### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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.
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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