### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **miçpêd**, represented by `{{H4553}}`, is a term for **lamentation** or mourning. It is derived from the root verb `{{H5594}}` **sâphad**, which means "to lament." It appears 16 times across 14 unique verses in the Bible, describing a deep and often public expression of grief in response to death, national disaster, or sin.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H4553}}` is used to convey both profound personal and widespread communal sorrow. It describes the "great and very sore **lamentation**" made for Jacob's father [[Genesis 50:10]]. On a national scale, it is the prophesied **lamentation** that will be heard upon all the housetops of Moab as a result of God's judgment [[Jeremiah 48:38]]. The term is often associated with other outward acts of grief, such as **weeping** `{{H1065}}` and girding with **sackcloth** `{{H8242}}`, as called for by the Lord in [[Isaiah 22:12]]. It also serves as a direct contrast to joy, as when God **turned** mourning into dancing [[Psalms 30:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the scope of biblical grief and sorrow:
* `{{H5594}}` **sâphad** (to lament, mourn): As the root verb, it describes the action of lamenting. It is used alongside `miçpêd` to emphasize the intensity of grief, as when the people **mourn** for the one they have pierced as for an **only** son [[Zechariah 12:10]].
* `{{H60}}` **ʼêbel** (lamentation, mourning): Another term for mourning, often used in parallel with `miçpêd` to describe a state of grief, such as the "most bitter **lamentation**" for an only son [[Jeremiah 6:26]] or the **mourning** like the owls [[Micah 1:8]].
* `{{H1065}}` **Bᵉkîy** (a weeping): This word refers specifically to the act of weeping and is frequently paired with **mourning** `{{H4553}}` as a sign of sincere repentance [[Joel 2:12]] or deep distress [[Esther 4:3]].
* `{{H8242}}` **saq** (sackcloth): A coarse cloth worn as a physical expression of grief. It is often the prescribed attire during a time of **mourning** [[Ezekiel 27:31]] and **lamentation** [[Jeremiah 6:26]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4553}}` is demonstrated through its connection to human tragedy, repentance, and divine action.
* **Response to Loss and Judgment:** **Lamentation** is portrayed as the appropriate response to death and judgment. It is used for a "sore **lamentation**" at the death of a father [[Genesis 50:10]] and is the prophesied result of God's judgment on nations [[Jeremiah 48:38]].
* **Sign of Genuine Repentance:** The Lord calls for **mourning** alongside **fasting** `{{H6685}}` and **weeping** `{{H1065}}` as an external sign of an inward turning of the heart back to Him [[Joel 2:12]].
* **A Profound Prophetic Symbol:** The word is used powerfully in prophecy. In Zechariah, the future **mourning** in Jerusalem is described as a grief as profound as that for an **only** son `{{H3173}}` or a **firstborn** `{{H1060}}`, occurring when the people **look** `{{H5027}}` upon the one they have **pierced** `{{H1856}}` [[Zechariah 12:10]].
* **A Temporary State Overturned by God:** Scripture shows that **lamentation** is not the final state for God's people. The psalmist celebrates that God has **turned** `{{H2015}}` his **mourning** into dancing and replaced his **sackcloth** `{{H8242}}` with **gladness** `{{H8057}}` [[Psalms 30:11]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4553}}` `miçpêd` represents more than just sadness; it is a profound and expressive **lamentation**. It is used in contexts of personal loss, national judgment, and as a necessary component of repentance. It vividly portrays the sorrow inherent in a fallen world while also highlighting the redemptive power of God, who promises to turn this deep **mourning** into joy.
TRV