### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **lûwaʻ**, represented by `{{H3886}}`, is a primitive root meaning to **gulp** or **swallow down**. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. Figuratively, its meaning extends to being rash or utterly consumed, indicating a complete and total action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3886}}` is used to convey a sense of being completely consumed or overwhelmed. The prophet Obadiah uses the term to describe the finality of God's judgment against the heathen, who will drink and then **swallow down**, ceasing to exist as if they had never been [[Obadiah 1:16]]. In a different context, Job expresses the depth of his personal suffering by stating his grief is so heavy that his words are **swallowed up** [[Job 6:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the action of being "swallowed up":
* `{{H8354}}` **shâthâh** (to imbibe (literally or figuratively); drink): This word is used in direct parallel with lûwaʻ in Obadiah, where the heathen are prophesied to first **drink** and then **swallow down** as part of their judgment [[Obadiah 1:16]].
* `{{H3513}}` **kâbad** (to be heavy): Job connects the state of his words being "swallowed up" to the cause, which is that his grief is **heavier** than the sand of the sea [[Job 6:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3886}}` is expressed through its two distinct applications:
* **Annihilating Judgment:** The term is used in Obadiah to illustrate the totality of divine judgment. The action of swallowing down implies a final, irreversible consumption, leaving the wicked "as though they had not been" [[Obadiah 1:16]].
* **Overwhelming Grief:** Figuratively, lûwaʻ depicts a state of personal anguish so profound that it consumes one's ability to speak. Job's words are "swallowed up" by the sheer weight of his suffering, showing a consumption by sorrow rather than by judgment [[Job 6:3]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3886}}` is a potent and descriptive word for being completely consumed. Though it appears only twice, its usage in scripture vividly portrays two different kinds of overwhelming experiences: the finality of divine judgment and the silencing weight of personal suffering. It demonstrates how a single action, swallowing, can be used to express both punitive and experiential finality.
TRV