up** as a sign of judgment [[1 Kings 13:4]]. Figuratively, it denotes shame and confusion, as when the wise men are **ashamed** [[Jeremiah 8:9]], or when idols like Bel are **confounded** [[Jeremiah 50:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify and expand upon the themes of withering and shame:
* `{{H2717}}` **chârab** (to parch): This word is often used in parallel with `{{H3001}}` to describe the desolating act of drying up water sources, such as when God makes the sea **dry** [[Nahum 1:4]] or makes mountains **waste** [[Isaiah 42:15]].
* `{{H5034}}` **nâbêl** (to wilt, fade away): Frequently paired with `{{H3001}}`, this term emphasizes the fading nature of life and creation, as in the statement "The grass **withereth**, the flower **fadeth**" [[Isaiah 40:8]].
* `{{H1322}}` **bôsheth** (shame): This noun captures the resulting condition of being confounded. A people who cannot profit become a **shame** [[Isaiah 30:5]], and it is used to describe the "confusion of face" resulting from trespass [[Ezra 9:7]].
* `{{H535}}` **ʼâmal** (to languish): This word describes a state of weakness or drooping, often appearing alongside `{{H3001}}` to paint a picture of total decline, where a fig tree **languisheth** and the vine is **dried up** [[Joel 1:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3001}}` is significant, often illustrating the consequences of humanity's relationship with God.
* **Divine Judgment:** The act of drying or withering is a tool of divine judgment. God dries up pleasant places because of wickedness [[Jeremiah 23:10]], withholds rain to make fields **wither** [[Amos 4:7]], and sends a wind to **dry up** the fruit of a nation represented as a vine [[Ezekiel 19:12]].
* **Consequence of Sin:** Shame and confusion are the direct results of sin and disobedience. Those who commit abomination are asked, "Were they **ashamed**?" [[Jeremiah 6:15]]. The house of Israel is **ashamed** for its idolatry, just as a thief is ashamed when caught [[Jeremiah 2:26]].
* **Human Frailty:** The word underscores the transient nature of human life and strength, which is compared to grass that **withereth** [[Isaiah 40:7]] or a heart that is **withered** like grass [[Psalms 102:4]].
* **Symbol of Despair:** In a state of hopelessness, the people of Israel cry out, "Our bones are **dried**, and our hope is lost" [[Ezekiel 37:11]], linking physical decay to the loss of spirit.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3001}}` serves as a powerful bridge between the physical and spiritual realms. It describes not only the tangible decay of the natural world—from withering grass to dried-up rivers—but also the intangible desolation of the human soul in the form of shame, confusion, and despair. This single term effectively portrays the consequences of divine judgment, the frailty of life, and the shame that accompanies sin.
TRV