### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **marzêach**, represented by `{{H4798}}`, refers to **mourning** or a lamentation of grief. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse**, making its single usage in scripture highly specific. The term denotes a place or occasion defined by a cry of grief.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole biblical occurrence of `{{H4798}}` is in a divine command to the prophet Jeremiah. The LORD{H3068} instructs him, "Enter{H935} not into the house{H1004} of **mourning**{H4798}" [[Jeremiah 16:5]]. In this context, the "house of **mourning**" is a specific place for communal grieving rituals. The command is a stark sign of judgment, as God explains that He has withdrawn His peace, lovingkindness, and mercies from the people.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its only context illuminate the meaning of `{{H4798}}`:
* `{{H5594}}` **çâphad** (to lament): This word for lamenting or wailing is used in parallel with the command not to enter the house of mourning, forbidding the outward expression of grief [[Jeremiah 16:5]]. It describes a general action of mourning, such as when Abraham came to **mourn** for Sarah [[Genesis 23:2]].
* `{{H5110}}` **nûwd** (to bemoan): This term, meaning to bemoan or console, is also explicitly forbidden in the same command, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the prohibition [[Jeremiah 16:5]]. Job's acquaintances **bemoaned** him for the evil that the LORD had brought upon him [[Job 42:11]].
* `{{H1004}}` **bayith** (house): This word provides the physical location, the "house of **mourning**," a place typically set aside for grieving [[Jeremiah 16:5]]. The term is used broadly for a dwelling, family, or even the temple, as in "the **house** of the LORD" [[Psalms 27:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4798}}` is concentrated in its singular use as a sign of judgment:
* **A Sign of Divine Judgment:** The instruction to avoid the "house of **mourning**" is not a general principle but a specific, prophetic sign. It demonstrates that the LORD's{H3068} judgment on the people is so severe that the normal rituals of grief are to be suspended [[Jeremiah 16:5]].
* **The Consequence of Withdrawn Grace:** The command is directly linked to God taking away{H622} His **peace**{H7965}, **lovingkindness**{H2617}, and **mercies**{H7356}. This implies that true comfort in mourning ultimately flows from God's character, and without it, the rituals are meaningless.
* **An Interruption of Covenantal Norms:** The act of mourning was an important part of communal life. By forbidding Jeremiah's participation, God illustrates a profound break in His relationship with His people{H5971}, indicating that the situation has moved beyond the scope of ordinary human sorrow.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4798}}` is a highly specific term for a **mourning** place or cry of grief. Its significance is derived entirely from its single appearance in scripture, where it is used not to describe a rite to be practiced, but one to be forbidden. It powerfully illustrates how God can suspend even the most fundamental human expressions of sorrow as a sign of divine judgment and the withdrawal of His covenantal peace and mercy from His people.
TRV