### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **yâgôwn**, represented by `{{H3015}}`, defines a state of **affliction**, **grief**, or **sorrow**. It appears 14 times across 14 unique verses in the Bible. This term captures a profound sense of anguish that stems from circumstances like personal loss, oppression, or the consequences of sin.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3015}}` is used to express deep personal suffering. Jacob twice fears that the loss of his son Benjamin will "bring down my gray hairs with **sorrow** to the grave" ([[Genesis 42:38]]; [[Genesis 44:31]]). The psalmist cries out, "How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having **sorrow** in my heart daily?" [[Psalms 13:2]]. The prophet Jeremiah laments the very fact of his birth, questioning why he came forth from the womb only "to see labour and **sorrow**" [[Jeremiah 20:18]]. This sorrow is also depicted as a consequence of hardship and divine judgment, as when people are "brought low through oppression, affliction, and **sorrow**" [[Psalms 107:39]] or when Jerusalem is made to drink a cup filled with "drunkenness and **sorrow**" [[Ezekiel 23:33]]. However, it is frequently contrasted with future restoration, where God promises that for his redeemed people, **sorrow** and sighing will flee away [[Isaiah 35:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the scope of biblical grief:
* `{{H4341}}` **makʼôb** (anguish or (figuratively) affliction; grief, pain, sorrow): A close synonym for deep pain. In his lament, Jeremiah states that the LORD "hath added **grief** `{{H3015}}` to my **sorrow** `{{H4341}}`" [[Jeremiah 45:3]].
* `{{H585}}` **ʼănâchâh** (sighing; groaning, mourn, sigh): This word often appears alongside **yâgôwn** to describe the outward expression of inner grief. A life can be "spent with **grief** `{{H3015}}`, and my years with **sighing** `{{H585}}`" [[Psalms 31:10]], and in the age of restoration, both **sorrow** and **sighing** will flee away [[Isaiah 51:11]].
* `{{H5999}}` **ʻâmâl** (toil, i.e. wearing effort; hence, worry, wheth. of body or mind...): This describes the wearisome effort and trouble that often leads to sorrow. Jeremiah connects his existence to seeing both **labour** `{{H5999}}` and **sorrow** `{{H3015}}` [[Jeremiah 20:18]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3015}}` is significant, highlighting key aspects of the human condition and divine action.
* **A Reality of the Fallen World:** **Yâgôwn** is presented as a direct consequence of a world affected by sin, iniquity, and oppression. A psalmist declares his life "is spent with **grief**" and his strength fails "because of mine iniquity" [[Psalms 31:10]]. It is a tangible result of suffering and affliction [[Psalms 107:39]].
* **The Depth of Human Lament:** The term gives voice to profound human suffering, from the personal agony of a father's potential loss [[Genesis 42:38]] to a prophet's existential despair [[Jeremiah 20:18]] and a soul's daily struggle [[Psalms 13:2]].
* **A Condition Overcome by Redemption:** A central theme is that **sorrow** is not the final word for God's people. The prophets repeatedly promise a future where **sorrow** will be turned to **joy** `{{H8057}}` and **gladness** `{{H8342}}`, and mourning will be comforted ([[Jeremiah 31:13]]; [[Esther 9:22]]). For the redeemed of the LORD, **sorrow** and sighing "shall flee away" ([[Isaiah 35:10]]; [[Isaiah 51:11]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3015}}` **yâgôwn** is more than a simple term for sadness. It encapsulates a deep, consuming affliction that is a core part of the biblical depiction of human suffering. It is seen in the laments of patriarchs and prophets and as a consequence of both personal iniquity and external oppression. Critically, however, its presence in scripture serves to highlight the hope of divine redemption, where this profound **sorrow** is promised to be removed and replaced by God's everlasting joy.
TRV