### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mashchîyth**, represented by `{{H4889}}`, is a term for **destruction**. It appears 11 times across 11 unique verses in the Bible. Derived from the root `{{H7843}}` "shâchath," it conveys concepts ranging from a literal snare to figurative corruption and utter ruin.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H4889}}` is used to describe various forms of ruin. It can refer to God's judgment, where the Passover plague would not "be upon you to **destroy** you" [[Exodus 12:13]]. It is also used to describe the consequences of human folly, as when a king's evil counselors led him "to his **destruction**" [[2 Chronicles 22:4]]. The word can signify a physical state of decay, as when Daniel's vision turns his comeliness into **corruption** [[Daniel 10:8]], or a place of idolatry, like the "mount of **corruption**" [[2 Kings 23:13]]. In a literal sense, it is used for a **trap** set by wicked men [[Jeremiah 5:26]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of destruction and ruin:
* `{{H7843}}` **shâchath** (to decay, i.e. (causatively) ruin): As the root verb, it signifies the act of ruining or corrupting. God declares He will bring a flood "to **destroy** all flesh" [[Genesis 6:17]] and warns against being ready "to **destroy**" [[Isaiah 51:13]].
* `{{H8045}}` **shâmad** (to desolate): This term implies a complete overthrow or bringing to nought. It is used when armies turn on each other to "**destroy** them" [[2 Chronicles 20:23]] and when God promises to **destroy** the wicked [[Psalms 145:20]].
* `{{H2026}}` **hârag** (to smite with deadly intent): This word focuses on the act of killing or slaying. It is used alongside `{{H4889}}` to intensify the command to "**Slay** utterly" in God's judgment [[Ezekiel 9:6]].
* `{{H5221}}` **nâkâh** (to strike): This term means to smite or punish. It is used in the Passover account where God will **smite** the land of Egypt, which is directly linked to the "destruction" `{{H4889}}` that Israel was spared from [[Exodus 12:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4889}}` is significant, highlighting severe consequences and divine power.
* **Divine Judgment:** The word is frequently associated with God's judgment against sin and enmity. God describes Babylon as a "destroying{H4889} mountain" which He will destroy [[Jeremiah 51:25]] and sends arrows "for their **destruction**" as punishment [[Ezekiel 5:16]].
* **Moral and Physical Corruption:** `{{H4889}}` connects moral failure with physical decay. The "mount of **corruption**" was a center for abomination and idolatry [[2 Kings 23:13]], and Daniel's vision left him physically drained and his appearance turned to **corruption** [[Daniel 10:8]].
* **Consequence of Animosity:** The term is used to describe the destructive intent between peoples. The Philistines acted with a despiteful heart "to **destroy**" Israel due to an old hatred [[Ezekiel 25:15]], and the armies of Ammon and Moab helped "to **destroy** another" after their initial attack [[2 Chronicles 20:23]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4889}}` is more than a simple word for ruin. It is a powerful descriptor that encompasses divine judgment, the results of human sin, moral decay, and literal destruction. From its use as a physical trap to a metaphor for spiritual corruption, **mashchîyth** serves as a stark reminder of the grave consequences of evil and the ultimate authority of God to both permit and enact destruction.
TRV