### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mᵉthôm**, represented by `{{H4974}}`, refers to **soundness** or **wholesomeness**. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. The term primarily describes a state of physical integrity and health, though one occurrence is understood as "men" or "completely."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H4974}}` is used to illustrate a state of comprehensive affliction or its absence. The prophet Isaiah uses it to depict a nation utterly corrupted, declaring that "From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no **soundness** in it" [[Isaiah 1:6]]. Similarly, the Psalmist David laments having "no **soundness** in my flesh" on two occasions, linking his condition directly to God's anger `{{H2195}}` and his personal sin `{{H2403}}` ([[Psalms 38:3]], [[Psalms 38:7]]). A different application appears in Judges, where it describes the totality of a massacre, encompassing "the **men** of every city" [[Judges 20:48]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a vivid context for the meaning of **soundness**:
* `{{H1320}}` **bâsâr** (flesh): The term **mᵉthôm** is consistently used to describe a condition within the **flesh**, highlighting its physical nature ([[Psalms 38:3]], [[Psalms 38:7]]).
* `{{H6482}}` **petsaʻ** (a wound): The absence of soundness is graphically described as a body covered in **wounds** `{{H6482}}` and bruises `{{H2250}}` [[Isaiah 1:6]].
* `{{H2195}}` **zaʻam** (fury, indignation): The loss of soundness is explicitly linked to divine **anger** `{{H2195}}` as a consequence of sin [[Psalms 38:3]].
* `{{H2280}}` **châbash** (to bind up, healer): The state of being without soundness is one where wounds are not **bound up** `{{H2280}}`, indicating that healing and restoration are the antithesis of this condition [[Isaiah 1:6]].
### Theological Significance
The concept of `{{H4974}}` carries significant theological weight, particularly in its depiction of physical and spiritual states.
* **A Physical Manifestation of Sin:** The psalmist directly connects his lack of **soundness** to his own **sin** `{{H2403}}` and the resulting **anger** `{{H2195}}` of God [[Psalms 38:3]]. This establishes a clear biblical theme where physical affliction can be a direct consequence of spiritual failing.
* **A Metaphor for National Decay:** In Isaiah, the image of a body with no **soundness** from head to toe is a powerful metaphor for the complete moral and spiritual corruption of the nation [[Isaiah 1:6]]. The physical description of untreated wounds reflects a society that has not addressed its sins.
* **The Totality of Judgment:** While translated differently, the use of `{{H4974}}` in [[Judges 20:48]] to mean the "men" of the city points to a theme of comprehensive and complete judgment, where nothing is spared.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4974}}` **mᵉthôm** conveys a powerful concept of **soundness** and wholeness. While appearing only four times, its usage moves beyond a simple description of physical health. It serves as a potent illustration of the connection between the physical body and the spiritual state, linking a lack of soundness to sin and divine judgment. Whether describing a diseased individual or a morally corrupt nation, **mᵉthôm** defines a state of comprehensive brokenness, highlighting the biblical principle that true wholeness is inseparable from spiritual integrity.
TRV