### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼăchôrannîyth**, represented by `{{H322}}`, means **backwards** or **back again**. It appears 7 times across 6 unique verses in the Bible. The word consistently denotes a literal or figurative motion in a reverse direction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H322}}` is used in both literal and figurative contexts. It describes physical movement, such as when Shem and Japheth walked **backward** to cover their father Noah's nakedness, with their faces also turned **backward** [[Genesis 9:23]]. Similarly, Eli fell **backward** from his seat upon hearing of the capture of the ark of God [[1 Samuel 4:18]]. The word also depicts miraculous events, like when the shadow on the sun dial of Ahaz was brought ten degrees **backward** as a sign for Hezekiah ([[2 Kings 20:11]]; [[Isaiah 38:8]]). Figuratively, it is used to show a change of heart, as when Elijah prays that God would turn the people's heart **back again** to Him [[1 Kings 18:37]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the concept of motion and reversal associated with `{{H322}}`:
* `{{H3212}}` **yâlak** (to walk): This root word for going or walking is used directly with **ʼăchôrannîyth** to describe the action of Shem and Japheth who **went** backward to cover their father [[Genesis 9:23]].
* `{{H7725}}` **shûwb** (to turn back, again): This word frequently appears with `{{H322}}` in the context of reversal. It is used when the shadow on the sun dial was to **return** backward [[2 Kings 20:10]] and is a key term for spiritual return.
* `{{H3381}}` **yârad** (to descend, go downwards): This word describes the initial forward or downward movement that is then reversed. The shadow had **gone down** before it was brought backward [[Isaiah 38:8]].
* `{{H5437}}` **çâbab** (to revolve, surround, turn): This verb is used to describe the action of God who has **turned** the people's heart back again [[1 Kings 18:37]], showing a change in orientation.
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{H322}}` carries significant thematic weight in different contexts.
* **Act of Honor:** The motion of walking **backward** is portrayed as an act of profound respect and piety when Shem and Japheth cover Noah, deliberately avoiding the sight of their father's nakedness [[Genesis 9:23]].
* **Sign of Divine Power:** The reversal of a natural process, causing a shadow to move **backward**, serves as a miraculous sign from God, demonstrating his authority over creation and his response to prayer ([[2 Kings 20:11]]; [[Isaiah 38:8]]).
* **Spiritual Restoration:** The word is used metaphorically for repentance, where God is asked to turn the hearts of his people **back again** to him, signifying a restoration of their relationship with Him [[1 Kings 18:37]].
* **Symbol of Judgment:** In the case of Eli, falling **backward** is the physical manifestation of sudden shock and divine judgment, resulting in his death upon hearing of Israel's defeat and the loss of the Ark of God [[1 Samuel 4:18]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H322}}` **ʼăchôrannîyth** is a specific term for reverse motion that is used to convey powerful narratives and theological truths. While appearing only a few times, it illustrates a range of concepts from a simple physical act of walking **backward** to a miraculous sign of God's power over nature. It highlights key themes of honor, sudden judgment, and the spiritual turning of a heart back to God, demonstrating how a direction of movement can carry deep symbolic meaning.
TRV