### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼalmôn**, represented by `{{H489}}`, defines a state of **bereavement** or **widowhood**. Based on the root word for bereavement, it appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible. While extremely rare, its single usage carries immense weight, signifying a condition of profound loss and desolation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H489}}` is in a prophecy of sudden and total judgment in [[Isaiah 47:9]]. The verse declares that "loss of children, and **widowhood**" will come upon the subject in a single day. This illustrates that **widowhood** is not merely a social status but a catastrophic event, part of a dual punishment intended to bring complete ruin. It is presented as a consequence for a "multitude of... sorceries" and pride, directly contrasting with the subject's boast that they would never know such loss [[Isaiah 47:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide crucial context for the meaning of `{{H489}}`:
* `{{H7908}}` **shᵉkôwl** (bereavement; loss of children, spoiling): This term is used in direct parallel with **'almôn** in its only appearance, describing the double tragedy of losing both a husband and children [[Isaiah 47:9]]. It also appears in contexts describing the "spoiling" of the soul [[Psalms 35:12]].
* `{{H8147}}` **shᵉnayim** (two): This word is used in [[Isaiah 47:9]] to explicitly quantify the calamities as a pair: "these **two** things... loss of children, and widowhood". This underscores the comprehensive nature of the judgment, highlighting that it is a twofold, complete disaster.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H489}}` is concentrated in its singular, powerful appearance.
* **Symbol of Total Desolation:** Used in conjunction with "loss of children" `{{H7908}}`, **widowhood** signifies the complete destruction of a family line, security, and future. It represents the ultimate state of being bereft.
* **Judgment on Pride:** The prophecy in Isaiah is a direct divine response to arrogance. The subject's boast, "I shall not sit as a widow" [[Isaiah 47:8]], is met with the precise judgment of **widowhood** `{{H489}}`, demonstrating God's power over human pride and self-assurance.
* **A Dual Calamity:** The explicit pairing of **widowhood** with another tragedy as **two** `{{H8147}}` distinct events highlights the severity of the divine sentence. It is not a single blow but a comprehensive dismantling of one's entire world.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H489}}` is a striking example of a word whose significance far outweighs its frequency. Though appearing only once, **'almôn** serves as a potent theological symbol within scripture. In its context, it defines **widowhood** not just as a personal status but as a key component of a sudden, complete, and divinely ordained judgment against overwhelming pride.
TRV