### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼalmân**, represented by `{{H488}}`, conveys the meaning of being **forsaken** or discarded, stemming from a sense of bereavement. It is a rare term, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible. Its singular usage provides a focused and powerful statement about God's faithfulness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H488}}` is in [[Jeremiah 51:5]], where it is used to make a profound declaration. The verse states that **Israel** `{{H3478}}` and **Judah** `{{H3063}}` have "not been **forsaken**" by their God, the LORD of hosts. This assurance is given in direct contrast to their condition, as the passage immediately notes that "their land was filled with sin against the Holy One of Israel." The word is used in the negative to emphasize God's unwavering commitment despite His people's guilt.
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of `{{H488}}` is enriched by the words surrounding it in [[Jeremiah 51:5]]:
* `{{H3478}}` **Yisrâʼêl** (Israel): The name for Jacob's posterity, "he will rule as God," representing the northern kingdom and the covenant people as a whole.
* `{{H3063}}` **Yᵉhûwdâh** (Judah): Meaning "celebrated," this refers to the southern kingdom, with whom God also maintains His covenant.
* `{{H3068}}` **Yᵉhôvâh** (the LORD): The Jewish national name of God, signifying the "self-Existent or Eternal" One who makes this promise.
* `{{H817}}` **ʼâshâm** (sin): This word for "guilt" or "trespass offering" describes the state of the land, highlighting the reason they could have expected to be forsaken.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H488}}` is derived entirely from its specific use in [[Jeremiah 51:5]].
* **Enduring Covenant:** The statement that Israel and Judah have not been **forsaken** underscores the permanence of God's covenant. Despite their profound **sin** `{{H817}}`, God’s relationship with them as "his God" `{{H430}}` remains intact.
* **Divine Faithfulness vs. Human Unfaithfulness:** The word creates a stark contrast. While the people have filled the **land** `{{H776}}` with guilt, the LORD of **hosts** `{{H6635}}` has not discarded them. His faithfulness is not dependent on their perfection.
* **Assurance in Judgment:** In a chapter focused on the judgment of Babylon, the assurance that God has not **forsaken** His own people serves as a message of hope and preservation for Israel and Judah, even in the face of their own transgressions.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H488}}` is a concise yet powerful term whose meaning is defined by its solitary biblical appearance. Used in the negative, it transforms a word for "forsaken" into a declaration of divine fidelity. Its placement in [[Jeremiah 51:5]] serves as a critical reminder that God's commitment to His covenant people, Israel and Judah, is not nullified by their sin, establishing a foundational theme of God's steadfast love and mercy.
TRV