The Hebrew word kâʼâh, represented by H3512, is a primitive root that means to despond or, causatively, to deject. It is defined as broken, be grieved, or make sad. This specific term appears only 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible, indicating its specialized use for a particular kind of grief or sadness.
In its biblical applications, H3512 describes both the cause and the state of despondency. In Ezekiel, it is used to condemn false prophets who have made the heart H3820 of the righteous sad with lies, a grief God Himself had not caused Ezekiel 13:22. Psalms uses the term to describe the condition of the persecuted poor and needy man as being broken in heart H3824, marking him as a target for further oppression Psalms 109:16. Finally, in Daniel, a hostile king is said to be grieved after being opposed by ships from Chittim, a state that leads him to have indignation H2194 against the holy covenant Daniel 11:30.
Several related words help to define the context in which one becomes grieved or broken:
- H3510 kâʼab (to feel pain; to grieve; make sad): This similar root is used in direct contrast to H3512 in Ezekiel 13:22, where God says he has "not made sad" the righteous whom the false prophets have grieved.
- H6041 ʻânîy (depressed, in mind or circumstances; afflicted, humble, lowly, needy, poor): This describes the state of the man in Psalms 109:16 who is persecuted while already being broken H3512 in heart, linking internal grief with external affliction.
- H2194 zâʻam (to be enraged; abhor, defy, have indignation): This word is used alongside H3512 in Daniel 11:30, showing that being grieved can be connected to, or result in, a state of rage and indignation.
- H3824 lêbâb (the heart): This term is the object of the verb in Psalms 109:16, indicating that the grief of H3512 is a condition that affects the very center of a person's being.
The theological weight of H3512 is centered on the heart and divine justice.
- Grief Caused by Falsehood: God expresses direct opposition to those who unjustly make the righteous sad H3512 through lies H8267. This highlights a divine principle that the emotional state of the just is to be protected from deception Ezekiel 13:22.
- The State of the Persecuted: The term "broken in heart" describes the profound vulnerability of the poor H6041 and needy H34. The act of persecuting someone in this state is condemned, showing God's concern for those who are emotionally and socially crushed Psalms 109:16.
- Grief as a Motivator for Hostility: In Daniel, being grieved H3512 is not a passive state but a trigger for active indignation H2194 against God's covenant. This illustrates how despondency can fuel opposition to divine plans Daniel 11:30.
In summary, H3512 is a potent, though infrequent, term for being despondent, grieved, or brokenhearted. It is not a simple sadness but a deep state of being that can be wrongfully inflicted by others, characterize the oppressed, or fuel hostility. Its usage underscores God's concern for the emotional integrity of the righteous and His defense of the vulnerable and broken in heart.
TRV