### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **nûwsh**, represented by `{{H5136}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to be sick, i.e. (figuratively) distressed; be full of heaviness**. This specific term appears just **1 time** across **1 unique verses** in the Bible, making its sole usage particularly significant for understanding its meaning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The only biblical appearance of `{{H5136}}` is in [[Psalms 69:20]], where the psalmist cries out, "Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am **full of heaviness**." This verse places the word in a context of profound emotional pain and isolation. The state of being "full of heaviness" is directly linked to a broken heart caused by reproach and the subsequent failure to find anyone to offer pity or comfort.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its single context in [[Psalms 69:20]] illuminate the meaning of `{{H5136}}`:
* `{{H2781}}` **cherpâh** (reproach): Defined as contumely, disgrace, or shame, this word identifies the external source of the psalmist's internal suffering [[Psalms 69:20]]. It is the catalyst for the broken heart.
* `{{H7665}}` **shâbar** (to break): Meaning to burst, crush, or destroy, this verb describes the violent impact of reproach on the heart [[Psalms 69:20]]. It is also used to describe the brokenhearted whom God is near to [[Psalms 34:18]].
* `{{H6960}}` **qâvâh** (to look, wait): This term, meaning to expect or wait for, expresses the psalmist's posture of hope amidst despair [[Psalms 69:20]]. It is often used in the context of waiting on the Lord for strength and deliverance [[Isaiah 40:31]].
* `{{H5162}}` **nâcham** (to comfort, console): This word signifies the relief the psalmist sought. Its absence in [[Psalms 69:20]] highlights the depth of isolation, while elsewhere it describes God's character as one who comforts His people [[Isaiah 40:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5136}}` is found in its precise description of suffering.
* **The Weight of Reproach:** `{{H5136}}` illustrates the crushing emotional and spiritual weight that comes from disgrace and shame `{{H2781}}`. The psalmist's experience shows how external reproach can lead to a state of internal sickness and being "full of heaviness" [[Psalms 69:20]].
* **Anticipation and Isolation:** The psalmist's state of heaviness is intensified by unfulfilled hope. He looked `{{H6960}}` for pity `{{H5110}}` and comforters `{{H5162}}` but found `{{H4672}}` none [[Psalms 69:20]]. This highlights a theme of profound isolation in suffering, pointing toward an ultimate reliance on God when human support fails.
* **A Brokenhearted State:** The "heaviness" is explicitly tied to a broken `{{H7665}}` heart `{{H3820}}`. While this verse depicts the pain of this state, other scriptures reveal that the Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart [[Psalms 34:18]] and that a broken heart is a sacrifice He accepts [[Psalms 51:17]].
### Summary
In summary, **nûwsh** `{{H5136}}`, though used only once, provides a powerful depiction of being sick with distress. It defines a state of being "full of heaviness" that stems from a heart broken by reproach and deepened by the absence of human comfort. Its singular context in [[Psalms 69:20]] captures a moment of intense, isolating anguish, underscoring the profound impact of shame on the human spirit.
TRV