from a primitive root meaning to strike; a crushing; figuratively, calamity; destruction.
Transliteration:kîyd
Pronunciation:keed
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H3589}}` (כִּיד, *kîyd*) derives from a primitive root signifying "to strike." This foundational meaning extends directly to "a crushing," denoting a forceful and destructive impact. From this literal sense, its semantic range expands figuratively to encompass "calamity" and "destruction." The word thus conveys not merely a state of brokenness but implies the active, often overwhelming, force that brings about such ruin. It encapsulates the idea of a decisive and devastating blow, leading to utter collapse or annihilation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H3589}}` appears in the Masoretic Text a mere two times, both within the book of Job, a text profoundly concerned with suffering, justice, and divine sovereignty.
1. **[[Job 21:20]]**: "His eyes shall see his destruction (כִּיד), and he shall drink of the wrath of the Almighty." Here, kîyd is explicitly linked to divine wrath and judgment. It describes the inevitable and visible downfall of the wicked, a consequence directly administered or ordained by God. The context emphasizes the certainty of this destruction, implying a severe and inescapable fate for those who defy God. The parallelism with "drinking of the wrath of the Almighty" underscores the punitive and comprehensive nature of this destruction.
2. **[[Job 30:24]]**: "Surely against a ruin (כִּיד) I will not stretch out my hand, though they cry out in their destruction (כִּיד)." This verse presents a textual challenge, with various interpretations. However, the repeated use of kîyd highlights a state of utter brokenness or ruin. Job, in his lament, seems to be arguing that one would not further harm someone already in a state of complete devastation. Yet, he perceives himself as being in such a state, and paradoxically, he feels God's hand is still against him. In this instance, kîyd refers to the extreme condition of one who is utterly crushed, an object of pity rather than further affliction. It speaks to the depth of Job's suffering and his perception of being completely undone.
In both contexts, kîyd signifies a profound and often final state of destruction or ruin, whether as a consequence of divine judgment or as the existential reality of immense suffering.
### Related Words & Concepts
The root meaning of `{{H3589}}` points to a forceful impact. Related Hebrew terms that convey similar notions of striking, crushing, or destruction include:
* `{{H5221}}` (נָכָה, *nakah*): A very common verb meaning "to strike, smite," often used in contexts of battle, punishment, or divine judgment.
* `{{H7533}}` (רָצַץ, *ratsats*): "To crush, break in pieces," often depicting violent shattering or oppression.
* `{{H7843}}` (שָׁחַת, *shachat*): "To destroy, corrupt, ruin," a broader term for bringing something to an end or rendering it unusable.
* `{{H6546}}` (פָּרַץ, *parats*): "To break through, burst out," which can imply a forceful, destructive breach.
Conceptually, kîyd relates to divine judgment, the manifestation of God's wrath, the inevitability of consequences for wickedness, and the profound, often inexplicable, suffering that can reduce an individual to a state of utter ruin. It touches upon themes of calamity, desolation, and the fragility of human existence in the face of overwhelming forces.
### Theological Significance
The rare but potent appearances of `{{H3589}}` in the book of Job lend it significant theological weight.
In [[Job 21:20]], kîyd serves as a stark reminder of the certainty and severity of divine judgment against the wicked. It underscores the biblical principle that unrepentant sin leads to ultimate destruction, a destruction that is not merely an absence of life but a divinely appointed "crushing." This usage contributes to the understanding of God's justice as active and decisive, ensuring that evil does not ultimately prevail.
In [[Job 30:24]], kîyd highlights the extreme depths of human suffering and despair. Job's use of the term for his own condition speaks to a state of being utterly broken, physically and spiritually, to the point of being a "ruin." This reflects the profound mystery of suffering, particularly for the righteous, and the feeling of being abandoned or even actively crushed by God's hand. It invites contemplation on the nature of divine providence and the limits of human endurance.
Theological, kîyd encapsulates both the active divine bringing of ruin (as judgment) and the passive state of being utterly ruined (as suffering). It points to the awesome power of God to bring about destruction, whether as a just recompense or as part of a larger, inscrutable plan. It forces the reader to confront the reality of ultimate ends and the profound brokenness that can befall humanity.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H3589}}` (כִּיד, *kîyd*) signifies a powerful "crushing" or "destruction," stemming from a root meaning "to strike." Though appearing only twice in the biblical text, both instances in the book of Job are highly impactful. It denotes both the decisive, often divinely ordained, end for the wicked ([[Job 21:20]]) and the profound, existential state of utter ruin experienced by one in deep suffering ([[Job 30:24]]). Kîyd thus encapsulates themes of divine judgment, wrath, and the extreme fragility of human existence when confronted with overwhelming forces, whether punitive or mysterious in origin. It underscores the biblical witness to ultimate ends and the gravity of both divine justice and human brokenness.
TRV