from יָשַׁם; desolation; let death seize (from the margin).
Transliteration:yᵉshîymah
Pronunciation:yesh-ee-maw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H3451 (יְשִׁימַה, *yᵉshîymah*) derives from the root H3456 (יָשַׁם, *yasham*), which fundamentally conveys the idea of desolation, being waste, or appalled. As a noun, H3451 carries the primary meaning of "desolation" or "ruin." The marginal note in the base definition, "let death seize," reflects an interpretive understanding of the word's function in its sole biblical occurrence, suggesting an active, destructive force. This indicates a semantic range that extends from a state of utter emptiness or ruin to an agent or consequence of such a state, specifically in the context of divine judgment leading to destruction. It denotes a severe, comprehensive absence of life, prosperity, or order.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H3451 occurs only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in [[Psalm 55:15]]. The verse reads: "Let desolation seize them; let them go down alive to Sheol, for evil is in their dwelling places and in their midst." (KJV: "Let death seize upon them; let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them.")
In this powerful imprecatory psalm, David, facing betrayal and oppression, calls upon God for swift and decisive judgment against his enemies. The phrase "תָּשִׁיא עָלֵימוֹ יְשִׁימָה" (tāšîʾ ʿālêhem yᵉshîmāh) employs the verb H7722 (שָׁאָה, *sha'ah*), meaning "to rush, devastate, ruin," in conjunction with H3451. This construction vividly expresses a desire for sudden, overwhelming destruction to fall upon the wicked. The context of their going "down alive to Sheol" underscores the totality and immediacy of the desired judgment. H3451 here functions as a powerful descriptor of the ultimate fate awaiting those who practice deceit and wickedness, emphasizing not merely a state of emptiness but an active, catastrophic process leading to it.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for H3451 is its root, H3456 (יָשַׁם, *yasham*), meaning "to be desolate, waste, or appalled." This root gives rise to several related terms that reinforce the concept of desolation and ruin throughout the Hebrew Bible:
* H3457 (יְשִׁמֹן, *yĕshîmōn*): Often translated as "desert" or "wilderness," referring to a desolate, uninhabited place.
* H8074 (שָׁמֵם, *shamem*): A frequently used verb meaning "to be desolate, waste, or appalled," often describing the ruin of cities or lands due to divine judgment.
* H8077 (שְׁמָמָה, *shĕmāmāh*): A common noun for "desolation, waste, ruin," frequently appearing in prophetic warnings about the consequences of sin.
These related terms collectively paint a picture of the severe consequences of rebellion against God, where flourishing life gives way to barrenness, order to chaos, and presence to absence. H3451 fits squarely within this semantic field, representing the most extreme form of such a state or the force that brings it about.
### Theological Significance
Though occurring only once, the presence of H3451 in [[Psalm 55:15]] carries significant theological weight. It serves as a stark articulation of the ultimate consequences of unrepentant wickedness in the face of divine justice. The psalmist's imprecation is not merely an expression of personal vengeance but a plea for God to act righteously against those who actively oppose truth and sow discord.
The concept of "desolation seizing" or "death seizing" underscores the severity of God's judgment. It implies a complete and irreversible end for the wicked, a descent into Sheol that is both sudden and total. This word highlights the biblical truth that sin, left unchecked, leads inevitably to spiritual and existential ruin. It reinforces the holiness of God, who cannot tolerate evil indefinitely, and His righteousness, which demands that justice be served. The phrase serves as a solemn reminder of the terrifying reality of divine wrath and the ultimate fate of those who refuse to walk in God's ways.
### Summary
H3451 (יְשִׁימַה, *yᵉshîymah*) is a potent Hebrew noun meaning "desolation" or "ruin," stemming from the root H3456 (יָשַׁם), "to be desolate." Its singular occurrence in [[Psalm 55:15]] depicts a dire consequence, where "desolation" or "death" actively "seizes" the wicked, leading to their immediate descent into Sheol. This unique usage emphasizes a sudden, catastrophic, and total destruction. Theologically, H3451 powerfully conveys the severity of divine judgment against unrepentant evil, underscoring God's unwavering justice and the ultimate, irreversible fate awaiting those who oppose His righteousness. It stands as a profound testament to the consequences of sin and the certainty of divine retribution.
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