### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼĕyâl**, represented by `{{H353}}`, is a term for **strength**. It appears only **1 time** in the Bible, making its single usage highly significant. The word is defined as a variation of another term for strength, emphasizing this core concept.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H353}}` is in [[Psalms 88:4]], where the psalmist expresses profound despair. He states, "I am counted with them that go down into the pit: I am as a man that hath no **strength**." In this context, the word is used in its absence to describe a state of complete powerlessness and hopelessness. The psalmist feels he is regarded `{{H2803}}` as one who is descending `{{H3381}}` into the pit `{{H953}}`, equating his condition with death itself. His lack of **strength** is the defining characteristic of his suffering.
### Related Words & Concepts
The words used alongside `{{H353}}` in [[Psalms 88:4]] provide a fuller picture of this state of desolation:
* `{{H2803}}` **châshab** (to think, regard, value, compute): The psalmist feels he is esteemed or **counted** among those who are dying. It highlights a sense of being written off by others or even by God.
* `{{H3381}}` **yârad** (to descend, go down, fall): This word describes the movement of those who **go down** into the pit. It signifies a decline into a lower region, figuratively representing death, defeat, or despair.
* `{{H953}}` **bôwr** (a pit hole, cistern, dungeon): The **pit** is the destination for those without strength, a place of confinement and separation often used to symbolize the grave or a state of extreme trouble [[Psalms 28:1]].
* `{{H1397}}` **geber** (a valiant man, warrior, a person simply): The psalmist describes himself as a **man** who, despite the term's potential association with might, is entirely devoid of strength.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H353}}` is derived entirely from its specific use in this lament.
* **The Depths of Human Frailty:** The primary significance of **ʼĕyâl** is to define the lowest point of human experience. Having "no **strength**" is to be utterly helpless, stripped of all personal ability and vitality [[Psalms 88:4]].
* **A Prerequisite for Desperate Prayer:** The declaration of having no strength is not an end but the basis of the cry to God that characterizes the psalm. It illustrates that the recognition of complete weakness is often the point at which one turns to a higher power.
* **The Connection Between Strength and Life:** In its context, the absence of **strength** is directly equated with being counted among the dead who descend into the pit `{{H953}}`. This illustrates the biblical connection between strength as a sign of life and blessing, and its absence as a mark of death and curse.
### Summary
In summary, **ʼĕyâl** `{{H353}}` is a potent but narrowly used term. Its single occurrence in [[Psalms 88:4]] defines **strength** by its complete absence, painting a vivid picture of human weakness in the face of overwhelming despair. It is not a word of power, but a word that gives voice to the powerless, capturing the feeling of being counted among the dead and descending into the pit. This makes `{{H353}}` a crucial element in understanding the biblical language of lament and human dependence.
TRV