### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼîyn**, represented by `{{H371}}`, is an interrogative term meaning **is it not?** or **not**. It is apparently a shortened form of another Hebrew word for "not" (אַיִן). This rare word appears only **1 time** in the entire Bible, located in **1 unique verse**, making its single context highly significant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H371}}` is in [[1 Samuel 21:8]], during a moment of urgent need for David. Fleeing from Saul, David arrived unprepared and without weapons. He asked Ahimelech, "And is there **not** here under thine hand spear or sword? for I have neither brought my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king's business required haste." The word is used to frame a pressing question born out of a lack of provision, highlighting David's vulnerability.
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of `{{H371}}` is illuminated by several surrounding words in the passage:
* `{{H1732}}` **Dâvid** (David): The speaker, the youngest son of Jesse, who is in a state of distress and seeking aid [[1 Samuel 21:8]].
* `{{H3426}}` **yêsh** (there is or are): This word for existence is used directly before `{{H371}}`, creating the question "is there not?" to express a hopeful search in a situation of lack [[1 Samuel 21:8]].
* `{{H2595}}` **chănîyth** (spear): One of the specific weapons David asks for, underscoring his unpreparedness for conflict [[1 Samuel 21:8]].
* `{{H2719}}` **chereb** (sword): Mentioned twice, this term for a cutting instrument emphasizes the critical military and defensive tools David is missing [[1 Samuel 21:8]].
* `{{H1697}}` **dâbâr** (matter, business): This word explains the reason for David's plight; the urgency of the "king's business" caused him to leave in haste [[1 Samuel 21:8]].
### Theological Significance
While appearing only once, the theological weight of `{{H371}}` is tied to its specific context of human need and urgency.
* **A Plea from a Position of Lack:** The word is part of a desperate interrogative, "is it **not**?", revealing the state of a faithful servant of God who finds himself without necessary resources due to circumstances beyond his control [[1 Samuel 21:8]].
* **Urgency in God's Plan:** David's lack of a weapon{H3627} is directly attributed to the fact that the king's{H4428} business{H1697} required{H1961} haste{H5169}. This shows how moments of "not" having something can be a direct consequence of participating in urgent, high-stakes events.
* **Human Vulnerability:** The use of `{{H371}}` by David{H1732} underscores the reality of human vulnerability. Even the future king, the Lord's anointed, experienced moments where he did not have what he needed and had to seek it from others.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H371}}` is a highly specialized term whose meaning is entirely contained within its single biblical usage. It is more than a simple negative; it is a question of lack posed in a moment of great urgency. The word **ʼîyn** uniquely captures David's plight in [[1 Samuel 21:8]], framing his desperate need for a weapon as a direct result of the pressing nature of the king's affairs, and illustrating that even the most prominent figures in scripture faced moments of acute need.
TRV