### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **kôwshârâh**, represented by `{{H3574}}`, carries a complex meaning related to prosperity and freedom, but is used idiomatically as **chain**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse**, making its single appearance in scripture highly significant for understanding its specific application.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole instance of `{{H3574}}` is found in [[Psalms 68:6]], which describes God's power to alter human fortunes. The verse states that God "bringeth out those which are bound with **chains**." This act of liberation is presented as part of God's character, as He also "setteth the solitary in families." The context draws a sharp contrast between God's care for the afflicted and His judgment upon the rebellious, who are made to "dwell in a dry land" [[Psalms 68:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its biblical context illuminate the theme of divine intervention:
* `{{H615}}` **'âçîyr** (bound, prisoner): This word identifies the subjects of God's deliverance. They are the captives whom God brings out [[Psalms 68:6]].
* `{{H3318}}` **yâtsâʼ** (to go (causatively, bring) out): This verb describes God's direct action of leading the prisoners forth from their state of bondage [[Psalms 68:6]].
* `{{H3173}}` **yâchîyd** (solitary): This term describes another group receiving God's favor in the same verse, highlighting God's concern for the lonely and desolate [[Psalms 68:6]].
* `{{H5637}}` **çârar** (rebellious): This word defines the group that stands in opposition to those God helps. Their rebellion leads to a fate of dwelling in a dry land [[Psalms 68:6]], contrasting with the freedom given to the bound.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3574}}` is concentrated in its single appearance, which contributes to a larger statement about God's nature.
* **Divine Deliverance:** The word is directly linked to God's power to liberate. In bringing out the bound `{{H615}}` with **chains**, God demonstrates His sovereignty over imprisonment and affliction [[Psalms 68:6]].
* **Restoration for the Oppressed:** The action involving `{{H3574}}` is paired with God setting the solitary `{{H3173}}` in families `{{H1004}}`. This juxtaposition frames deliverance not just as release, but as a complete restoration into community and security.
* **Justice and Judgment:** The verse's structure creates a powerful theological contrast. While God acts to free the bound, He consigns the rebellious `{{H5637}}` to a barren existence, underscoring that His mercy and His judgment are two sides of the same divine character [[Psalms 68:6]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3574}}` is a rare biblical term whose significance is defined entirely by its context in [[Psalms 68:6]]. Though its base definition includes prosperity and freedom, its specific use as **chains** within a scene of liberation highlights a profound paradox. It serves as a powerful symbol in a declaration about God's work to deliver the captive and restore the outcast, setting His justice and mercy in stark relief against the fate of the rebellious.
TRV