### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mâtsôwq**, represented by `{{H4689}}`, describes a narrow place, confinement, or disability. Derived from the root word צוּק `{{H6693}}`, it figuratively denotes **anguish**, **distress**, and **straitness**. It appears 6 times across 6 unique verses, consistently pointing to a state of severe pressure or affliction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H4689}}` is overwhelmingly associated with the extreme hardship caused by a military siege. In the covenant curses of Deuteronomy, the Lord warns that enemies will cause such **straitness** that people will resort to eating their own children ([[Deuteronomy 28:53]], 28:55, 28:57). This grim prophecy is echoed in Jeremiah, where the **straitness** of a siege leads to cannibalism among friends and family [[Jeremiah 19:9]]. The term also describes a more personal state of being, such as the inner **anguish** felt by the psalmist [[Psalms 119:143]] or the societal **distress** of the men who gathered to David at the cave of Adullam [[1 Samuel 22:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the intense pressure conveyed by `{{H4689}}`:
* `{{H6693}}` **tsûwq**: As the primitive root of `{{H4689}}`, this word means "to compress" and figuratively to "oppress" or "distress." It appears in the same verses to describe the actions of enemies who "distress" or "straiten" the people [[Deuteronomy 28:53]].
* `{{H4692}}` **mâtsôwr**: Meaning "siege" or "something hemming in," this word is frequently paired with `{{H4689}}` to depict a physical and psychological trap. The combination "in the siege and in the **straitness**" emphasizes the inescapable pressure of an enemy attack [[Jeremiah 19:9]].
* `{{H6862}}` **tsar**: This term for a "narrow" or "tight place" is used figuratively for "trouble" and "distress." Its use alongside `{{H4689}}` in the phrase "Trouble and **anguish** have taken hold on me" highlights a state of profound emotional and circumstantial affliction [[Psalms 119:143]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4689}}` is significant, primarily illustrating the severe consequences of sin and the nature of human suffering.
* **Divine Judgment:** In Deuteronomy and Jeremiah, **straitness** is presented as a direct and horrific consequence of disobeying God's covenant. It is a tangible manifestation of divine wrath brought on by an enemy siege ([[Deuteronomy 28:53]], [[Jeremiah 19:9]]).
* **Human Affliction:** The word captures the essence of deep suffering. It describes the state of the "distressed" and "discontented" who were driven to join David, reflecting social and economic hardship [[1 Samuel 22:2]].
* **A Test of Faith:** For the psalmist, experiencing **anguish** does not lead to despair but is contrasted with the "delights" found in God's commandments. This shows that intense distress can coexist with, and even reinforce, devotion to God [[Psalms 119:143]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4689}}` is a potent word that signifies more than simple difficulty. It conveys a sense of being cornered, compressed, and trapped, whether by an enemy army, personal despair, or societal pressures. Though used sparingly, its context in scripture powerfully illustrates the extremities of human suffering, the severe reality of divine judgment, and the opportunity for faith to endure even in the narrowest of places.
TRV