from בּוּס; a trampling; treading (trodden) down (under foot).
Transliteration:mᵉbûwçâh
Pronunciation:meb-oo-saw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun מְבוּסָה (mᵉbûwçâh), Strong's number `{{H4001}}`, derives directly from the verbal root בּוּס (bûs), Strong's number `{{H947}}`, which signifies "to tread down," "to trample," or "to stamp upon." As a noun, מְבוּסָה therefore denotes the *act* of trampling or the *state* of being trampled. Its semantic range encompasses ideas of utter defeat, subjugation, desolation, and humiliation, where something or someone is crushed and trodden underfoot, often implying contempt or destructive force. The term conveys a sense of complete overthrow, leaving the subject utterly prostrate and without dignity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The noun מְבוּסָה (mᵉbûwçâh) is remarkably rare in the Hebrew Bible, appearing only once:
* **[[Isaiah 22:5]]**: "For the Lord GOD of hosts has a day of tumult and of treading down and of confusion in the Valley of Vision—a battering down of walls and a cry for help to the mountains."
In this solitary occurrence, מְבוּסָה is used to describe a "day of treading down" (יוֹם מְבוּסָה) brought by Yahweh upon Jerusalem, the "Valley of Vision." This verse is part of a prophetic oracle against Jerusalem, highlighting the impending judgment and destruction. The context portrays a scene of chaos, disarray (מְהוּמָה, `{{H4103}}`, "tumult," "confusion"), and utter devastation. The "treading down" here refers to the city being trampled by invading forces, signifying not merely defeat but a complete and humiliating subjugation, much like grain is trampled in a threshing floor or an enemy is crushed underfoot. It underscores the severity and totality of the divine judgment, where the city's defenses are breached, and its inhabitants are overcome.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to מְבוּסָה (mᵉbûwçâh) is its verbal root:
* **בּוּס (bûs)**, `{{H947}}`: To tread down, trample, stamp upon. This verb is frequently used to describe the subjugation of enemies (e.g., [[Psalms 7:5]], [[Isaiah 14:25]]), the desecration of holy places (e.g., [[Daniel 8:13]]), or the oppression of the weak. The noun מְבוּסָה is the concrete result or state arising from this action.
Other semantically related terms and concepts include:
* **רָמַס (ramas)**, `{{H7429}}`: To trample, crush. Similar to בּוּס, this verb often conveys violent subjugation and destruction, particularly in military contexts or divine judgment (e.g., [[Isaiah 63:3]]).
* **דּוּשׁ (dush)**, `{{H1758}}`: To thresh, often by trampling. While primarily agricultural, it can be used metaphorically for crushing or destroying (e.g., [[Jeremiah 50:11]]).
* **מְהוּמָה (mehumah)**, `{{H4103}}`: Tumult, confusion, discomfiture. This word appears alongside מְבוּסָה in [[Isaiah 22:5]], emphasizing the chaotic and disorderly nature of the impending judgment.
* **חָרְבָּה (ḥorba)**, `{{H2723}}`: Desolation, ruin. While not directly related by root, this noun describes the outcome of the "treading down"—a state of ruin and emptiness.
The concept of "treading down" or "trampling" is a powerful biblical metaphor for conquest, humiliation, and destruction, often enacted by God's judgment or by His instruments against His enemies or disobedient people.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of מְבוּסָה (mᵉbûwçâh) in [[Isaiah 22:5]] carries profound theological weight.
1. **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**: The "day of treading down" is explicitly attributed to "the Lord GOD of hosts." This signifies that the impending desolation of Jerusalem is not merely a consequence of geopolitical forces but a direct act of divine judgment. God is sovereign over the nations and even over His chosen city, bringing about the consequences of disobedience. The "treading down" underscores the severity and totality of His wrath.
2. **Consequences of Sin**: The context of Isaiah 22 reveals a Jerusalem characterized by revelry and misplaced trust, rather than repentance, in the face of impending doom. The "treading down" is thus a direct consequence of the city's spiritual blindness and rebellion against God's covenant. It serves as a stark reminder that even a privileged people or place can face utter humiliation and destruction if they forsake God's ways.
3. **Humiliation and Desolation**: The term vividly portrays the utter humiliation and desolation that results from divine judgment. To be "trodden under foot" is to be utterly debased, stripped of power, dignity, and life. It speaks to the complete reversal of fortunes for a proud city, reduced to a state of ruin and vulnerability.
4. **Prophetic Warning**: As a prophetic utterance, מְבוּסָה serves as a powerful warning. It communicates the grim reality of divine retribution and the inevitable outcome for those who persist in sin and reject God's call to repentance.
### Summary
מְבוּסָה (mᵉbûwçâh), Strong's number `{{H4001}}`, is a rare but potent Hebrew noun derived from the root בּוּס (bûs), `{{H947}}`, meaning "to trample." It signifies the act or state of being trodden underfoot, conveying ideas of utter defeat, subjugation, desolation, and profound humiliation. Its sole occurrence in [[Isaiah 22:5]] powerfully describes a "day of treading down" orchestrated by the Lord GOD of hosts against Jerusalem. This singular usage underscores the severity and totality of divine judgment, portraying a city utterly overwhelmed and reduced to chaos. Theologically, מְבוּסָה highlights God's sovereign control over judgment, the dire consequences of human sin and disobedience, and the ultimate vulnerability of even the strongest entities before divine wrath. It is a stark descriptor of comprehensive destruction and the resulting state of being completely overcome.
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