a primitive root; to be sick, i.e. (figuratively) distressed; be full of heaviness.
Transliteration:nûwsh
Pronunciation:noosh
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H5136}}` (nûwsh), a primitive root, fundamentally conveys the concept of being "sick." However, its semantic range extends beyond mere physical ailment to encompass a profound internal state of distress, heaviness, or affliction. It describes a condition where one is overwhelmed or debilitated, not necessarily by bodily illness, but by a deep-seated inner turmoil. This can manifest as a sense of being burdened, grieved, or spiritually unwell. The primitive nature of the root suggests a foundational state of weakness or failure, often in response to an internal conviction or external pressure. It implies a heart or spirit that is "sick" or "failing" under the weight of a particular circumstance or realization.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H5136}}` (nûwsh) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[2 Samuel 24:10]]. The verse reads: "And David's heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And David said unto the LORD, I have sinned greatly in what I have done: and now, O LORD, I beseech thee, take away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly."
In this singular occurrence, the KJV translates `{{H5136}}` as "smote him," which captures the immediate and forceful impact of David's realization. However, understanding the root's primary meaning of "to be sick" or "distressed" reveals a deeper layer of meaning. David's heart did not merely "strike" him in a momentary pang of conscience; rather, his heart became "sick" or "heavy" with profound guilt and distress over his sin. The census, undertaken perhaps out of pride or a lack of trust in God, led to an internal affliction that was as debilitating as a physical illness. This "sickness" of heart immediately drove David to confession and repentance, underscoring the severity of his spiritual state and the immediate conviction brought by the Holy Spirit. The context highlights an internal, spiritual crisis, not a physical one, perfectly aligning with the figurative sense of `{{H5136}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
To fully appreciate `{{H5136}}`, it is helpful to consider related Hebrew terms that describe states of distress, weakness, or affliction.
* `{{H2470}}` (chalah): This is a much more common word for "to be sick" or "weak," often referring to physical illness or general weakness. While `{{H2470}}` can also be used figuratively for spiritual sickness (e.g., [[Isaiah 1:5]]), `{{H5136}}` seems to carry a more specific nuance of being *smitten* or *overwhelmed* by an internal burden, particularly guilt.
* `{{H3513}}` (kabad): While primarily meaning "to be heavy" or "glorious," this root can also denote a burdensome or hardened state, as in Pharaoh's "heavy" heart ([[Exodus 7:14]]). `{{H5136}}` shares the sense of "heaviness" but specifically applies it to a heart that is distressed by its own actions, leading to remorse rather than stubbornness.
* `{{H6031}}` (anah): To be bowed down, afflicted, or humbled. This term often describes the external experience of oppression or the internal state of humility. `{{H5136}}` describes a more acute, sudden onset of internal distress, a "sickness" that demands immediate attention and confession.
Thus, `{{H5136}}` stands out for its unique emphasis on a heart becoming "sick" or "heavy" as an immediate, internal consequence of sin, compelling the individual towards repentance.
### Theological Significance
Despite its solitary occurrence, `{{H5136}}` carries significant theological weight, particularly in its depiction of the human response to divine conviction.
1. **Conviction of Sin:** The word powerfully illustrates the immediate and profound conviction of sin that God can impress upon the human heart. David's heart did not gradually become sick; it was "smitten" (became sick) immediately after his transgression, demonstrating the Spirit's swift work in bringing awareness of sin.
2. **Internal Suffering of Sin:** It highlights that sin, even when outwardly successful or seemingly hidden, brings an internal "sickness" or distress. This internal suffering is part of God's disciplinary process, designed to lead to repentance rather than allowing one to remain comfortable in transgression.
3. **Path to Repentance:** The "sickness" of David's heart was not a terminal condition but a catalyst for genuine repentance. It propelled him to confess his "great sin" and "foolishness" and to seek God's forgiveness, demonstrating that spiritual distress can be a divine mercy leading to restoration.
4. **Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility:** Even in David's moment of weakness, God was at work, bringing David to account through internal conviction. This single word underscores the intricate interplay between human responsibility for sin and God's sovereign work in drawing individuals to Himself through the painful, yet ultimately redemptive, experience of a "sick" heart.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H5136}}` (nûwsh) is a primitive root signifying "to be sick," extending figuratively to "distressed" or "full of heaviness." Its singular appearance in [[2 Samuel 24:10]] is exceptionally insightful, describing how David's heart became "sick" or "smitten" with profound guilt immediately after his sin of numbering the people. This word uniquely captures the acute, internal spiritual distress that accompanies divine conviction, serving as a powerful catalyst for repentance. It distinguishes itself from general terms for sickness or affliction by emphasizing a deep-seated, often sudden, internal burden of conscience. Theologically, `{{H5136}}` underscores the immediate and painful reality of sin's impact on the heart, highlighting God's work in bringing conviction that leads to confession and the vital path to forgiveness and restoration.
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