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.
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.
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.
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.
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