a primitive root; to despond; causatively, to deject; broken, be grieved, make sad.
Transliteration:kâʼâh
Pronunciation:kaw-aw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H3512 (כָּאָה, kâʼâh) is a primitive root carrying the core meaning of "to despond" or "to be dejected." Its semantic range extends to encompass states of being "broken," "grieved," or "made sad," and it can also function causatively, meaning "to cause dejection" or "to make sad." This verb primarily describes an internal, emotional, or psychological state of profound distress, often characterized by a loss of hope or spirit. While its primary focus is on the inner state, it can metaphorically describe physical breakage, particularly in contexts that highlight an irreversible decline or end. The essence of H3512 lies in the crushing or shattering of one's spirit, hope, or even physical integrity, leading to a state of deep sorrow or despair.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H3512 occurs in various contexts throughout the Hebrew Bible, illuminating its diverse applications:
* **Proverbs 15:13**: "A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken." Here, H3512 describes the direct consequence of inner sorrow, where the "spirit" (רוּחַ, *ruach*) is rendered "broken" or "crushed." This highlights the emotional and psychological impact of grief, leading to a state of despondency and a loss of vitality. The contrast with a "merry heart" underscores the profound internal damage caused by such sorrow.
* **Ecclesiastes 12:6**: "Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern." In this poetic description of the aging process and death, H3512 is used literally to describe the breaking of physical objects ("bowl," "pitcher," "wheel"). However, within the broader context of the body's decline and ultimate demise, these physical breakages symbolize the cessation of life and the inevitable end of all human endeavor. The metaphorical implication is the "breaking" of life itself, leading to a profound sense of futility and the ultimate despondency of mortality.
* **Isaiah 61:1**: "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted..." This is a pivotal passage, where H3512 is used in the passive participle form, "brokenhearted" (נִשְׁבְּרֵי־לֵב, *nishberey-lev*). It refers to those suffering deep emotional and spiritual anguish, often due to oppression, injustice, or personal sin. The mission of the anointed one (the Messiah) is to "bind up" or heal these individuals, signifying a restoration of hope, comfort, and spiritual wholeness. This usage underscores God's compassionate concern for the afflicted.
* **Lamentations 3:33**: "For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men." In this verse, H3512 is used in its causative sense, "to grieve" (לְכָאוֹב, *lekha'ov*). The prophet affirms that God does not "grieve" (cause despondency or sadness) humanity out of arbitrary pleasure or malice. Rather, any affliction or sorrow permitted by God serves a redemptive purpose, such as discipline or leading to repentance. This emphasizes God's just and merciful character, distinguishing His actions from capricious cruelty.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of H3512 (כָּאָה, kâʼâh) intersects with several other Hebrew terms conveying similar or related ideas of sorrow, brokenness, and affliction:
* `{{H6087}}` (ʿāṣab): To grieve, pain, vex. Often speaks of inner pain or sorrow, as seen in God's grief over human wickedness in [[Genesis 6:6]].
* `{{H1792}}` (dākaʾ): To crush, to be crushed, to be contrite. This term is very closely related to H3512 in describing a "broken" or "crushed" spirit, particularly in a context of humility before God, as in a "broken and contrite heart" ([[Psalm 51:17]]).
* `{{H7665}}` (šābar): To break, shatter. While often used for physical breaking, it can also refer to the breaking of covenants, strength, or even the spirit, though H3512 focuses more intensely on the internal emotional state.
* `{{H5945}}` (ʿāmal): To toil, labor, often with connotations of trouble, misery, or distress, reflecting the hardship that can lead to despondency.
Concepts closely associated with H3512 include despair, deep sorrow, dejection, spiritual anguish, affliction, and the state of being utterly crushed. Its antonyms would include joy, hope, healing, restoration, and spiritual strength.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H3512 (כָּאָה, kâʼâh) is profound, touching upon the human condition, the character of God, and the nature of divine redemption:
* **The Human Condition:** The frequent use of H3512 to describe a "broken spirit" or "brokenheartedness" vividly portrays the fallen human condition. It underscores the reality of deep emotional and spiritual suffering, which can arise from sin, personal tragedy, oppression, or the general brokenness of a fallen world. It speaks to the fragility of the human psyche and the profound impact of sorrow on one's inner being.
* **God's Compassion and Redemptive Purpose:** While H3512 describes human suffering, it simultaneously highlights God's compassionate response. The declaration in [[Isaiah 61:1]] that the Messiah is sent "to bind up the brokenhearted" reveals God's tender concern for those in deepest distress. This is a divine initiative to heal, restore, and bring comfort to the afflicted. Furthermore, [[Lamentations 3:33]] clarifies that God does not "grieve" humanity out of malice but allows suffering for redemptive purposes, such as discipline or drawing people back to Himself.
* **Messianic Fulfillment:** The prophecy in [[Isaiah 61:1]], explicitly quoted by Jesus in [[Luke 4:18]], establishes the binding up of the "brokenhearted" as a core aspect of the Messiah's mission. This signifies that Jesus Christ came not only to address physical ailments but, more fundamentally, to heal spiritual and emotional wounds, offering liberation from the crushing weight of sin, despair, and oppression.
* **The Path to Humility and Revival:** While H3512 describes a painful state, it can also be understood as a precursor to spiritual breakthrough. A "broken spirit" can lead to humility and a recognition of one's need for God, creating a fertile ground for repentance and divine intervention (cf. the related concept of a "contrite heart" in [[Psalm 51:17]]).
### Summary
The Hebrew word H3512 (כָּאָה, kâʼâh) comprehensively describes a state of profound internal brokenness, despondency, and grief. It captures the essence of a spirit or heart that has been crushed by sorrow, affliction, or the harsh realities of life, as seen in [[Proverbs 15:13]]. While occasionally used for literal physical breakage as a metaphor for decay ([[Ecclesiastes 12:6]]), its primary emphasis remains on the emotional and spiritual impact of suffering. Crucially, H3512 is central to understanding the compassionate mission of the Messiah, who is anointed "to bind up the brokenhearted" ([[Isaiah 61:1]]), offering healing and restoration to those in deepest anguish. It underscores that God does not willingly cause grief but allows it for redemptive purposes ([[Lamentations 3:33]]), ultimately desiring to bring comfort and wholeness to His people. Thus, H3512 speaks to both the depth of human suffering and the boundless nature of divine empathy and redemptive power.
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