The Hebrew word ʼĕyâlûwth, represented by H360, defines strength, power, and by implication, protection. This term is exceptionally rare, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible. Its singular appearance lends it significant weight in its specific context, highlighting a focused and potent meaning.
The sole use of H360 is found in a moment of deep personal distress in Psalms 22:19. The psalmist cries out, "But be not thou far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me." In this verse, the word is not merely an adjective describing God but is used as a direct form of address. God Himself is being called upon as the embodiment of the psalmist's strength, the very source of power and protection needed for deliverance.
The context of this plea in Psalms 22:19 is illuminated by the words surrounding it:
- H3068 Yᵉhôvâh: Defined as the self-Existent or Eternal God, this is the proper name of the one being addressed. The psalmist invokes the covenant name of God, identifying this ultimate being as his personal strength.
- H2363 chûwsh: This word means to hurry or make haste. Its presence underscores the urgency of the situation and the desperate need for God's power to be demonstrated quickly.
- H5833 ʻezrâh: Meaning aid or help, this word specifies the purpose for which God's strength is being summoned. The plea is for active, supportive intervention.
The theological weight of H360 is concentrated in its single, poignant usage.
- God as Personal Strength: By addressing the LORD H3068 as "O my strength" Psalms 22:19, the psalmist moves beyond acknowledging God's power as an abstract attribute. Strength becomes a personal, relational title for God in a moment of crisis.
- Strength Invoked in Weakness: The word appears within a cry for urgent help H5833. This demonstrates that divine strength is not just a general characteristic of God but a resource to be called upon specifically when one is vulnerable and in need of immediate aid.
- Protection as an Aspect of Strength: The base definition of H360 includes "protection." The context of the plea—asking God not to be far H7368 and to make haste H2363—cements this idea. The strength being sought is a protective power that shields and delivers.
In summary, while H360 is one of the rarest words in the biblical lexicon, its impact is profound. Its solitary appearance in Psalms 22:19 transforms it from a simple noun for "strength" into a deeply personal name for God. It encapsulates the theological truth that in times of greatest need, God is not just a possessor of strength but is, for the believer, the very substance of strength and protection itself.
TRV