### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **yiççôwr**, represented by `{{H3250}}`, is a term derived from a root meaning to be a **reprover**; its direct meaning is to **instruct**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, marking its use as highly specific and contextually significant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single appearance of `{{H3250}}` occurs in the book of Job, during God's response to Job's suffering and questioning. God poses a rhetorical question directly to Job: "Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty **instruct** him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it" [[Job 40:2]]. In this context, to "instruct" God is presented as the pinnacle of presumptuous contention, a challenge leveled against the Almighty by one who finds fault with Him.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of `{{H3250}}` is sharpened by the surrounding words in its solitary verse:
* `{{H7378}}` **rîyb** (contend): Defined as "to toss, i.e. grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e. hold a controversy." This sets the stage for the conflict, framing Job's complaints as a form of contention or wrangling with God [[Job 40:2]].
* `{{H3198}}` **yâkach** (reproveth): This word means "to be right (i.e. correct); ...to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict." It functions in parallel with `{{H3250}}`, defining the one who attempts to correct or convict God [[Job 40:2]].
* `{{H433}}` **ʼĕlôwahh** (God): Meaning "a deity or the Deity; God," this term identifies the object of the reproof. The one who contends is challenging God himself [[Job 40:2]].
* `{{H6030}}` **ʻânâh** (answer): This word means "to heed, i.e. pay attention; by implication, to respond." After questioning God's ways, the reprover is challenged to provide a response of his own [[Job 40:2]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3250}}` is concentrated entirely in its unique appearance in Job.
* **Divine Infallibility:** The question in [[Job 40:2]] uses the concept of "instructing" God to underscore His supreme authority and wisdom. It implies the absurdity of a mortal attempting to correct the Almighty, framing it as an impossible and inappropriate act.
* **The Limit of Human Argument:** While one might contend `{{H7378}}` or plead `{{H7378}}` with God as seen in other contexts [[Psalms 35:1]], the attempt to "instruct" `{{H3250}}` crosses a fundamental boundary. It moves from questioning to presuming to have superior knowledge.
* **The Burden of Proof:** The verse pivots by demanding that the one who reproves `{{H3198}}` God must then "answer" `{{H6030}}` for it. This turns the tables on the accuser, placing the burden of justification squarely on the human contender, not on the divine.
### Summary
In summary, **yiççôwr** `{{H3250}}` is a potent and narrowly focused term. Though appearing only once, its placement in [[Job 40:2]] is pivotal. It encapsulates the core of God's response to Job, defining the ultimate limit of human complaint against divine sovereignty. It illustrates that while grappling with God is part of the biblical narrative, the attempt to correct or instruct Him is presented as a fundamental overreach of the created's role before the Creator.
TRV