### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **yᵉlâlâh**, represented by `{{H3215}}`, is a feminine noun defined as **a howling**. It appears **5 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. This term consistently signifies a sound of intense anguish, sorrow, and lamentation, typically arising from situations of catastrophic loss or divine judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical prophecy, `{{H3215}}` is used to paint a vivid auditory picture of downfall and desolation. It describes the sound made by leaders in ruin, such as the "howling of the shepherds" whose glory and pasture have been spoiled by the Lord ([[Zechariah 11:3]], [[Jeremiah 25:36]]). The sound signifies widespread national disaster, as when "the cry is gone round about the borders of Moab" and the "howling thereof" is heard in its cities [[Isaiah 15:8]]. In the prophecy of judgment upon Jerusalem, a "howling from the second" is one of the sounds of chaos and destruction on the day of the Lord [[Zephaniah 1:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help contextualize the specific nature of this sound of distress:
* `{{H2201}}` **zaʻaq** (a shriek or outcry; cry(-ing)): This word is used alongside **yᵉlâlâh** to describe the cry going around the borders of Moab [[Isaiah 15:8]], emphasizing an urgent and desperate outcry in the face of destruction.
* `{{H6818}}` **tsaʻăqâh** (a shriek; cry(-ing)): This term is paired with **yᵉlâlâh** during a day of judgment, describing the "noise of a cry from the fish gate" followed by a "howling from the second" [[Zephaniah 1:10]], depicting a city in chaos.
* `{{H6963}}` **qôwl** (a voice or sound): As a general term, **qôwl** often introduces the specific sound of howling, as in the "voice of the howling of the shepherds" [[Zechariah 11:3]] or the "noise of a cry" [[Zephaniah 1:10]].
* `{{H7581}}` **shᵉʼâgâh** (a rumbling or moan; roaring): This word is directly contrasted with **yᵉlâlâh**, setting the "howling of the shepherds" against the "roaring of young lions" to describe the complete spoiling of the land [[Zechariah 11:3]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H3215}}` is rooted in its depiction of the consequences of divine judgment.
* **A Sign of Judgment:** The sound of **yᵉlâlâh** is not just a lament but an audible marker that judgment has occurred. It is heard specifically "for the LORD hath spoiled their pasture" [[Jeremiah 25:36]].
* **The Fall of Leaders:** The term is uniquely associated with the downfall of those in authority. It is the "shepherds" and the "principal of the flock" who are heard howling when their glory is spoiled ([[Zechariah 11:3]], [[Jeremiah 25:36]]).
* **Widespread Desolation:** This howling signifies a complete and inescapable catastrophe. It is heard from one end of a nation's border to another [[Isaiah 15:8]] and from different quarters of a city under attack [[Zephaniah 1:10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3215}}` is not merely a word for a loud cry but is the specific sound of irreversible loss and desolation. It gives voice to the despair of fallen leaders and the terror of a nation or city facing its ruin. By appearing in scenes of judgment, **yᵉlâlâh** serves as a potent, auditory symbol of the profound sorrow that results when the glory and security of a people are utterly spoiled.
TRV