### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mᵉbûwçâh**, represented by `{{H4001}}`, means **a trampling** or **treading down**. Derived from the root word for "to trample," it carries a strong sense of being subjugated or crushed underfoot. It is a rare term, appearing just **3 times** in **3 unique verses** within the book of Isaiah.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H4001}}` describes a state of profound oppression or divine judgment. It is used twice to characterize a specific people, described as "a nation meted out and **trodden down**" [[Isaiah 18:2]] and later as "a nation meted out and **trodden under foot**" [[Isaiah 18:7]]. In a different context, the prophet declares "a day of trouble, and of **treading down**, and of perplexity by the Lord GOD of hosts" [[Isaiah 22:5]], directly linking the action of being trodden down to a day of judgment from God.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context of `{{H4001}}`:
* `{{H4103}}` **mᵉhûwmâh** (confusion or uproar; destruction, discomfiture, trouble, tumult, vexation, vexed): This word appears directly alongside **treading down** `{{H4001}}` in [[Isaiah 22:5]], emphasizing a time of chaos and distress ordained by God.
* `{{H6978}}` **qav-qav** (meted out): This term is used in parallel with `{{H4001}}` to describe the nation that is "meted out and **trodden down**" ([[Isaiah 18:2]], 18:7), suggesting a people who have been measured for judgment and subsequently subjugated.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4001}}` is centered on themes of judgment and sovereignty.
* **Divine Judgment:** The word is explicitly used to describe an aspect of a "day of trouble" brought about by the "Lord GOD of hosts," illustrating that being trodden down can be an act of divine judgment upon a people [[Isaiah 22:5]].
* **The State of the Oppressed:** The term vividly portrays the condition of a conquered or subjugated nation. The repetition in Isaiah 18 highlights that being "trodden down" is a key characteristic of the people being discussed in the prophecy ([[Isaiah 18:2]], 18:7).
* **Prophetic Characterization:** In Isaiah, `{{H4001}}` is not a generic term but a specific descriptor used in a prophetic context to define the state of a nation under God's sovereign watch.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4001}}` is a potent and specific term for being trampled or trodden down. Though used infrequently, it powerfully conveys a state of subjugation. Within scripture, it functions as a marker of divine judgment or as a defining characteristic of a people who are oppressed, highlighting God's authority over the nations and the consequences of His appointed "day of trouble."
TRV