### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **matshâlâh**, represented by `{{H4684}}`, describes a **neighing**. It is derived from a root word meaning to whinny, and its definition specifies this sound arises from either impatience for battle or from lust. This specific term appears only **2 times** in the Bible, both within the book of Jeremiah.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H4684}}` is employed as a powerful and negative symbol. In one instance, it is listed among Jerusalem's sins, where the Lord says he has seen "thine adulteries, and thy **neighings**" [[Jeremiah 13:27]]. Here, the word is directly associated with lust, lewdness, and whoredom, depicting spiritual unfaithfulness as an animalistic cry. In its other use, it signifies impending military destruction, where "the whole land trembled at the sound of the **neighing** of his strong ones" [[Jeremiah 8:16]], referring to the horses of an invading army.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a deeper understanding of the context surrounding `{{H4684}}`:
* `{{H5483}}` **çûwç** (a horse): This is the animal that produces the neighing sound. It is mentioned directly in the context of impending battle where the land trembles from the sound of the enemy's approach [[Jeremiah 8:16]].
* `{{H5170}}` **nachar** (a snorting): This word appears alongside `{{H4684}}` to describe the sounds of the approaching war horses: "The **snorting** of his horses was heard from Dan" [[Jeremiah 8:16]].
* `{{H6963}}` **qôwl** (a voice or sound): This general term is used to describe the neighing in [[Jeremiah 8:16]], framing it as the "sound" that causes the entire land to tremble. This contrasts with uses where the "voice" of the Lord is to be obeyed [[Exodus 19:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4684}}` is tied to its use as a metaphor for sin and judgment.
* **Symbol of Spiritual Adultery:** The term's connection to lust is used to characterize Jerusalem's unfaithfulness to God. The "neighing" becomes a visceral symbol of uncontrolled passion and idolatrous desire [[Jeremiah 13:27]].
* **Audible Harbinger of Judgment:** The neighing of horses is not merely a sound of nature but the announcement of divine retribution. It is the sound that accompanies an invading force, causing the land and its people to tremble before God's judgment is enacted [[Jeremiah 8:16]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4684}}` is a vivid and specific term used exclusively by Jeremiah to convey profound spiritual warnings. Though it appears only twice, its meaning is sharp and unambiguous. It functions as a powerful auditory symbol, representing both the unbridled, lustful cries of a people deep in sin and the terrifying sound of the inevitable judgment that follows.
TRV