The Hebrew word mâzôwr, represented by H4205, refers to a bandage or remedy, and by extension, a sore or wound that requires binding up. Though specific, it is used sparingly in scripture, appearing only 3 times across 2 unique verses. Its meaning centers on the concept of an injury and the application of a cure.
In its biblical appearances, H4205 is used metaphorically to describe the affliction of God's people. In Hosea, Ephraim's "sickness" H2483 and Judah's wound H4205 prompt them to seek help from the Assyrian king, who is powerless to heal them or cure their wound H4205 Hosea 5:13. Similarly, Jeremiah describes a desolate state where there is no one to plead a cause so that it might be bound up H4205, a condition marked by a lack of "healing medicines" Jeremiah 30:13.
Several related words help clarify the context of affliction and healing surrounding H4205:
- H1455 gâhâh (cure): This verb, meaning to heal by removing a bandage, is used to describe what the Assyrian king could not do for Judah's wound Hosea 5:13.
- H2483 chŏlîy (sickness): This term for malady or disease is presented as the condition afflicting Ephraim which manifests as the "wound" described by H4205 Hosea 5:13.
- H8585 tᵉʻâlâh (healing, bandage): Directly associated with H4205, this word describes the "healing" remedy that is absent in Jeremiah's prophecy, emphasizing the lack of a cure Jeremiah 30:13.
The theological weight of H4205 is found in its use as a powerful metaphor.
- Metaphor for National Decline: The term is not used for a physical injury but for the spiritual and national decay of Israel and Judah. Their "wound" is a symptom of a deeper "sickness" Hosea 5:13.
- Inadequacy of Human Aid: The context in Hosea 5:13 explicitly shows the failure of relying on human powers for restoration. The Assyrian king cannot "heal" or "cure" the wound, pointing to a problem beyond political or military solutions.
- Consequence of Judgment: In Jeremiah, the wound that cannot be "bound up" H4205 is linked to a lack of advocacy and available remedies, signaling a state of helplessness as a consequence of judgment Jeremiah 30:13.
In summary, H4205 is a focused term that illustrates a state of severe affliction. While its base definition relates to a bandage or wound, its prophetic usage transforms it into a symbol of spiritual brokenness. It portrays a condition so grievous that earthly remedies are useless, pointing toward a wound that only divine intervention can address.
TRV