### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **nâham**, represented by `{{H5098}}`, is a primitive root defined as **to growl; mourn, roar(-ing)**. It is a specific term that appears only **5 times** in the Bible across **5 unique verses**, carrying a dual meaning that encompasses both the sound of a predator and the anguish of human grief.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H5098}}` describes two distinct types of deep, guttural sound. It is used to depict the fearsome **roar** of an aggressor, such as a lion seizing its prey [[Isaiah 5:29]] or the overwhelming sound of the sea in a day of judgment [[Isaiah 5:30]]. A wicked ruler over the poor is compared to a **roaring** lion [[Proverbs 28:15]]. Conversely, the word also expresses a profound internal suffering, as when one is to **mourn** at the end of life as their body is consumed [[Proverbs 5:11]] or to **mourn** in quiet desperation over iniquity [[Ezekiel 24:23]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the two primary meanings of `{{H5098}}`:
* `{{H5100}}` **nᵉhâmâh** (snarling; disquietness, roaring): This feminine form is directly related to **nâham** and is used alongside it to describe the powerful **roaring** of the sea, emphasizing the sound of overwhelming judgment [[Isaiah 5:30]].
* `{{H7580}}` **shâʼag** (to rumble or moan; [idiom] mightily, roar): Often used in parallel with `{{H5098}}`, this word also describes the **roar** of a lion, but it is more broadly applied to the voice of God roaring from Zion [[Jeremiah 25:30]].
* `{{H1058}}` **bâkâh** (to weep; generally to bemoan): This word for outward weeping is explicitly contrasted with the internal groaning of **nâham**. In Ezekiel, the people are told they will not weep but will instead **mourn** `{{H5098}}` for their iniquities [[Ezekiel 24:23]].
* `{{H738}}` **ʼărîy** (a lion): This is the animal most associated with the roaring aspect of **nâham**. The image of a **roaring** `{{H5098}}` **lion** `{{H738}}` is used to illustrate the predatory nature of a wicked ruler [[Proverbs 28:15]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{H5098}}` carries significant thematic weight, illustrating concepts of judgment and consequence.
* **The Sound of Judgment:** In Isaiah, the "roar" is not just a noise but the sound of impending destruction. Whether likened to a lion or the sea, it signifies an inescapable and terrifying force executing judgment [[Isaiah 5:30]].
* **Predatory Power:** The term is used in Proverbs to characterize the oppressive nature of a wicked ruler. The "roaring" lion is a metaphor for a leader who preys on the vulnerable, linking the sound to dangerous and unjust authority [[Proverbs 28:15]].
* **Internal Anguish of Sin:** In contrast to outward lament, **nâham** depicts a deep, personal groaning. It is the sound of mourning over the consequences of one's actions, as seen when one's flesh is consumed [[Proverbs 5:11]] or when pining away for iniquities [[Ezekiel 24:23]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5098}}` is a potent word that captures a specific kind of deep, resonant sound. Though used sparingly, it effectively communicates two powerful ideas: the terrifying roar of an external threat bringing judgment and the profound, internal groan of personal anguish and regret. It illustrates how a single term can convey both a predator's growl and a sinner's mourning.
TRV