### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **nechâmâh**, represented by `{{H5165}}`, provides a specific term for **consolation** or **comfort**. It appears only 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. Its usage points to a deep sense of solace found specifically within circumstances of great distress and affliction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H5165}}` is used in contexts of profound personal suffering. The Psalmist declares that his **comfort** is found in his affliction, because God's word has revived him [[Psalms 119:50]]. Similarly, Job expresses that he would still have **comfort** even as he hardens himself in sorrow, stating that he has not concealed the words of the Holy One [[Job 6:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context in which **nechâmâh** is found:
* `{{H6040}}` **ʻŏnîy** (depression, i.e. misery; afflicted(-ion), trouble): This word for affliction is set in direct contrast to comfort. God sees the **affliction** of His people and hears their cry [[Exodus 3:7]].
* `{{H2421}}` **châyâh** (to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive): This is the result of God's word that brings comfort. In [[Psalms 119:50]], God's word has "quickened" or revived the afflicted one. God's power is shown as He promises to **revive** the spirit of the humble [[Isaiah 57:15]].
* `{{H2427}}` **chîyl** (a throe (expectant of childbirth); pain, pang, sorrow): Job experiences comfort even within this deep **sorrow** [[Job 6:10]]. The word often describes an intense anguish, like the **pain** of a woman in travail [[Jeremiah 6:24]].
* `{{H5539}}` **çâlad** (probably to leap (with joy), i.e. exult; harden self): This describes Job's resolve in his suffering, where he would **harden** himself in sorrow yet still have comfort [[Job 6:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5165}}` is centered on the nature of divine solace in the face of hardship.
* **Comfort Amidst Suffering:** The word appears exclusively in contexts of severe trial, such as the Psalmist's **affliction** [[Psalms 119:50]] and Job's profound **sorrow** [[Job 6:10]]. This establishes it as a comfort that meets people in their deepest pain.
* **The Word as the Source:** True **comfort** is explicitly linked to the divine word. The Psalmist finds it because God's word has revived him [[Psalms 119:50]], and Job's ability to experience it is connected to his faithfulness to "the words of the Holy One" [[Job 6:10]].
* **A Life-Giving Solace:** The comfort provided is not passive but active and restorative. It is the result of being "quickened" or revived by God `{{H2421}}`, an act of life-giving power that counters the misery of one's circumstances [[Psalms 119:50]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5165}}` is not a term for general happiness, but for a potent **consolation** found in the depths of misery. It is a cornerstone concept for understanding biblical suffering, demonstrating that true **comfort** is sourced directly from God's life-giving word. The appearances of **nechâmâh** in scripture illustrate that even in affliction and sorrow, a profound and reviving solace is available through faithfulness to the Holy One.
TRV