### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H4355}}` (mâkak) is a primitive verb carrying the core sense of physical collapse and subsequent decay. Its primary meaning is "to tumble (in ruins)," evoking the image of something disintegrating or falling apart. From this literal foundation, the word extends figuratively to encompass a broader semantic range related to decline, humiliation, and loss of vitality or status. Thus, it can mean "to perish," indicating a complete cessation of existence or function, or "to be brought low," implying a reduction in power, influence, or pride. The nuance of "decay" suggests a gradual process of weakening and deterioration, rather than an instantaneous destruction. It often describes a state of profound weakness or desolation, whether applied to physical entities or abstract concepts like national spirit.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H4355}}` appears in various contexts, consistently conveying a sense of decline or collapse, often with divine agency implied.
In the Song of Deborah, we find its literal application to a physical fall: "He sank, he fell, he lay still at her feet; at her feet he sank and fell; where he sank, there he fell dead." [[Judges 5:27]]. Here, the word describes Sisera's final, fatal collapse, emphasizing the completeness of his demise.
In the book of Job, the term is used metaphorically to illustrate the transient nature of human life, likened to the drying up of water: "As water dries up from the sea and a river wastes away and is dry, so man lies down and does not rise." [[Job 14:11]]. The "wasting away" or "decay" here speaks to the inevitable decline and end of mortal existence, a process of gradual perishing.
Isaiah employs `{{H4355}}` to describe the spiritual and political deterioration of Egypt: "And the spirit of Egypt will decay within it; and I will confound their counsel, and they will inquire of the idols and the charmers and the mediums and the necromancers." [[Isaiah 19:3]]. Here, the "decay" of Egypt's spirit signifies a profound internal weakness, a loss of national vitality and coherence, leading to confusion and reliance on false gods.
Perhaps most illustrative of its theological weight is its use in Ezekiel, where it speaks to divine judgment and the reversal of fortunes: "Thus says the Lord GOD: 'Remove the turban and take off the crown; things shall not remain as they are. Exalt the low and bring low the high.'" [[Ezekiel 21:26]]. In this prophetic declaration, `{{H4355}}` (translated as "bring low") highlights God's sovereign power to humble the proud and elevate the humble, demonstrating His control over the destiny of nations and individuals.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of `{{H4355}}` intersects with several other Hebrew terms that convey notions of decline, destruction, or humility.
* **Words of Humiliation/Lowness:**
* `{{H8213}}` (šāfal): "to be low," "to humble oneself," often used in a moral or social sense. While `{{H4355}}` focuses on the process or state of decay/collapse, `{{H8213}}` emphasizes the state of being low.
* `{{H3665}}` (kānaʿ): "to be humbled," "to be subdued," often through external force.
* **Words of Ruin/Destruction:**
* `{{H5307}}` (nāphal): "to fall," a more general term for physical descent or collapse. `{{H4355}}` often implies a more complete and irreversible state of ruin.
* `{{H2040}}` (haraṣ): "to tear down," "to overthrow," referring to active demolition.
* `{{H7510}}` (rāṣaṣ): "to crush," "to oppress," often implying violent subjugation.
* **Words of Weakness/Wasting:**
* `{{H5414}}` (nābal): "to fade," "to wither," often applied to plants, but also metaphorically to people or nations losing vigor.
Conversely, words expressing exaltation or strength stand in stark contrast to `{{H4355}}`:
* `{{H7311}}` (rûm): "to be high," "to be exalted."
* `{{H5375}}` (nāśāʾ): "to lift," "to carry," "to exalt."
The concept of divine judgment, particularly the humbling of the proud, is a recurring theme connected to `{{H4355}}`.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4355}}` lies primarily in its portrayal of divine sovereignty and the transient nature of human power and existence. When God "brings low" (as in [[Ezekiel 21:26]]), it is often an act of righteous judgment against pride, rebellion, or injustice. This word underscores the biblical principle that "pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" [[Proverbs 16:18]]. The decay and perishing described by `{{H4355}}` serve as a stark reminder of humanity's finite nature and the impermanence of all earthly structures and achievements.
Furthermore, the word highlights the contrast between the steadfastness of God and the fragility of creation. While nations and individuals may "decay" or "perish" (as in [[Isaiah 19:3]] and [[Job 14:11]]), God remains eternal and unchangeable. His power is absolute, capable of both elevating and humbling according to His divine will and purpose. The physical collapse of Sisera in [[Judges 5:27]] also illustrates God's intervention in human affairs, turning the tide of battle and bringing low the oppressor. Thus, `{{H4355}}` functions as a powerful descriptor of God's capacity to orchestrate the decline of those who oppose Him or who have reached the limits of their appointed time.
### Summary
The Hebrew root `{{H4355}}` (mâkak) fundamentally signifies "to tumble (in ruins)," extending metaphorically to "perish," "be brought low," or "decay." It describes a process of decline, whether it be the physical collapse of an individual, the wasting away of human life, or the internal deterioration of a nation's spirit. Biblically, its occurrences consistently point to a loss of vitality, status, or existence, often as a result of divine judgment or the natural course of human impermanence. Theologically, `{{H4355}}` serves as a potent reminder of God's ultimate sovereignty over all creation, His power to humble the proud and bring low the exalted, and the transient nature of all earthly strength and glory in contrast to His eternal steadfastness.
TRV