### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼêyd**, represented by `{{H343}}`, is derived from a root suggesting "bending down" and is defined as **oppression**, and by implication **misfortune, ruin, calamity, destruction**. It appears **24 times** across **22 unique verses** in the Bible, consistently pointing to a state of severe adversity or disastrous ruin.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H343}}` often describes a specific period of disaster referred to as the "day of their **calamity**" [[Jeremiah 46:21]]. This event is frequently portrayed as a form of divine judgment or visitation upon nations and individuals for their sins [[Jeremiah 49:8]]. The calamity can arrive with shocking speed, as seen in [[Proverbs 6:15]], which states that **calamity** will come "suddenly." In contrast to the terror it brings, the LORD is presented as a source of refuge; David declares twice, "They prevented me in the day of my **calamity**: but the LORD was my stay" ([[2 Samuel 22:19]], [[Psalms 18:18]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the scope of the disaster signified by **ʼêyd**:
* `{{H6365}}` **pîyd** (destruction, ruin): This word is used in parallel with `{{H343}}` to emphasize the finality of the disaster, as in the question, "who knoweth the **ruin** of them both?" [[Proverbs 24:22]].
* `{{H6597}}` **pithʼôwm** (instantly; straightway, sudden(-ly)): This adverb underscores the unexpected nature of the disaster. Calamity is described as coming **suddenly** [[Proverbs 6:15]], leaving no time for preparation or escape.
* `{{H6486}}` **pᵉquddâh** (visitation): This term links calamity to a divine appointment. The "day of their **calamity**" is also the "time of their **visitation**" [[Jeremiah 46:21]], framing the event not as random chance but as a direct reckoning.
* `{{H5492}}` **çûwphâh** (a hurricane... whirlwind): This word paints a picture of the overwhelming force of destruction. [[Proverbs 1:27]] describes **destruction** `{{H343}}` arriving like a **whirlwind**.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H343}}` is significant and multifaceted.
* **Divine Judgment:** `ʼêyd` is consistently framed as the result of wickedness. It is a **destruction** reserved for the wicked [[Job 31:3]] and a consequence for those who mock the poor or rejoice at the misfortune of others [[Proverbs 17:5]]. It is also described as an instrument of God's vengeance and recompense [[Deuteronomy 32:35]].
* **Sudden and Irremediable Ruin:** The calamity described by `{{H343}}` is not a slow decline but a sudden collapse. It is said to "come **suddenly** `{{H6597}}`" and result in being "broken without **remedy** `{{H4832}}`" [[Proverbs 6:15]]. This highlights the swift and irreversible nature of the judgment.
* **God as a Stay:** Despite the finality of `{{H343}}`, for the righteous there is a contrasting theme of divine support. In the "day of my **calamity**," the psalmist declares that "the LORD was my **stay** `{{H4937}}`" [[Psalms 18:18]]. This presents God as the sole protector against such overwhelming disaster.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H343}}` conveys more than simple misfortune; it describes a profound and often sudden **calamity** or **destruction**. It functions as a key theological concept representing divine judgment against wickedness, arriving swiftly and without remedy. The term powerfully contrasts the fate of those who face ruin as a consequence of their actions with the security of those who, even in their "day of **calamity**," find their ultimate support and **stay** `{{H4937}}` in the LORD.
TRV