apparently a form of מאוּם; properly, a speck or point, i.e. (by implication) something; with negative, nothing; fault, [phrase] no(-ught), ought, somewhat, any (no-)thing.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mᵉʼûwmâh**, represented by `{{H3972}}`, means something, but is most often used with a negative to mean **nothing**, nought, or fault. It appears 32 times across 32 unique verses. The term properly refers to a mere speck or point, and by implication, it is used to express the absolute absence of something, whether a physical object, a fault, or a cause for action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H3972}}` is used to convey a state of absolute lack or innocence. For example, during the height of his kingdom's prosperity, all of king Solomon's vessels were made of gold, and silver was accounted as **nothing** [[1 Kings 10:21]]. It is also used to express the ultimate end of earthly labor, as a person "shall take **nothing** of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand" [[Ecclesiastes 5:15]]. The word also functions to declare innocence, as when Joseph, imprisoned in Egypt, states, "here also have I done **nothing** that they should put me into the dungeon" [[Genesis 40:15]]. Similarly, Achish, the Philistine king, finds **no fault** in David [[1 Samuel 29:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the scope of `{{H3972}}` by providing contrast or context:
* `{{H1115}}` **biltîy** (not, except, without): This negative particle is often used to express a state of being, such as when Saul assumed David was "**not** clean" [[1 Samuel 20:26]], a verse where Saul also "spake not **any thing**" (mᵉʼûwmâh).
* `{{H1697}}` **dâbâr** (a word, matter, thing): This term for "a thing" or "affair" stands in contrast to the "no-thing" of `mᵉʼûwmâh`. David instructs his men to let no one know **any thing** (mᵉʼûwmâh) about the **business** (dâbâr) he was on [[1 Samuel 21:2]].
* `{{H3027}}` **yâd** (a hand): The concept of having **nothing** is frequently connected to the physical representation of an empty hand. Samson rent a lion though "he had **nothing** in his hand" [[Judges 14:6]], and a person who dies takes **nothing** in his **hand** [[Ecclesiastes 5:15]].
* `{{H3605}}` **kôl** (all, every, the whole): This word for totality provides a contrast to the complete lack expressed by `mᵉʼûwmâh`. When David mourned, **all** the people came to him, but he swore he would not taste **ought** (mᵉʼûwmâh) until sundown [[2 Samuel 3:35]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{H3972}}` carries significant thematic weight, particularly in illustrating divine standards and human limitations.
* **Absolute Prohibition:** The word is used to convey the totality of a divine command. God's angel commands Abraham not to do **any thing** to Isaac [[Genesis 22:12]]. In the law, Israel is commanded that **nought** of a cursed thing shall cleave to them [[Deuteronomy 13:17]].
* **Moral and Legal Innocence:** It establishes a standard of complete blamelessness. Samuel challenges the people of Israel, who affirm they have not taken **ought** from any man's hand [[1 Samuel 12:4]]. This highlights a life lived with integrity before God and man.
* **Human Emptiness and Vanity:** Ecclesiastes uses the word to emphasize the fleeting nature of life and wealth. The dead know not **any thing** [[Ecclesiastes 9:5]], and a man who begets a son may leave him with **nothing** in his hand [[Ecclesiastes 5:14]].
* **Divine Empowerment:** The limitation of human power is highlighted when the prophet Balaam states he has no ability to say **any thing** on his own, but can only speak the word God puts in his mouth [[Numbers 22:38]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3972}}` is a word that defines absolutes. While it can mean "something," its primary biblical function is to express the concept of "nothing" in the most complete sense. It is used to describe a lack of possessions, an absence of guilt, the totality of a divine prohibition, and the ultimate emptiness of human endeavor apart from God. From the battlefield to the royal court, **mᵉʼûwmâh** serves as a stark reminder of the boundary between having and not having, guilt and innocence, and human ability versus divine sovereignty.
TRV