### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **nâkêʼ**, represented by `{{H5218}}`, describes a state of being **smitten**, **afflicted**, or **wounded**. Its base definition includes being **broken** and **stricken**. This term appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses**, primarily used figuratively to convey deep internal distress or ruin.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the book of Proverbs, `{{H5218}}` is consistently used to describe the human spirit. A **broken** spirit (`rûwach` `{{H7307}}`) is contrasted with a merry heart, with the former said to dry the bones [[Proverbs 17:22]]. Similarly, it is the sorrow of the heart that causes the spirit to be **broken** [[Proverbs 15:13]]. The text poses that while a man's spirit can sustain his infirmity, a **wounded** spirit is something that cannot be borne [[Proverbs 18:14]]. Beyond personal affliction, the term is used in Isaiah to describe the ruin of a nation, where the foundations of Kirhareseth are **stricken**, leading to mourning and howling [[Isaiah 16:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the state of being broken or stricken:
* `{{H7307}}` **rûwach** (spirit): The direct object of the affliction in three of the four occurrences of `{{H5218}}`. It is the **spirit** that is described as **broken** or **wounded** ([[Proverbs 15:13]], [[Proverbs 17:22]], [[Proverbs 18:14]]), signifying an affliction that goes deeper than the physical.
* `{{H3820}}` **lêb** (heart): Frequently contrasted with a spirit that is `{{H5218}}`. A merry **heart** brings about a cheerful countenance and acts like medicine, whereas sorrow of the **heart** leads to a broken spirit ([[Proverbs 15:13]], [[Proverbs 17:22]]).
* `{{H6094}}` **ʻatstsebeth** (sorrow, wound): This word is identified as the direct cause of a spirit becoming `{{H5218}}`. In [[Proverbs 15:13]], it is by **sorrow** of the heart that the spirit is broken.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5218}}` is centered on the nature of suffering and its effects.
* **Internal State vs. External Circumstance:** `{{H5218}}` is used to highlight the profound impact of one's internal state. While a person's spirit can sustain physical **infirmity** (`machăleh` `{{H4245}}`), a **wounded** spirit is presented as unbearable [[Proverbs 18:14]].
* **The Source of Brokenness:** The scriptures link a **broken** spirit directly to emotional pain, specifically the **sorrow** (`ʻatstsebeth` `{{H6094}}`) of the heart (`lêb` `{{H3820}}`) [[Proverbs 15:13]]. This establishes a clear connection between emotional health and spiritual well-being.
* **Physical Consequences:** A spirit that is **broken** `{{H5218}}` is shown to have tangible, negative effects, as it "drieth the **bones**" (`gerem` `{{H1634}}`), in stark contrast to a merry heart which does good like a **medicine** (`gêhâh` `{{H1456}}`) [[Proverbs 17:22]].
* **Communal Devastation:** The concept extends from an individual to a collective. In Isaiah, the **foundations** (`ʼâshîysh` `{{H808}}`) of Moab's fortress, Kirhareseth, are **stricken** `{{H5218}}`, signifying a complete and devastating judgment that leads to national mourning [[Isaiah 16:7]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5218}}` conveys a state far more profound than merely being smitten. It primarily illustrates a deep, internal affliction—a **broken** or **wounded** spirit that is difficult to bear and has tangible consequences. Its use in Proverbs serves as a powerful commentary on the connection between one's heart and spirit, while its appearance in Isaiah applies this sense of being utterly crushed to the judgment and ruin of a nation. The word effectively captures a state of being broken, whether in the inner person or the very foundations of a city.
TRV