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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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