### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **makʼôb**, represented by `{{H4341}}`, denotes deep anguish or affliction. It is translated as **grief**, **pain**, and **sorrow**. Occurring **16 times** across **15 unique verses**, this term captures a profound sense of both physical and emotional suffering.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H4341}}` appears in several significant contexts. Most notably, it is used to describe the suffering servant in Isaiah, who is called a "man of **sorrows**" [[Isaiah 53:3]] and is depicted as one who has "carried our **sorrows**" [[Isaiah 53:4]]. The term also expresses God's awareness of human suffering, as when He sees the affliction of His people in Egypt and states, "I know their **sorrows**" [[Exodus 3:7]]. Furthermore, this sorrow is often linked to sin and its consequences. Jeremiah is told that his **sorrow** is incurable because of the "multitude of thine iniquity" [[Jeremiah 30:15]], and the author of Lamentations beholds his **sorrow** as a result of rebelling against God's commandment [[Lamentations 1:18]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to define the scope and nature of **makʼôb**:
* `{{H2483}}` **chŏlîy** (malady, anxiety, calamity; disease, grief, (is) sick(-ness)): This word for sickness or grief is used in direct parallel with `{{H4341}}` to describe the suffering servant, who is a "man of sorrows, and acquainted with **grief**" [[Isaiah 53:3]].
* `{{H5771}}` **ʻâvôn** (perversity, i.e. (moral) evil; fault, iniquity, mischeif, punishment (of iniquity), sin): This term for iniquity is presented as the direct cause of the incurable sorrow described in Jeremiah, highlighting a moral dimension to the suffering [[Jeremiah 30:15]].
* `{{H3015}}` **yâgôwn** (affliction; grief, sorrow): This word appears alongside `{{H4341}}` to express an accumulation of suffering, as when the prophet states, "the LORD hath added **grief** to my **sorrow**" [[Jeremiah 45:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4341}}` is significant, revealing key aspects of God's character and the human condition.
* **The Consequence of Sin:** Scripture frequently connects **sorrow** to wrongdoing. The wicked are promised "many **sorrows**" [[Psalms 32:10]], and Israel's incurable **sorrow** is a direct result of increased iniquity and sin [[Jeremiah 30:15]].
* **Vicarious Suffering:** The concept finds its deepest expression in the portrait of the Messiah. He is not just acquainted with sorrow, but he carries the **sorrows** of others, taking their affliction upon himself [[Isaiah 53:4]].
* **Divine Sovereignty and Empathy:** God is not portrayed as detached from this pain. He knows the **sorrows** of his people in their bondage [[Exodus 3:7]]. In some cases, God is the very one who afflicts, as seen in Lamentations where the cry is, "see if there be any **sorrow** like unto my **sorrow**, which is done unto me, wherewith the LORD hath afflicted me" [[Lamentations 1:12]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4341}}` is a powerful term that conveys more than simple sadness. It represents profound pain and anguish that is woven into the biblical narrative. It functions as a consequence of sin, a defining characteristic of the suffering servant, and a state of being from which God ultimately delivers His people. The word illustrates a deep suffering that God both recognizes and, in the person of the Messiah, ultimately bears.
TRV